Pro Anglers Crabbing Charter in Astoria
Shared Trip
River Fishing
Guided Dungeness crab fishing on Columbia River and Pacific OceanAll gear, bait, and handson instruction provided for safe tripsAccommodates up to six guests with fresh seafood takeaway included
When it comes to pulling crab pots in Oregon, Astoria sits at the heart of some of the best Dungeness crabbing on the West Coast. This Pro Anglers charter takes you right where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean, creating perfect conditions for fat, meaty Dungeness crabs. You'll be working both river and ocean waters, depending on where the crabs are running hot that day. Our local guides know every productive spot from the jetties to the deeper ocean grounds, and they'll put you on the best crabbing action available. Whether you're new to dropping pots or you've been crabbing for years, this hands-on charter gives you everything needed for a successful day on the water.
This charter runs with just you and the guide, creating a personalized experience where you'll learn proper crabbing techniques from start to finish. We'll head out early when the crabs are most active, targeting prime spots along the Columbia River bar and nearby ocean waters. The boat comes fully rigged with commercial-grade crab pots, fresh bait, and all the gear you need. You'll be hands-on from the moment we drop the first pot – learning to bait properly, set depths, and read the bottom structure that holds the best crabs. Between pot pulls, your guide will share local knowledge about tides, seasonal patterns, and what makes Astoria crabbing so productive year-round. The intimate group size means plenty of individual attention and coaching, whether you're working on technique or just want to understand why certain spots produce better than others.
We use heavy-duty ring nets and box traps designed specifically for Dungeness crab, baited with fresh fish that draws crabs from a wide radius. Your guide will show you how to properly load bait, secure it so crabs can feed but can't steal it, and set the pot at the right depth for maximum effectiveness. Timing is everything in crabbing – we'll typically soak pots for 20-30 minutes before checking them, giving crabs enough time to find the bait and settle in. You'll learn to read GPS coordinates, understand how tide changes affect crab movement, and recognize the subtle differences between productive and dead water. The boat carries measuring tools to ensure every keeper meets Oregon's size requirements, and your guide will teach you to quickly sex crabs and identify legal keepers. We also carry extra pots so you can keep multiple sets working while checking others, maximizing your chances of filling the boat with fresh Dungeness.
Dungeness crab are the crown jewel of Pacific Northwest crabbing, and Astoria's waters produce some of the finest specimens you'll find anywhere. These crabs average 6-8 inches across the shell, with the largest bulls reaching nearly 10 inches and weighing over two pounds. Dungeness are most active during incoming tides when they're moving and feeding aggressively. What makes them so prized is their sweet, delicate meat – far superior to East Coast blue crabs or snow crab. The best action typically runs from December through September, with peak season hitting during spring and early summer when crabs are at their meatiest after molting. Dungeness are surprisingly intelligent, often requiring patience and strategy to outsmart. They'll test bait thoroughly before committing to a pot, which is why proper bait presentation and soaking time matter so much. Landing a boat full of these premium crabs means you're taking home some of the best seafood the Pacific has to offer.
This top-rated crabbing charter fills up quickly, especially during prime season when word gets out about hot crabbing. The personalized experience and hands-on instruction make it perfect for anyone wanting to learn proper techniques or improve their crabbing game. You'll head home with fresh Dungeness crab and the knowledge to be successful on future trips. The all-inclusive setup means no worrying about gear, bait, or licenses – just show up ready to work some pots and enjoy a day on Astoria's productive waters. With the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean providing diverse crabbing opportunities, this charter adapts to conditions and targets wherever crabs are biting best. Don't miss your chance to experience world-class Dungeness crabbing with experienced local guides who know exactly where and how to fill the boat.
Hit the waters of Astoria aboard this 2014 Willie Predator 24-foot open guide boat, perfectly rigged for serious crabbing action on the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean. The reliable 150hp Yamaha gets you to the best crab grounds fast, cruising at 40 mph, while the backup 9.9 Yamaha kicker keeps you steady over productive spots. This setup handles Oregon's coastal waters with confidence, whether you're working the river channels or heading offshore for Dungeness crab. The open layout gives you plenty of room to work the pots and sort your catch, with space for gear and coolers to bring home your fresh seafood haul. Built for Northwest fishing conditions, this boat delivers the stability and power you need for productive crabbing trips in Astoria's prime waters.
Portland