How to Celebrate California Crab Season in Sonoma County
Dungeness crab is a sumptuous, seasonal treat that is highly anticipated (and celebrated) in winter at the height of the harvest. You can experience the goodness that is Dungeness Crab season in Sonoma County, where fresh Dungeness crab, plucked straight from the Pacific Ocean, is a point of pride.
In the town of Bodega Bay, a small fishing village on the Sonoma County Coast, you can watch boats heading out for their responsibly harvested daily catch, see families crabbing off the end of piers, and visit eateries to savor the dishes prepared with this coveted crustacean.
Enjoy Freshly-Caught Crab
Celebrate the season by sampling dock-to-table Dungeness crab delicacies in a variety of butter-kissed dishes like crabcakes, crab cocktails, sandwiches, and more. Savor sweet, succulent crab specialties at an outdoor table to take in the beautiful seaside, or nestle into a cozy eatery along with a glass of Sonoma County wine. You can even buy crab straight off the dock if you rise early enough to meet the fishermen at the Bodega Bay marina.
- Spud Point Crab Company, Bodega Bay
- The Boat House, Bodega Bay
- The Tides Wharf Restaurant, Bodega Bay
- River’s End Restaurant & Inn, Jenner
Go Crabbing On A Chartered Tour
Try your hand at crabbing with an experienced local captain when you book a charter for a fun-filled experience. The charter company provides the gear and typically cleans and packs your catch. You don’t even need a sport fishing license if crabbing from a public pier. (Read all about it in the state’s Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations, pages 51-52.)
Go Crabbing On Your Own
If you’d like to try crabbing on your own — you’re not alone! Lots of folks look forward to spending time on the Sonoma County coast and trying their hand at catching dinner. Bring your traps and nets or get some gear in town — the best time to catch Sonoma County’s famous Dungeness crab is early in the morning or before sunset. You can keep up to 10 Dungeness crabs each day during the season if they measure a minimum of 5 3/4 inches across the shell.
- A popular on-shore crabbing spot is the breakwater jetty off Doran Regional Park.
- Another good place is the Marina Jetty at Bodega Bay’s Spud Point Marina.
More Ideas
Check out Unique Parks for Fishing in Sonoma County, River Beaches and Fishing Spots in Sonoma County, and Whale Watching Along the Sonoma Coast.
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