Bodega Bay Dungeness Crab (Shared Trip)
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Threehour Dungeness crab fishing trip in Bodega Bay waters.Seasonal availability from November 2 through December 31 only.Small group experience accommodating up to six guests maximum.
When the fog lifts off Bodega Bay and the Dungeness season opens, there's nothing quite like pulling fresh crab from these productive waters. Reel Obsession Sportfishing has been running these seasonal crab trips for years, and let me tell you - this is hands-down one of the best ways to spend an afternoon on the North Coast. You'll be working the crab pots in some of California's most reliable crabbing grounds, where the rocky bottom and strong currents create perfect habitat for those sweet, meaty Dungeness we all crave. This isn't your typical fishing charter, but it's every bit as rewarding when you're hauling up pots loaded with keeper-sized crabs.
This 3-hour afternoon trip launches right at 2:00 PM, giving you the perfect window to work the incoming tide when crabs are most active. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hands - they've been setting pots in the same productive zones year after year, and it shows in the results. The boat can handle up to 6 anglers comfortably, but this particular trip is set up for 2 guests at $400 total, making it an affordable way to get out on the bay without breaking the bank. You'll be running a circuit of proven crab spots, pulling pots that have been soaking since the morning set. The crew handles all the heavy lifting - literally - but you'll get your hands dirty sorting through the catch, measuring keepers, and tossing back the shorts and females. The seasonal window runs from November 2nd through December 31st, which coincides perfectly with when these crabs are at their absolute best - full of meat and ready for the dinner table.
Crabbing is all about location, timing, and patience. The boat runs standard commercial-style crab pots baited with fresh fish - usually salmon carcasses or anchovies that really get the crabs moving. Each pot sits on the bottom for several hours, giving the crabs time to work their way in after the bait. When it's time to pull, the hydraulic puller does most of the work, but there's still plenty of technique involved in reading the bottom, setting pots in the right current breaks, and timing your pulls with the tide. You'll learn to spot the difference between a keeper male (6.25 inches across the back) and the shorts that go back over the side. The crew provides all measuring tools and will teach you the proper way to handle these feisty crustaceans - those claws are no joke. Dress warm and bring layers since December afternoons on the bay can get chilly, especially with the wind and spray. Waterproof boots are a smart choice, and don't wear anything you can't get a little fishy.
Dungeness crab is the star of this show, and Bodega Bay produces some of the finest specimens you'll find anywhere along the Pacific Coast. These crabs are known for their sweet, delicate meat that's prized by seafood lovers from San Francisco to Seattle. During peak season, which runs right through our trip window, mature males can weigh anywhere from 1.5 to 3 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 4 pounds. The best part about December crabbing is that these crabs have been feeding all summer and fall, packing on weight and filling their shells with that rich, buttery meat everyone talks about. They're most active during moving tides, especially the incoming, when they're roaming the bottom looking for food. What makes catching Dungeness so satisfying isn't just the eating - though that's pretty great - it's the anticipation of each pot pull. You never know if you're coming up empty, pulling a few small ones, or hitting the jackpot with a pot full of keepers. The crew has been tracking catch rates all season, and the word is that this year's class is showing strong numbers with good average size.
With only a two-month season and limited trips available, these Dungeness crab excursions fill up fast once word gets out about good catches. At $400 for two people, you're getting access to some of the most productive crab grounds on the North Coast, plus all the local knowledge that comes with fishing these waters for years. The 3-hour window is perfect for newcomers and experienced crabbers alike - long enough to work multiple sets of pots and build up a decent haul, but not so long that you're out there freezing when the afternoon wind picks up. Remember, this is a shared trip, so you'll be fishing alongside other crab enthusiasts who are just as excited to get their hands on some fresh Dungeness. The season waits for no one, and December 31st comes faster than you think. Whether you're planning a holiday feast or just want to experience one of the North Coast's classic fisheries, this trip delivers exactly what you're looking for. Book now while spots are still available - nothing beats the satisfaction of cracking into fresh crab that you pulled from the bay yourself.
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 pushing her to 40 knots, she's got the power to get you out to the crab grounds and back with time to spare. The cabin keeps you comfortable during those chilly December afternoons on the water, while the fish finder helps locate the best spots where these tasty crustaceans are hanging out. With an onboard kitchen, refrigerator, and icebox, you can keep your catch fresh and grab a hot meal between pulling traps. The GPS and radar systems ensure safe navigation in typical Northern California coastal conditions. She comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work the crab pots without getting in each other's way. The onboard toilet means no rushing back to shore, so you can focus on filling your limit with sweet Dungeness crab during this prime seasonal window.
Eureka