Garibaldi Crabbing | 5 Hour Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour guided crabbing trip targeting prime offshore groundsSmall group experience accommodating up to four guests maximumFresh crab harvest with professional instruction and equipment provided
Looking for a different kind of day on the water? Big Bite Charters' 5-hour crabbing trip puts you right in the action off Garibaldi's productive waters. This isn't your typical fishing charter – we're talking about hauling up some of Oregon's finest Dungeness crab from the depths. With our experienced crew showing you the ropes and prime crabbing grounds just a short run from port, you'll get hands-on with one of the coast's most rewarding catches. Perfect for small groups of up to 4 anglers who want something different from the usual salmon or rockfish trips.
Your day starts at Garibaldi Marina, where our crew will get you set up with everything you need. We're talking crab rings, bait, measuring tools – the whole setup. The run to our crabbing grounds is quick, giving you more time with lines in the water. Once we're on the spot, it's all about patience and technique. You'll drop your rings loaded with fresh bait, wait for the magic to happen, then haul them up to see what's waiting. The excitement never gets old when you feel that weight on the line and know there's something good down there. Our guides know these waters inside and out, so we're hitting spots that consistently produce. Between drops, you'll learn about crab behavior, proper measuring techniques, and how to handle your catch. The 5-hour window gives you plenty of opportunities to fill your limits while soaking in those coastal views that make Garibaldi special.
We run a clean operation with top-notch crab rings and all the gear you need. No need to bring anything except your fishing license – we've got you covered with rings, bait, gloves, and measuring gauges. The technique is straightforward but there's definitely an art to it. Fresh bait is key, and we use a mix of fish carcasses and chicken that really gets the crabs' attention. You'll learn how to properly load your rings, find the sweet spot for drop timing, and read the signs that tell you when to haul back up. The water off Garibaldi runs from 60 to 120 feet in our prime spots, perfect depth for Dungeness crab. We'll show you how to work the tides, because timing matters when you're targeting these bottom dwellers. Each ring gets marked with our crew's system, so there's no confusion when it's time to check your sets. The beauty of crab fishing is that it's active – you're constantly dropping, waiting, and hauling, making for an engaging day that keeps everyone involved.
Dungeness crab are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These Pacific coast natives are absolute fighters once they hit your ring, with those powerful claws and that distinctive shell pattern that makes them unmistakable. What makes Dungeness special is their sweet, delicate meat that's prized by restaurants and home cooks alike. They're most active during cooler months, typically from November through June, when they move into shallower waters to feed and molt. A keeper male Dungeness needs to measure at least 5¾ inches across the shell, and trust me, you'll know when you've got a big one – they can push 2-3 pounds and fill your ring with authority. The fun part is never knowing what size you'll pull up next. These crabs are smart, too. They'll often wait until they think it's safe before committing to your bait, which makes the anticipation even better. When conditions are right and the crabs are moving, it's not uncommon to pull up multiple keepers in a single ring. That's when things get really exciting and you start thinking about the crab feast waiting for you at home.
Ready to try something different on your next Garibaldi adventure? This 5-hour crabbing charter gives you a real taste of what Oregon's coastal waters have to offer beyond the typical fishing scene. With Big Bite Charters, you're getting local knowledge, quality gear, and a crew that knows how to put you on productive crabbing grounds. The small group size means personalized attention and plenty of room to work. Whether you're looking to add some variety to your fishing trips or you want to bring home some of the best eating the ocean has to offer, this crabbing adventure delivers. Don't wait – prime crabbing season books up fast, and these 5-hour trips are perfect for maximizing your time on the water while still getting back to port with plenty of day left to enjoy your catch.
Hit the waters around Garibaldi aboard our rugged 30-ft Thunder Jet aluminum skiff, perfectly rigged for serious crab hunting. This 2021 beast runs three Suzuki 175HP engines that'll cruise you to the best crab spots at 35 knots. Built tough for Oregon's coastal conditions, she's loaded with everything you need - fish finder to scout the bottom, GPS and radar for navigation, plus a wireless trolling motor for sneaking into those prime crabbing holes. Keep your drinks cold in the icebox while you work the pots, and the onboard head means no cutting trips short. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to haul gear and stack crab traps. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining between pulls, but once those Dungeness start hitting the deck, you won't need any other entertainment.
Portland