When will the crabs come?

Hey guys,
Just anticipating the dungie crab season. When will they arrive closer to shore?

I haven't done any kayak crabbing yet just some off of jettys etc, although I do have my yak and hoop net and may give it a try this year.

As to your question, I read the WON news like an addict and most of what I read  over the last few years seems to say that the best time for the closer in (shallower waters) is as soon as the season opens, as the season progresses it seems (the articles say) that boaters have to go to deeper and deeper water to catch crabs. Maybe someone out there has some better info but that's my 2 cents worth, good luck, and don't forget to post your reports so we know.

dale

Hi Yaker:

    I would go out before the Commercial guys set a price and drop their traps. Most will want to stay in close to save gas and $$$.
                                                                            Ernie

Hi Bloodbath

The crabs are almost here ( Nov--third ) Is the grand opening !
Where are you planing to go?

you guys might want to read this article that Chuck wrote -

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?page=18

hey guys, i think kayakito is right nov.3 sat. i believe we are allowed to drop our pots the day before. iam probably  going out to either doran or dillon beach and dropping pots fri. afternoon. then campout and harvest in the morning.

I think this is the perfect crab trap for a kayak.

http://fishermanswarehouse.com/shop/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=3308

It folds into a 17'' wide x2'' high circle  ( like an oversized frisbee ) which fits into a zippered pouch. When in use it is 32'' wide and 13'' high.
I would love to have one but at $160 a pop it is not going to happen.

I think this is the perfect crab trap for a kayak.



It is nice !! But 160 $$$ At this price I would go to the market instead to get some crab and some beer !!

I think I can easily make a trap like that one, I just need to see it closely how is built I have some tubing conduct
and chicken wire that may works.

 I saw those traps at Outdoor Pro in Rohnert Park. They are made of stainless cable and fold-twist up like the way a band saw blade is folded. Looks like it could be a chore on a yak.
 These are the traps that Scwafish and I have from Seattle Marine.
  Collapsible Crab Trap
Heavy duty, space saving trap. This trap easily folds into a flat half-circle. All stainless steel frame with nylon mesh. Two 8.75” x 4” entrance doors and two escape rings. Easy to open for baiting and getting crabs out. This trap is so popular we ran out at the Boat Show.
Dimensions:
setup - 30" diameter x 10" tall             
collapsed - just a 30" semicircle  http://www.ladnertraps.com/images/foldcrab1.jpg
Stock #
http://www.ladnertraps.com/images/foldcrab2.jpg                               

Hi Fishshim

Those traps are perfect for a Kayak ! When you go crabbing, how many traps do you use?

Those, by far, look like the best crab traps out there. I guess you just sew in the escape ring? Are the openings in the netting larger than 1.5"? Just curious. Regs here are strict as heck.

Z

Here's the link for Seattle Marine if anyone's interested. $65.95
http://www.seattlemarine.net/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=965&idproduct=4503

Hi Fishshim

Those traps are perfect for a Kayak ! When you go crabbing, how many traps do you use?

I have 5 ,but thats enough for two people if they're fishin good. I also have a couple hoops. So thats a good load for a couple guys.
 
 

Those, by far, look like the best crab traps out there. I guess you just sew in the escape ring? Are the openings in the netting larger than 1.5"? Just curious. Regs here are strict as heck.

Z

Here's the link for Seattle Marine if anyone's interested. $65.95
http://www.seattlemarine.net/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=965&idproduct=4503

Z, they came set up with the escape rings in them. Just need bait jars-bags,or carcass clip and rope w/buoy.

I just now went to the website & bought one of those $160 crab traps.

THAT trap is the only thing I've seen that offers ANY possiblity that I could
handle it out of my decked kayak.

I'll tell ya more when I get it.

Judd

Hi Yaker:

    I would go out before the Commercial guys set a price and drop their traps. Most will want to stay in close to save gas and $$$.
                                                                            Ernie

Crabbing is always good before the commercials place their pots and harvest non stop until they are gone.  The season really only lasts 2 weeks after the commercial season opens because they harvest all the crabs (shallow water 30 to 100ft)in that short period of time.  The sport crabbers have a smaller size limit that allow us some left overs but even these are harvested in the first month by the local fisherman.  Most sport boats never fish the shallows (less than 30ft) for crab because there are to many Rock crabs close to shore and some don't like them.  The crabs don't go deeper but rather the commercial guys with their hydraulic hoists are able to catch crabs in deeper waters as they deplete the stocks in the shallower areas. 

Good luck on your crabbing but don't risk your life unnecessarily.

Luis