First time crabbing on kayak help

I will be camping out at lawsons landing next weeked and I am planning on taking my hobie outback out in Tomales bay for crabbing.  This will be the first time that I am taking my kayak out to saltwater.  Any tips on what I should do and things for me to look out for?  Ideas of where to drop the pots?

The better crabbing grounds are outside the mouth and in Bodega Bay.  However, I'd be very weary going out the mouth, as the sand bar there can produce surf and waves.  Since you're a salt newbie, then I'd stay inside TBay.

Inside Tomales Bay, crabs can be found near the Lawson's pier, out right in front, and all the way into the Bay towards Hog Island.  You may need to do some trial and error to see where the crabs are.  Soak your pots for an hour at first, and see which ones are producing.  Move your pots to the better producing areas.

Yea still a newb so not planning on going any where near the mouth of the bay heard a lot of bad stores there.  How is the current in the bay?  Anything to worry about current wise?

Don't go alone, dress for immersion and know how to self rescue

Yea still a newb so not planning on going any where near the mouth of the bay heard a lot of bad stores there.  How is the current in the bay?  Anything to worry about current wise?

Make sure to check tides and wind conditions for the day you're going.  The currents in the main channel in Bay can be strong on large tidal days.  Wind generally picks up in the afternoon from the NW, so plan ahead.  If you stay near Lawson's pier and the clam beds, then you should be fine.  There is still some crab to be had not far from shore.

And one pot is all you need the first time out.  They're tricky little bastiches and eager to see you in the water with them.  One trap, not two or three or...

Don't do it alone.  Go with an experienced crabber first time. 

Blow off Tomales and hit Doran. It isn't that far of a drive.
It is the primo place to learn and get something for your efforts.
Doran is way safer and I'm sure there will be others out there as well.
Learning to deal with the current, wind, pulling traps, rope, seaweed, snags, and separating your catch (should you get something) is something yo want to do in the most favorable environment.
Always better to have a great experience the first go around rather than a bad one.

Carry a knife on the PFD that you can grab with either hand and that will easily cut the rope to your trap. Just in case some jackass runs over your rope and wraps it in his prop while the rope rests across your lap and the other end of the rope is attached to a heavy pot stuffed with crab suspended somewhere between the bottom and your kayak. Better to lose a pot than a limb.

Carry a knife on the PFD that you can grab with either hand and that will easily cut the rope to your trap. Just in case some jackass runs over your rope and wraps it in his prop while the rope rests across your lap and the other end of the rope is attached to a heavy pot stuffed with crab suspended somewhere between the bottom and your kayak. Better to lose a pot than a limb.

To avoid this nightmare, but totally possible, scenario I try to keep the rope off of me when pulling up the pots by letting the buoy side go back into the water as I pull up a pot. Lead core rope helps here because it sinks out of the way. I also keep my ropes in neat coils before and after use by wrapping two short scrap pieces of copper wire around the coils, like free gear ties. Untangling ropes on a kayak is a pain in the a... As already pointed out, Doran is a great place to start. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Thanks for all the help guys.  I have been to lawsons landing a few times but never in my kayak, the water doesn't seem to be too bad.  I have never been to doran before.  I would think that a protected bay would be safer than going out to the the unprotected beach at doran. 

...and bring a VHF radio. Have fun. 

Blow off Tomales and hit Doran. It isn't that far of a drive.
It is the primo place to learn and get something for your efforts.
Doran is way safer and I'm sure there will be others out there as well.
Learning to deal with the current, wind, pulling traps, rope, seaweed, snags, and separating your catch (should you get something) is something yo want to do in the most favorable environment.
Always better to have a great experience the first go around rather than a bad one.

^^^THIS

+2

That’s not Doran beach. Doran beach is inside  Doran Park, which is located about 45 minutes drive north.

I heard the go to bait for crabs at Lawson landing is mackerels.

The water at Tomales moves really fast. I would hit Doran Beach if it is your first time.