Kayak crabbing locations?

Hello, I'm looking to do some kayak crabbing but I'm having some trouble finding out where to go. Half Moon Bay seems to be the popular spot so I'll definitely try that at some point, but if possible I'd love to find somewhere closer for quick trips.

I'm located in Sausalito (on the water) - will I have any luck around here (Richardson Bay, Pickleweed Inlet) or is that just stupid? Fort baker is another common spot to crab from the pier, but is it possible to get in the water near there to try for crab?

I just saw a thread about crabbing at Tomales Bay, but that sounded pretty intense so it's probably not for me just yet.

I'm new to California (and to crabbing for that matter), so any input would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Tomales bay is not bad if you stay inside the bay check weather forecast to avoid windy days.

Inside SF Bay, its rock crab only - all Dungeness have to be released. And with rock crab closed in our area still, that's not even an option at the moment. Doran Beach in Bodega Bay would be a good spot here in the North Bay if you didn't want to make the trek to HMB.

I live in San Rafael and Doran Beach on Bodega Bay is close and good crabbing. Just got back today, just be cautious of the winds, several kayaks got pushed out by the strong winds. If the winds are strong, try Bolinas Lagoon, not as good crabbing, but easy paddling.

Halfmoon bay

Muir beach! It's close however you need wheels to get your kayak down to the water. Only go on small swell days. I'd shoot for under a 4ft swell. You don't need to paddle far. Drop your pots in the bay.

A paddle from Ft. Baker out under the gate to Kirby or better yet Bonita Cove is doable IF the tide is right (i.e. minimal change between Hi/Lo), wind is down, and you have the right gear, experience, and preferably a buddy.  My avatar pic was taken on this trip.  There are days just about every month where there is only about 1ft difference between high and low tide, usually in the morning which is good for avoiding the wind (except for today!).  Bonita Cove has really good protection from NW surf and it's possible to set traps, beach for a lunch break, then go out and get your crabs.   

Thanks everyone, I'll look into all the suggested spots.

I'm from the prairies and have very little knowledge of tides/current/etc, so I'll definitely be sticking to the easier/safer locations for now.

Thanks everyone, I'll look into all the suggested spots.

I'm from the prairies and have very little knowledge of tides/current/etc, so I'll definitely be sticking to the easier/safer locations for now.

I'll also make the suggestion of get a handle on each skill separately. Get some quality OTW time without fishing gear...try hitting a relatively low-stakes but sometimes strong-ish current location like the Alameda estuary for paddling practice...maybe get some crabbing time in from a non-yak place like pacifica pier or the jetty at Doran.

I'll also make the suggestion of get a handle on each skill separately. Get some quality OTW time without fishing gear...try hitting a relatively low-stakes but sometimes strong-ish current location like the Alameda estuary for paddling practice...maybe get some crabbing time in from a non-yak place like pacifica pier or the jetty at Doran.

Great advice, and that's definitely the plan. Just waiting on my nets to arrive and I'll be hitting the piers to get a handle on the crabbing process. I've been working my way up on the paddling side of things, but it will probably be a while yet before I'm comfortable enough with both so be out crabbing on the water.