3 HR Private Bodega Bay Dungeness Crab
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 3hour Dungeness crab fishing for up to 6 guestsSeasonal availability from November 2 to December 31All gear and expert guidance included in Bodega Bay
When the fog rolls back and those beautiful California waters turn crystal clear, there's nothing quite like pulling fresh Dungeness crab from the depths of Bodega Bay. This top-rated 3-hour private charter with Reel Obsession Sportfishing puts you right in the heart of some of the West Coast's most productive crab grounds. Running from November 2nd through December 31st, this world-class crabbing adventure is perfectly timed for peak season when these tasty crustaceans are at their absolute best. You'll have the boat all to yourself with up to 6 of your favorite people - no sharing space with strangers, no waiting for other folks to pull their gear. Just pure, focused crab hunting in one of Northern California's most stunning coastal settings.
Your private crab trip kicks off at 2:30 PM, giving you that perfect afternoon window when the conditions are usually at their sweetest. Bodega Bay's protected waters offer excellent crabbing opportunities, and your captain knows exactly where these bottom-dwellers like to hang out. The beauty of a private charter means you set the pace - want to move spots if the action's slow? No problem. Found a hot area producing keeper crabs? You can work it as long as you want. The $1,200 investment covers your entire group, making it a customer favorite for families celebrating special occasions or groups of friends looking to create some lasting memories. Weather permitting, you'll be working productive depths where Dungeness love to patrol the sandy and rocky bottom structure that makes Bodega Bay so special.
Crabbing isn't like traditional rod-and-reel fishing - it's all about strategy, patience, and knowing the right spots. Your experienced captain provides all the necessary crab pots, bait, and measuring tools to ensure you're fishing legally and effectively. Fresh bait is key to success, and these pros know exactly what gets the Dungeness fired up and crawling into those pots. You'll learn the art of reading bottom structure, understanding tidal movements, and timing your pot pulls for maximum success. The technique involves dropping weighted pots baited with fish heads or chicken onto the seafloor, then waiting for curious crabs to wander in for an easy meal. Most pots soak for 20-45 minutes before you haul them back up to see what's inside. It's a different kind of anticipation than waiting for a fish to bite - more methodical but equally exciting when you see those orange shells scrambling around inside the pot.
Dungeness crab are the undisputed stars of this Bodega Bay adventure, and for good reason. These Pacific Coast natives are absolute monsters compared to their East Coast cousins, with males reaching up to 2.5 pounds and sporting that distinctive orange shell that every West Coast angler recognizes. Peak season runs perfectly with this trip's schedule - November through December is when these crabs have just finished molting their shells and are at prime eating quality. The meat is sweet, firm, and packed into those massive claws and body sections that make Dungeness the gold standard for crab lovers. What makes targeting them so exciting is their behavior - they're active hunters and scavengers, constantly moving across the bottom looking for food. When conditions are right, you might pull up pots with multiple keepers, but even slow days usually produce enough action to keep everyone engaged. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations require males to measure at least 5.75 inches across the back, and females must be released immediately to protect the breeding population. Your captain handles all the measuring and regulation compliance, so you can focus on the fun part.
This renowned private crab charter fills up fast during the short but sweet Dungeness season, especially with families planning holiday gatherings around fresh crab feeds. The combination of Bodega Bay's productive waters, a dedicated 3-hour window, and private boat access makes this trip a best-in-class experience for anyone serious about bringing home dinner. No fishing license hassles, no gear to buy or maintain, and no guesswork about where to find the crabs - just show up ready to work some pots and enjoy the coastal scenery. Whether you're introducing kids to the excitement of crabbing or you're seasoned veterans looking for a hassle-free way to stock the freezer, this trip delivers the goods. The season's limited window means every trip counts, so don't wait until December to start planning. Contact Reel Obsession Sportfishing now to lock in your dates and get ready for some of the finest crabbing the California coast has to offer.
This 28-foot Parker cabin cruiser is your ticket to prime Dungeness crab waters around Bodega Bay. Built in 2005 with twin 250HP Yamaha engines, she'll get your crew of up to 6 anglers to the hot spots at a comfortable 40 knots. The roomy cabin keeps everyone out of the coastal wind while you're pulling traps, and the onboard fish finder helps locate the best crab grounds. You'll appreciate the icebox and refrigerator for keeping your catch fresh, plus there's a full kitchen and head for longer days on the water. With GPS and radar systems, your captain can navigate safely even when the marine layer rolls in. The boat's deep cockpit gives everyone plenty of room to work the crab pots without getting in each other's way.
Eureka