Monterey Crab and Dab combo 2/17

I finally got a legal Crab in Monterey, just one and it did not have any claws  but still nice size and legal.  I also wrangled a bunch of sand dabs so dinner will be good tonight.  I am still working out how to make the big haul of crabs like we can up at Linda Mar.  I dropped my traps in about 170 fow and fished the same area, just outside the red can (Monterey Mile buoy).  I do not have on the water photo capability so I will snap one before cleaning and post it later.  If I can work the WAF, I might try to drop traps in the morning tomorrow at Linda Mar and then pick them up in the afternoon after visiting the Fred Hall Show.  It is a long shot since I already fished today but wishful thinking.

As promised here is the photo.  That crab was lively even w/o any claws.  Must have lost them in a serious fight.

Must have lost them in a serious fight.

with a fisherman 

Nice haul.  I've been wanting to get out and catch me some dabs but life is busy so haven't had much time.

What was the average size of the dabs?

etienne, I saw a report of crabs in 240 off pleasure point santa cruz on coastside, maybe you have to go
deeper?  don't really know.

Hauling up that lead line at 170-180 is a lot of arm work.  It was a relief to paddle after pulling up two traps from there twice.  Dinner was good though. It sounds like the swell and wind is going to pick up tomorrow.  I talked to a guy today who reported crab at about 100 fow off Lover Pt.  Thats closer than Pleasure Pt. for me (at least from home not from work but that hardly counts).  Linda Mar is great with for shallow crab but it is a two hour drive for me.  I may try longer soaks down here.  Both of my second drops came up empty today.  I think I may not have been as careful to make sure that they landed upright.  So far I am getting better results every time.  Man those dabs are tasty.  They ranged in size mostly 4-6 inches but I kept a few smallies that were mangled by the hooks and also released a few successfully.     

Way to go on the dabs.It looked like a beautiful day out there.I'll have to make it out for some dabs soon.

Nice!

Thanks for the report. I went to the point this morning and the wind and waves was pounding the shore line.

Was nice to feel the ocean wind chill the body

 

Etienne,

The pic of those dabs are making me drivel.  Deep frying them whole in coconut oil with a light batter is just decadent - sweet meat and crunchy edges    Got to get some of them soon, glad you enjoyed your bounty 

Henry