Eel River Crabbing

I've been crabbing the mouth of the Eel here and there over the last few weeks, and this past couple of nights I've gone down for the high tide after sunset with the waxing moon lighting my way, unobstructed by clouds.  Hardly needing to use the headlight and enjoying silky smooth water rather than the usual wind-whipped paddling surface, I was in heaven.  The crabbing was pretty slow, and I only got one legal Dungeness in the two nights.  But the therapy was so high quality, and so needed.  Monday I was down there at sunset - it was windy as hell, but it died down as the sun disappeared.  A couple of hours later I returned and ran my two rings down near the mouth in a 9-12' slot where we've had some luck.  I paddled back up past the parking lot a couple of different trips and ended up hanging out with some kids at their bonfire while my rings soaked.  That was a kick, and, after getting lots of shorts down by the mouth, I ended up moving my rings up near their fire and that's where I got my 1 crab - in like 8' of water at 10:30pm.  Then Tuesday night I went down around nine and no one was hanging out at the beach.  There was no wind, and it was cold.  I shook off the lonely vibe and hit the water and deployed my two rings, having added a chunk of leftover London Broil to the partially-eaten chicken leg and breast that were my bait, pinned to the center of each ring.  I explored a bit, enjoying some extra smooth water.  A couple of hours passed, and I got quite a few short crabs.  I made a little fire right by my yak along the water's edge and was having a great time.  A few cold Sierra Nevadas really hit the spot.  I was on the water at one point and it was so calm and smooth that the stars were brightly reflected on the surface of the water all around me.  I was swept up in a feeling of positivity and so glad to be right where I was at that time.  I considered what gear and expertise I would need to capture such a beautiful image as a still or on video, and I thought of my NCKA brothers and this community.  It was a good session.   

That was a GREAT post!! The pics were great also.

London broil - Those crabbies eat good.     Thanks for thinking of us during another nice outing.  You live in a pretty magical place, for sure.

Thanks for the nice read and awesome pictures Abking. How far do you
live from the ocean? I'm so jealous.

Jedmo

Great report. Some of the best trips are the ones that are not as productive...fishing/crabbing wise that is. I felt at ease just reading about your trip...again I am living vicariously through others.  Thanks for sharing once again.

Ray

How far do you live from the ocean?

Thanks, Guys.     It's about a 5 minute drive to the mouth of the river, Jed, but it's kinda like I live IN the ocean.   

that trap-shot looks like a MINIversionOF"MostDeadliestCatch"
.....youDO!liveINtheOCEAN,youLUCKYol'SALT!

For some reason, getting crabs in 8 FOW in a lagoon seems weird to me. Maybe that's because the commercial guys drop pots in 200 FOW down here.

Abking you scoundrel! How come you get so much water time while the rest of us are sitting at home high and dry?

You ought to jump in and hand pick those guys   

it's more reliable and a lot more fun

Abking, your post really catches the feel of solitary spirituality.  Truly makes one feel like they are there.  Thanks

Thanks for sharing your peaceful adventures.  Sounds like a perfect trip.

Bryan

You ought to jump in and hand pick those guys   

Thanks to all for the kind words, but special thanks and great to see you goes out to Paul/bluekayak.  I did jump in and try to hunt a big Dungeness down in the ab gear, but the vis at the bottom was very limited and the sun was setting - I ended up swimming up on one of my rings and saw a good crab in it so hauled it to the top of 10' of water to find it was a just-short!  So a little more vis and a little more time in the day and it would be do-able...  sometimes.  Paddling around drinking beer while placing and pulling the equipment is much easier and more fun overall.  I do recognize areas where I get lazier with age, but I'm content to know that I'm still on some admirable gradient of the "cutting edge" of getting out and doing adventurous stuff.   

 I do recognize areas where I get lazier with age, but I'm content to know that I'm still on some admirable gradient of the "cutting edge" of getting out and doing adventurous stuff.   

 

 I do recognize areas where I get lazier with age, but I'm content to know that I'm still on some admirable gradient of the "cutting edge" of getting out and doing adventurous stuff.   

 

 

Nice stuff Eric, as always.  You have motivated me once again to get out.  I was kind of discouraged by the less than stellar crabbing I have experienced so far this year, but you remind me that just being out and "in it" is what makes it worth the time.......

Thanks,

Norm