Crabfest 2014 help for newbies

I am looking forward to what is sure to be lots of fun. I have never gone crabbing nor taken my kayak in the ocean. In preparation I read the great crabbing article here on the site and searched for crab in safety first, fishing tips and gear and rigging. I read all that applied and I think I learned a lot. I still have a few questions. I got a two pack of traps from costco. I hope to get some rings to use while the traps soak. If this does not work out, what else can I try to catch while letting my traps soak?

Has anyone used the crab hawk trap and how does it compare with a ring?

Does anyone have a map outlining the recomended crabbing areas? 

I have a WS Tarpon 120. Is some sort of trap holder recomended for keeping the traps from falling off.

It seems that weighting traps is not used by all. Is it advised when crabbing from Doran?

Any other advice for us new to crabbing and the ocean? Gear list? Shark repellant? Etc. Thanks and I hope to see everyone otw.

#1 Blodega Rule - Safety First!
Stay inside the jetty.  You don't need to go that far out and between the wind and tide you will end up in trouble.  Stay with the group your first time out is the best.

Did you read this? http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?page=18

Did you read this? http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?page=18

 In preparation I read the great crabbing article here on the site

Yup I read it. I suppose the part about the trap rack should answer that question.    it doesn't seem that everyone uses one and I am interested in other opinions.

I am looking forward to what is sure to be lots of fun. I have never gone crabbing nor taken my kayak in the ocean. In preparation I read the great crabbing article here on the site and searched for crab in safety first, fishing tips and gear and rigging. I read all that applied and I think I learned a lot. I still have a few questions. I got a two pack of traps from costco. I hope to get some rings to use while the traps soak. If this does not work out, what else can I try to catch while letting my traps soak?

Has anyone used the crab hawk trap and how does it compare with a ring?

Does anyone have a map outlining the recomended crabbing areas? 

I have a WS Tarpon 120. Is some sort of trap holder recomended for keeping the traps from falling off.

It seems that weighting traps is not used by all. Is it advised when crabbing from Doran?

Any other advice for us new to crabbing and the ocean? Gear list? Shark repellant? Etc. Thanks and I hope to see everyone otw.

Crab hawks are of questionable legality.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=42884.0

#1 Blodega Rule - Safety First!
Stay inside the jetty.  You don't need to go that far out and between the wind and tide you will end up in trouble.  Stay with the group your first time out is the best.

Staying with the group, very good idea. What is considered inside the jetty. Inside the little lagoon or the edges of bodega bay?

#1 Blodega Rule - Safety First!
Stay inside the jetty.  You don't need to go that far out and between the wind and tide you will end up in trouble.  Stay with the group your first time out is the best.

Staying with the group, very good idea. What is considered inside the jetty. Inside the little lagoon or the edges of bodega bay?

The Doran Beach side of the rock wall away from the boating channel.  Just look for the mine field of buoys at Crabfest.  I don't think you'll catch many dungees in the lagoon, but you never know.

unless regulations have changed or the makers of crab-hawk have received an exemption, it is considered an illegal trap in California (from a thread a couple years ago).

I like hoop nets, but mostly because I really like to prospect and work for my crab.

unless regulations have changed or the makers of crab-hawk have received an exemption, it is considered an illegal trap in California (from a thread a couple years ago).

I like hoop nets, but mostly because I really like to prospect and work for my crab.

I searched and it says that they don't have escape rings so they are not legal in CA. Good to know. What kind of hoop nets do you use?

I think the hoop that's that they sell at Walmart or Costco are okay, but a couple years ago I found some hoop nets up in Crescent City sold by Englund marine that are made with heavy rebar and deep nets, they are awesome

There are crab/bait stealer's out there, so I recommend staying away from crab rings and use traps.  Also, stay away from paddling close to the jetty for the current will push you to the rocks.  Last year there was a tandem with two paddlers sitting stuck on the boulder off the Jetty that had to be pulled out by another paddler.  Also, don't set your ring or trap near the Jetty for you'll risk it from getting stuck to the bottom.