5.0(2 Reviews)Dungeness Crabbing Charter – Reedsport, Oregon
5.0(2 reviews)
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Onehour Dungeness crab charter in calm inshore watersAll gear provided with handson crab pot instructionKeep legal limit catch with optional cleaning service
Looking for a quick taste of Oregon's legendary Dungeness crab without spending your entire day on the water? This one-hour crabbing charter out of Reedsport delivers exactly that. Captain Dave with Ocean Obsession Guide Service has turned this short trip into something special – a hands-on crash course in Pacific Northwest crabbing that's perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone who wants to squeeze some serious crab action into a busy schedule. You'll work the calm inshore waters where the Dungeness like to hang out, learning the ins and outs of setting pots and hauling in your dinner. All gear comes with the trip, so just bring yourself and get ready to fill your bag with some of Oregon's finest seafood.
This isn't your typical all-day fishing marathon – it's a focused, efficient crabbing experience that gets you right into the action. You'll meet Captain Dave at the Reedsport marina, where his accessible boat waits with all the crab pots, bait, and measuring tools you'll need. The beauty of this charter is how quickly you get into the productive waters. Reedsport sits right where the Umpqua River meets the Pacific, creating the perfect mix of fresh and salt water that Dungeness crab absolutely love. Within minutes of leaving the dock, you're dropping pots in proven spots that have been producing limits for years. The boat itself is built for comfort and accessibility – there's even an onboard bathroom and wheelchair access, so everyone in your group can participate fully. Captain Dave keeps things relaxed but educational, showing you exactly how to bait the pots, where to set them for maximum success, and the proper technique for hauling them back up without losing your catch.
Crabbing might look simple from the outside, but there's definitely a method to consistently filling your pots. Captain Dave starts by showing you how to properly bait the traps – fresh bait makes all the difference, and he knows exactly what the local Dungeness are hitting on any given day. You'll learn to secure the bait so it stays put but still sends out that scent trail that draws crabs from a surprising distance. Setting the pots requires reading the bottom structure and current flow – drop them in the wrong spot and you might as well be fishing in a swimming pool. Dave knows every productive ledge, rocky outcrop, and sandy bottom where the big Dungeness like to feed. The hauling process is where things get exciting. You'll feel the weight difference between an empty pot and one loaded with keepers, and there's nothing quite like that first glimpse of orange shells scrambling around as the trap breaks the surface. Dave handles all the measuring and sexing to make sure you keep only legal males, but he'll teach you the techniques so you know what to look for on future crabbing adventures.
"If there was an option for 500% I would select it. Hands down a solid good person which we all know there is very few like him left. His boat is accessible to all including wheelchair bound folks. Bathroom on board and well you also get to spend an amazing day on the big pond with Dave." - Rhett
"Great crabbing trip! Captain Dave was awesome and professional and friendly and, oh yes, made sure we got our limit of crab! highly recommend ... and hope to have the opportunity to go again!" - Susan Crowder
Dungeness crab are the stars of this show, and for good reason – they're hands down some of the sweetest, most tender crab meat you'll find anywhere on the West Coast. These orange-shelled beauties typically run between 6 to 8 inches across the shell, with the bigger males offering the most meat in their claws and body. The best crabbing usually runs from late fall through early spring, when the crabs have had time to fill out after their summer molt. What makes Dungeness so special is their feeding behavior – they're opportunistic bottom feeders that love the mix of rocky structure and sandy flats around Reedsport. They'll eat everything from small fish and clams to marine worms, which keeps them active and filling out with that firm, flaky meat that makes them a Pacific Northwest legend. The males you're targeting can live up to 10 years and reach impressive sizes, with some trophy specimens pushing 9 inches across. What gets anglers and crabbers excited about Dungeness is how they fight – they're surprisingly strong and will grab onto the pot mesh, making for some memorable hauls. Plus, there's nothing quite like cracking into a fresh Dungeness you caught yourself, especially when you know exactly where it came from and how it was handled.
This one-hour Dungeness crabbing charter offers something you won't find everywhere – a quick, productive introduction to Oregon's coastal crabbing scene without the commitment of a full day trip. Captain Dave's local knowledge and accessible boat setup make this perfect for families with kids, older folks who want to stay comfortable, or anyone dealing with mobility challenges. You're not just paying for crab – you're getting an education in Pacific Northwest seafood harvesting that'll serve you well on future adventures. The combination of calm inshore waters, proven crab grounds, and expert instruction means you're looking at real value here. Plus, with crab cleaning and packing potentially available, you can head home with restaurant-quality seafood ready for the table. Spots fill up fast during peak crabbing season, especially for such a convenient time commitment. Don't wait until you're already planning your Oregon coast trip – book now and secure your chance to experience what locals have known for generations about Reedsport's world-class Dungeness crabbing.
The 31' Raider cuts through Oregon's coastal waters with authority, powered by twin 300HP Suzuki engines that'll get you to the crab grounds fast. This fishing machine tops out at 50 knots and handles up to 9 anglers comfortably, making it perfect for shared charters out of Reedsport. The boat's equipped with everything serious crabbers need - fish finder to locate the best spots, GPS navigation, radar for those foggy Oregon mornings, and VHF radio to stay connected. A wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when working the pots, while the onboard icebox ensures your Dungeness haul stays fresh. The handicapped side entry door makes boarding easy for everyone, and there's even a toilet for longer trips. With multimedia system onboard and wheelchair accessibility, this vessel combines fishing functionality with comfort for your Pacific Northwest crabbing adventure.
5.0 out of 5.0If there was an option for 500% I would select it. Hands down a solid good person which we all know there is very few like him lef...
Great crabbing trip! Captain Dave was awesome and professional and friendly and, oh yes, made sure we got our limit of crab! hi...
Oregon