Eureka/Trindad

I have not been out yet on the CA coast and think of heading over. Does anyone know if crab are actually caught on opening day? Is that Novemebr 1st? Is there any fish I can fish for while crabbing? Is Eureka or Trindad a place to start. Closures for fishing during this time? Thanks in advance for any info.

there are rays, shark and halibut in the bay.  i've never gone out on opening day for crab, but i had luck up until the closer of crab season around trinidad head... as far as the fishing for the ocean, there isn't much but the red tail perch... as far as rod and reel fishing, your best luck would be in the bay.  you could also catch red rock and even some dungeness in the bay. 

Thank you for the information. Where do you think would be a good launch?

to launch in trinidad, it's easiest to launch from the boat launch site if you are a little shaky with the beach launch, it adds about a mile or so of your paddle, but you do get a cool look at the light house.  also, prisoner rock, the one closest to the head on the harbor side has always been productive for me.  as far as the bay goes, i would launch at the base of the samoa bridge on the eureka side, there is a boat launch, just don't leave any neat stuff in your car... the "street people" are thick there.

Thanks turbotoad87! Now I just need to pick a weekend to drive over. Darn I wish I lived closer to the ocean. Also thanks for the info on the local street folks... I was fishing the Feather River once and someone decide it was worth smashing my window to get a factory radio...are you kidding.... the window insurance deduct was more than the radio was worth. I think I am heading up to Lake Britton for an afternoon fish to see if the crappie are still around and have grown much.

i'm pretty sure crabbing season for dungeness begins december 1st... if you make a weekend after bottom fishing starts, post a hook up... we can set somethin up... i found a pretty cool web cam on the trinidad docks in the harbor... you can even control the camera.  hopefully this will show... i use it before all my outings... gives you a pretty good look at the inside of the head...

trinidad head web cam
http://208.180.39.56/sample/LvAppl/lvappl.htm

Dungeness crab starts the first Saturday in November - this will be 11/6, and I like to go at midnight down at the Eel Mouth.  See you there.   

Dark now, thanks, I will check it out tomorrow. I will take you up on the offer to set something up. It is always a bit nervy going to a new spot/places. This time of year is also great trout fishing at Almanor. I usually float tube it; however, this year I am bringing both my yaks and float tube. Did not get out last year. The year before I caught two huge fat browns on my secret flys that the fish hit it like a train.

Are there actually crabs at the mouth of the eel. Are you actually in your yak? Don't you get sweep out?

Are there actually crabs at the mouth of the eel. Are you actually in your yak? Don't you get sweep out?

Yes, yes, and no.   

Search this site for "midnight crab" if you want the whole story. 

The stories... you are one lucky guy to live so close to the ocean. Sounds like some great trips. For me it is about three and half hours across 299.... or should I head back up to OR which is closer to 5 1/2 where I know where we caught our limit (12 a day)? The OR trip is a far one but productive. I got so hungry for crab this weekend, I unfroze some we had left over from OR Labor Day trip and I made some southwest crab cakes this weekend with a heck of a sw tarter type sauce and fresh salsa. Ever crab up in Crescent City?

The stories... you are one lucky guy to live so close to the ocean. Sounds like some great trips. For me it is about three and half hours across 299.... or should I head back up to OR which is closer to 5 1/2 where I know where we caught our limit (12 a day)? The OR trip is a far one but productive. I got so hungry for crab this weekend, I unfroze some we had left over from OR Labor Day trip and I made some southwest crab cakes this weekend with a heck of a sw tarter type sauce and fresh salsa. Ever crab up in Crescent City?

Those crab cakes are sounding oh, so good!     I've put my gear out in Crescent City once - just outside the Whaler Island Groin because I saw other gear there.  I'd guess it's better farther away from the jetty unless it's near the opener.  Otherwise, I do not know the intell on proper crabbing in CC.  Would like to though.   

I am thinking a trip to the coast is long over due. I need to find a good window and just go for it. I spoke with a friend about CC and he did not have any crab intel.