Pros and cons of crabbing at Half Moon Bay vs Bodega Bay

I crabbed at HMB several times but at Bodega Bay only during a couple Crabfests. I’ve had much better luck at HMB but I’ve been there more often. I was looking at my fast track account and realized starting the 1st it will cost me $36 for bridge tolls and $19 to launch if I go to HMB but $4 to launch at Doran and no bridge tolls. Both are about an hour and a half from my house but coming home from HMB takes me through San Francisco when the traffic is heavy. I’m thinking If the crabbing was equal I’d be better off switching to Bodega Bay for the lower cost and better drive. It looks like Bodega Bay is a little deeper and with the nickname Blowdega it might be windier.

How does Bodega Bay stack up against Half Moon Bay for Kayak Crabbing?

I've done better at Bodega, but not consistently. Seems like you can go further and separate yourself from the crowds more.
Doran cost me more since the number of bridges are the same from the East Bay and HMB is free otherwise.

Just posted my own Doran trip today. https://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=103259.0

I'm no pro, I've probably only done crabbing at Doran maybe 5 times total... never skunked but today came damn close lol

I've been wanting to try HMB but am a bit intimidated, just don't know the area well and I've only gone there a couple times for rockfish (and usually skunked because I just don't know what spots to hit).

I tend to go to Monterey more, quite a bit farther but I just love it down there for fishing, always feels like ocean potluck plus my kid goes to that college so it's a good excuse to visit.

(No crab though of course)

HMB was horrible for me today. I do like Monterey for fishing with the possible squid and mackerel, and then Sand dabs are always there as a backup. 

For me HMB is the cheapest option, with no bridge tolls and not using the ramp to launch and using free parking.  That said, it's the closest for everyone else south of the Golden Gate as well, and it can be very crowded with boats.  Crabbing specifically can be hit or miss each location, but i've technically hauled in more limits in HMB than Bodega since i've put in more time there.  If it's a choice between meager conditions, i'd pick Doran for being still fishable when HMB is has too much swell for my taste, you can still catch inside the break wall.

I've been considering the same choice for a trip out in the next couple weeks if/when the weather agrees. Thanks for the input - went to Doran on opening day for my first time crabbing off the outback and only got too-little dungies. I think i'll head back to see how they've grown. Related: how many traps do y'all lay down when you go out on your kayak? I've got one hoop trap and was considering a second.

I've been considering the same choice for a trip out in the next couple weeks if/when the weather agrees. Thanks for the input - went to Doran on opening day for my first time crabbing off the outback and only got too-little dungies. I think i'll head back to see how they've grown. Related: how many traps do y'all lay down when you go out on your kayak? I've got one hoop trap and was considering a second.

The more gear soaking the more ground you can cover and the higher your chances the crab crawl into one of yours. I run 5 ambush style conical nets. Having a combo of conicals and lay flat hoops can be a good idea. I know someone who uses the lay flat hoops for prospecting (check/move every 10-15 minutes), and the conicals for longer soaks. when you find the biomass, I generally throw all of my gear into that location.

5 is the max a single angler can use south of Point Arguello.

I used to go crabbing but not anymore. I just buy what we can eat at the 99 Ranch store. Currently $8.99 lb. I bought 2 crabs a few days ago for around $35. Done in 15 mins.

I used to go crabbing but not anymore. I just buy what we can eat at the 99 Ranch store. Currently $8.99 lb. I bought 2 crabs a few days ago for around $35. Done in 15 mins.

I can buy fish at the store also. All the fish and crab I catch are free. The money I spend pays for the fun.