Top-Rated Winchester Bay Crabbing Charter

Crabbing Charter: Fill Your Pot in Winchester Bay

Ready for a laid-back day hauling in some of the tastiest crustaceans the Oregon coast has to offer? Captain Mark LaDuke's crabbing charter in Winchester Bay is your ticket to a bucket full of Dungeness crab and a boatload of fun. For just $100 per person, you'll get to experience the thrill of pulling crab pots and the satisfaction of bringing home your own fresh catch. This isn't your average tourist trap – it's a hands-on adventure that'll have you feeling like a seasoned waterman in no time.

What's the Scoop?

Picture this: You're aboard a sleek 2018 Hewescraft, cruising the rich waters of Winchester Bay. Captain Mark's got the GPS and fish finder dialed in, pinpointing the sweet spots where those meaty Dungeness are hanging out. This isn't some big party boat operation – with a 2-person minimum, you're getting a personalized experience that lets you really get your hands dirty (or should we say, crabby?). The trip kicks off from Salmon Harbor, right at the Tuesday main boat ramp on T Dock. Just remember to snag your shellfish license before you hop aboard – it's your golden ticket to legal crabbing.

Crabbing 101: Pots, Pulls, and Patience

If you've never been crabbing before, don't sweat it. Captain Mark's got all the gear you need and the know-how to match. You'll learn the art of baiting and dropping crab pots, then the anticipation builds as you wait for those hungry crustaceans to take the bait. When it's time to pull, get ready for some good old-fashioned elbow grease – there's nothing quite like the feeling of a heavy pot breaking the surface, packed with scuttling Dungeness. You'll get the hang of measuring keepers, tossing back the little guys, and maybe even picking up a few local crabbing secrets along the way. It's not just about filling the cooler (though that's a nice bonus) – it's about soaking in the coastal vibes and learning a skill that'll have you coming back for more.

Why Crabbers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about crabbing in Winchester Bay that keeps folks returning year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of never knowing exactly what you'll pull up in each pot. Or the camaraderie that builds as you work together to haul in the catch. Perhaps it's the unbeatable taste of crab you've caught with your own two hands, enjoyed with a cold beer and a sunset view. Whatever it is, this trip has a way of turning first-timers into die-hard crabbers before they even hit the dock.

The Star of the Show: Dungeness Crab

Let's talk about the real reason you're here – the mighty Dungeness crab. These tasty crustaceans are the pride of the Pacific Northwest, and for good reason. With their sweet, tender meat and impressive size (they can grow up to 10 inches across!), Dungeness are the gold standard for crab lovers. In Winchester Bay, you can target these beauties year-round, but the locals will tell you that fall and winter often bring the best hauls. These crafty critters like to hang out on sandy or muddy bottoms, which is why Captain Mark's GPS skills come in handy for finding the prime spots. And here's a fun fact: Dungeness can regrow lost limbs, so if you happen to pull up a crab missing a claw, just know it's probably out there somewhere, living its best nine-legged life until the next molt.

Time to Get Crabby

So, are you ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of Winchester Bay crabbing? Captain Mark LaDuke's charter is your gateway to mastering the art of the crab pot and scoring some of the freshest seafood you'll ever taste. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a total newbie, this trip offers the perfect blend of relaxation, excitement, and hands-on learning. Plus, at $100 per person, it's a steal for a day on the water that ends with dinner in your cooler. Don't let this season's catch get away – book your spot now and get ready to create some crab-tastic memories on the beautiful Oregon coast. Trust us, your taste buds (and your Instagram feed) will thank you later.