Tomales Crab Report: Catch & Cooking Crab at Waterfront AirBnB w/ Private Launch

I originally had plans to do boat-in camping but decided to switch to a more luxurious route of renting out a beachside cottage on Tomales Bay. It was pricey, but turned out to be an amazing trip. The cottage (there are a number available on AirBnB) was within a mile south of Miller Boat Launch, so very close to the crabbing grounds by Hog Island. Mine and a couple others I looked at had a private beach where you could launch a kayak or paddleboard.

The first day before check-in, I launched from Miller and worked the typical grounds south of Hog Island. I did long soaks, which usually turn out well in the ocean where I go for more secluded launches only accessible from my paddleboard, but at Tomales this just yielded nets full of undersized crab. I only found 2 keeper dungeness but supplemented with some red and yellow rock crab. I land on one of the west side beaches to cook a crab laksa right on my paddleboard.

I then head to the cottage and cook some some tteokbokki and enjoy the amazing views and the hot tub on deck. The next morning, I make some crab rolls and set off from the private beach which was just a short paddle from the crabbing grounds. It is a very easy launch, but involves scrambling over some rocks which may be harder with a heavy kayak. I had slightly better luck using a more run-and-gun strategy and find 5 keeper dungees. Did not feel the need to grind out a limit so paddled right back to the cottage after 2 hours to cook some crab fried rice. On the final morning, I made a crab avocado toast for breakfast before driving back to San Francisco, and at home I cooked the rest of my catch - making paella, claypot rice, breakfast skillet, quesadilla, jjajangmyeon, and quiche tarts all with crab.

Overall crabbing was pretty slow but still plenty for me to eat and take home. I think Tomales has been hit hard with bad ocean weather since the opener, but then again I see people here limiting out even after the days I went so maybe it's a me problem  . This report is for Nov 10-11.

Full video here if you'd like to check it out: https://youtu.be/26_8reYJZDA?si=F1w-flZadhFbPvQV

Thank you for the beautiful video

Thank you for the beautiful video

Thanks Moo. I was telling myself there was probably no crab left in Tbay, and as soon as I got home from this trip I watched your quick limit video

You’re a great photographer and cook 👌
Thanks for the report

Great report with pics and video.  You're cooking at a Marshall abode.  Chef-like presentation.  Well done!