Crabs and Clams!!! Where are they?

[KeeperFish4]

I am new to crabbing and more so, clamming. I haven't had much luck, so is there any one out there that is willing to tell me where the right spots are? :smile:

Thanks!!

[pdxkevin]

When I first moved to the Pacific Northwest, I asked the same question, and was told some advise which seems to work.

The best months to go crabbing are those that end with the letter 'R'.... September, October, etc...

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">Another great way to get the hang of things it to take a charter fishing trip which includes crabbing. I have gone twice now and loved both trips. Money well spent!

[ 02-18-2004, 06:13 AM: Message edited by: pdxkevin ]

[SteelieSlammer]

Crabbing in the months that end is R is the best as mentioned. Also plan on crabbing the incoming tide because crab do not like fresh water. you want to use oily types of bait. I have always had the best luck with clams, salmon and shad carcases. On tillamook bay, you will be able to see where everybody is doing the crabbing assuming you have a boat. Good Luck.

for clams go to Gearhart and dig at low tides for the razor clams. If the surf is pounding they will be deep and probably not showing so well.

[Jimmy Carl Black]

Try the really big bay on the southern coast. Lots of both.

[Jeremy]

Actually today is a -.4 at 6:44pm, tomorrow -.4 @ 7:27pm

[Grits]

Are you crabbing from a boat or bank? Based on that I could give you some pretty good info on either and might even be able to work out a trip to take you some time.

IMHO forget the month with R thing. That is based on ocean conditions in the south east (Florida area) where the shellfish have bacteria that make them unhealthy to eat. You can catch/eat crab year round you just have to be more selective during their multing periods.

[KeeperFish4]

When we crab, we go out in a boat (mostly at Netarts) We did catch some dungeness crab (none of legal size though), but we mostly caught red rock crab...not my favorite.

Thanks for all of your replies...so I will try Gearheart for clamming. What about Rockaway? I am not too familiar with the costal towns, so your detailed info. is more than appreciated :grin:

[BentMetal]

Netarts is a good bay for Bay clams. Most of the clamming recommendations so far have been for Razors out in the ocean which I've never went after myself, but there are a whole slough of clams in all the bays. Gapers, cockles, butters, little necks, and mud clams. You'll see guys doing it at Netarts on a low tide, and just go where they go.

[CAPT KUJO]

Bent Metal is correct there is clams in every bay...I dive for them so tide doesn't affect my clammin...be sure to check the Shellfish hot line
and make sure there isn't any toxins in the shellfish you harvest..


CAPT KUJO

[sock i]

I go clamming more than i go crabbing. I was out on monday in the -.2 tide. I am going out today after school its a -1.0 or -1.2 im not sure. I limited out on monday and hope to do it again. If you dont know how ill be happy to show you it you want. oh ya and i go to gearhart.
-david