Crabbing in October: The Tide is High, the Crabs are Ready

As the crisp autumn air filled my lungs, I eagerly boarded the fishing vessel Aquaholic at the Port of Ilwaco, Washington. Anticipation buzzed through my veins as I prepared for a day of Dungeness crabbing in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.

Mid-October is a prime time for crabbing in the Pacific Northwest. The crabs have molted and are actively feeding, making them more susceptible to bait. As the boat sliced through the choppy waves, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of camaraderie with my crew. We were all united by a common goal: to haul in a bountiful catch of succulent Dungeness crabs.

The crew proceeded with baiting the crab pots on the way out and once we reached our crabbing spot, they wasted no time in deploying the pots. Each pot was carefully lowered into the depths, weighted down with heavy weight to prevent them from drifting away. As the pots settled on the ocean floor, we could only hope that they would attract their intended prey.

The waiting game began. As the hours ticked by, we passed the time by sharing stories, swapping tips, and enjoying the breathtaking scenery. The rugged North Jetty stretched out before us, its beauty accentuated by the soft glow of the autumn sun.

Finally, the time came to retrieve the crab pots. With eager hands, we hauled them back onto the boat, our hearts pounding with anticipation. As we peered into the depths of each pot, our faces lit up with joy. Crab after crab emerged from the depths, their shells glistening in the sunlight.

We had hit the jackpot! Our pots were overflowing with plump, succulent Dungeness crabs. The excitement was palpable as we sorted through our catch, carefully selecting the keepers from the undersized crabs.

As the day drew to a close, we returned to the Port of Ilwaco with our coolers brimming with fresh crab. The satisfaction of a successful crabbing trip is indescribable. It is a feeling of accomplishment, camaraderie, and connection to the natural world.

As I savored the sweet, succulent meat of a Dungeness crab that evening, I couldn’t help but reflect on the day’s events. It was a day filled with adventure, excitement, and the simple joy of being out on the water with good friends. And it was a day that I will cherish for years to come.