Coos Bay Crabbing Charter with Captain Mark LaDuke
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Pull Dungeness crab pots in productive Coos Bay waters aboard modern vessel.Captain provides all gear and local expertise for successful crabbing experience.Two-person minimum trip departing from convenient Coos Bay boat ramp location.
Nothing beats the satisfaction of hauling up a pot loaded with feisty Dungeness crab from the rich waters of Coos Bay. This top-rated crabbing charter puts you right where the action is, working the most productive spots along Oregon's coast with Captain Mark LaDuke, who's been pulling pots in these waters for years. You'll spend your day aboard a well-equipped 2018 Hewescraft, learning the ins and outs of crabbing while building up a cooler full of fresh seafood. At $100 per person with a 2-person minimum, this trip delivers serious value for anyone looking to experience Oregon's renowned crab fishing firsthand.
Your crabbing adventure starts at the main boat ramp in Coos Bay, where you'll meet Captain Mark behind the marina office near Monkey Business restaurant. The parking situation is straightforward, so you won't waste time figuring out logistics. Once you're aboard the 2018 Hewescraft, you'll immediately notice this isn't some bare-bones operation – the boat comes loaded with GPS and fish finder technology that takes the guesswork out of pot placement. Captain Mark knows exactly where to drop the gear for maximum results, and he's not shy about sharing his local knowledge. The atmosphere stays relaxed throughout the trip, making it perfect for first-timers and seasoned crabbers alike. You'll learn proper techniques for baiting pots, setting them at the right depth, and most importantly, how to tell a keeper from one that needs to go back. The pace feels comfortable rather than rushed, giving you plenty of time to soak in the coastal scenery between pulls.
Captain Mark provides all the crabbing equipment, so you can leave your gear at home and focus on the experience. The pots get baited with fresh bait that attracts Dungeness crab from a wide radius – typically chicken, fish heads, or other proven attractants that produce consistent results in Coos Bay waters. The boat's fish finder helps locate the best bottom structure where crabs congregate, while the GPS ensures precise pot placement and easy retrieval. You'll learn the proper technique for lowering pots to the seafloor, marking locations, and timing the soak for optimal catch rates. The captain explains how tides, weather, and seasonal patterns affect crab behavior, giving you insights that go way beyond just pulling up pots. Measuring techniques become second nature as you sort through your catch, keeping legal-sized males and releasing females and undersized crabs back to the bay. The whole process flows smoothly thanks to Captain Mark's systematic approach and the boat's efficient layout.
Dungeness crab represents the crown jewel of Pacific Northwest shellfish, and Coos Bay produces some of the finest specimens you'll find anywhere along the Oregon coast. These meaty crustaceans typically measure 6-10 inches across the shell when mature, with males reaching legal size around 6.25 inches. The best crabbing usually runs from December through August, with peak action happening during winter and spring months when crabs move into shallower waters to molt and mate. What makes Dungeness crab so special is their sweet, delicate meat that fills every leg and the body cavity. Males tend to be more aggressive and easier to catch, which works perfectly since regulations require releasing all females anyway. These crabs are incredibly smart and can detect bait from impressive distances, often piling into pots in numbers that surprise first-time crabbers. The fight might not compare to hooking a salmon, but there's something deeply satisfying about hauling up a pot packed with large, legal-sized Dungeness. Their shells turn that classic orange-red color when cooked, and the meat provides the foundation for countless meals from crab cakes to simple steamed dinners with butter.
This customer favorite crabbing charter delivers everything you need for a successful day on Coos Bay waters. Captain Mark LaDuke's local expertise, combined with quality equipment and prime crabbing locations, consistently produces memorable trips that keep guests coming back season after season. The $100 per person rate includes all gear, bait, and professional instruction, making it an outstanding value compared to buying your own equipment and learning through trial and error. Remember to secure your valid shellfish license before the trip – it's required for all participants and available online or at local sporting goods stores. The 2-person minimum ensures you'll have company to share the excitement when those pots come up loaded with keepers. Whether you're new to crabbing or looking to improve your technique, this world-class charter puts you in the best position to succeed. Coos Bay's reputation as a top crabbing destination speaks for itself, and Captain Mark knows how to make the most of what these waters offer. Book your spot now and get ready to experience Oregon crabbing at its finest.
Step aboard this well-equipped 23.8' 2018 Hewescraft for your Dungeness crab adventure in Coos Bay's productive waters. Powered by a reliable 150 HP Yamaha with a 9.9 kicker for trolling, this boat delivers smooth rides to prime crab pot locations. The GPS navigation and fish finder help Captain Mark position pots precisely where the crabs are feeding. Built for Oregon's coastal conditions, the Hewescraft's stable platform makes pulling pots comfortable even when the bay gets choppy. All crabbing gear is provided, so you can focus on hauling in those keeper Dungeness. The boat's spacious layout gives you plenty of room to work the pots and sort your catch. Perfect for small groups who want a dedicated crabbing experience without the crowds.
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