Columbia estuary crabbing

[PeterMac]

Hey folks,

I have heard now from several people how productive the crabbing can be in the Columbia estuary. Now, Jenny's reply to a post mentioning that it was hot has pushed me over the edge to find out more.

Can anyone give me a description as to where is a good spot to put in and go out for some of this action? At this point I am not really interested in getting real close to the bar, as I prefer to be cautious with my limited boating experience.

Thanks in advance http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

PeterMac

[Phish_on]

Pete,
if you put in at Hammond, there is some good crabbing fairly close on the Oregon side. From the harbor entrance head west a little, there is sort of a bay with some sandy beach, some rock ... try there in 15-20 feet of water. Look for other crab pots. I've been crabbing on the WA side between Ilwaco and Chinook with good success - recently! - because that's where I've been fishing, WA has many more restrictions that I couldn't even figure out, I thought about putting in at Chinook, but didn't know if I would get arrested for coming back with crustaceans.
NOTE: when the tide is running in or out there can be extreme current, the crabs will dig in - - and your floats might go under. Low slack or high slack are the times the crabs are active.
OTHER NOTE: most people use traps rather than rings out in the river.
STAY AWAY FROM THE BREAKERS ON THE JETTY !!!

[roadsend]

Can estuary crabbing be done in weeks like this one with the large run in tides? How much time is there to put your pots in and retrieve them at high or low slack tides?