Got an experiment for someone.....Newport Bay area.

I have walked Netarts Bay at night during low slack and I have found lots of 6.5" -7.5" Dungeness keepers in only 2-3 feet of water 10 feet from the highway, as well as under the eel grass with absolutely no water covering them.  Easy pickn's!

Now I am curious if the same could be found in Newport Bay?  Anyone here have time to take their yak out and paddle a night run through low slack along shore, or in shallows for me and check it out?   I am curious if there are any Dungees or even Red Rocks in the shallows there?   Looking at 3 feet or less of water. 

If so, I may go ahead an talk myself into making a trip down there to night crab with my yak. 

For those that want to actually try the crabbing yourself, you just need a bright flashlight, or headlamp, floating crab basket, and either a crab rake, or crab net to grab them.  And of course the legal stuff like shellfish license, and the crab gauge.  The yak will make covering more water easier than just on foot.   Chest waders, and some kind of souled shoe for walking on the shells will keep you dry. 

Anyone?   

I will try it this summer in Bandon, which is on the south coast. Not a lot of crab in the rivers this time of year because of all the fresh water. It sounds like fun. Do you use a spot light to find them in the dark? Is it legal ?

I have walked Netarts Bay at night during low slack and I have found lots of 6.5" -7.5" Dungeness keepers in only 2-3 feet of water 10 feet from the highway, as well as under the eel grass with absolutely no water covering them.  Easy pickn's!

Now I am curious if the same could be found in Newport Bay?  Anyone here have time to take their yak out and paddle a night run through low slack along shore, or in shallows for me and check it out?   I am curious if there are any Dungees or even Red Rocks in the shallows there?   Looking at 3 feet or less of water. 

If so, I may go ahead an talk myself into making a trip down there to night crab with my yak. 

For those that want to actually try the crabbing yourself, you just need a bright flashlight, or headlamp, floating crab basket, and either a crab rake, or crab net to grab them.  And of course the legal stuff like shellfish license, and the crab gauge.  The yak will make covering more water easier than just on foot.   Chest waders, and some kind of souled shoe for walking on the shells will keep you dry. 

Anyone?   

I wouldn't mind trying that, combined with day of yak fishing off the south side of Yaquina Head. I've got a feeling that spot will be very productive. Lots of Red Rock crab at Newport & if using crab traps, the sea lions are aggressively pesky trap robbers (i've had traps torn open by large bulls). When they pop there head up & bark at me, I have the feeling they're saying "hey hey hey, pick'o'nik basket!"  Haven't tried it at night, but I'm willing.

Sounds like too much fun.  I imagine you would have no trouble at all collecting if you can find the right spot.  I have never crabbed that way, just experienced the same problem with Yogi bears of the deep and my rings. 

Someone should start planning a Newport weekend rendevous.  Before school lets out for summer, maybe a there could be some fishing and crabbing excursions.  The RV park right at the Yaquina Bay marina would put people on the water, or camping at South Beach State Park?   

If you get out on the night prowl, try to take some pics.  Thanks.
-Scott

It is absolutely legal to crab at night.  And no issues with the furry critters either, as you don't need to use traps.  The trick is to go out during low slack in shallow water 2-3 feet deep, or if you're lucky zero water in a good minus tide.  Just wear a quality headlamp, to spot the spiders crawling along the bottom.   The tips of the Dungee's claws are white and they show up really easy.   If you get lucky and have an empty bay due to a minus tide, just walk along slowly and have your light down by your knees.  This shows bumps in the eel grass where the crab are bedded down.  Just walk up, push the eel grass to the side and pick up the Dungee.  Usually not fight.  If it's a female, or undersized male, just put it back down and move on. 

I do this a couple times a year in the summer when the tides are right in netarts bay.  It is a blast.  I  have used everything from headlamps to a propane lantern to a high power spot light connected to a car battery (which is great but heavy and awkward).  I use a 4 prong garden hoe with a extra long handle I added, works great as a wading staff and crab grabber..  I wade and drag the yak behind me with a rope around my waist.  Have done the same with the sled but the yak is perfect.  The right tides and a windless night are very important.  It is also a great time to enjoy a cigar. 

I do this a couple times a year in the summer when the tides are right in netarts bay.  It is a blast.  I  have used everything from headlamps to a propane lantern to a high power spot light connected to a car battery (which is great but heavy and awkward).  I use a 4 prong garden hoe with a extra long handle I added, works great as a wading staff and crab grabber..  I wade and drag the yak behind me with a rope around my waist.  Have done the same with the sled but the yak is perfect.  The right tides and a windless night are very important.  It is also a great time to enjoy a cigar. 

Heck yeah! I might even bring a flask.

You have no idea how much comes alive till the sun goes down. 
I get a kick out of the millions of shore crabs that line the rocks that get exposed at low tide at night.   
Sounds like a zillion little critter feet crawling around. 

This is the headlamp I have been using.  HOLY CRAP it's bright! 
I have to use the low or mid setting or I may set the bay on fire.   

http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=396

This is the headlamp I have been using.  HOLY CRAP it's bright! 
I have to use the low or mid setting or I may set the bay on fire.   

http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=396

A little off subject but thanks for the pointer about the headlamp. Brunton hasn't failed me yet and their stuff I haven't seen is always awesome!

Z

I was hoping someone in the Newport area could paddle a night low slack for me in the next few weeks.  Anyone?   I'll be down at Beverly beach in late March for Spring Break, and may drag my yak down with me.  On a side note, if I do bring it who wants to shadow me in the Salt?   

I was hoping someone in the Newport area could paddle a night low slack for me in the next few weeks.  Anyone?   I'll be down at Beverly beach in late March for Spring Break, and may drag my yak down with me.  On a side note, if I do bring it who wants to shadow me in the Salt?   

I'd be interested in going with you if the ocean conditions allow.

What does the Burton head lamp run for price Zee??? I need a new one!

What does the Burton head lamp run for price Zee??? I need a new one!

L3 3-Watt LED Headlamp

One of the brightest LED headlamps in the world features the first, true 3-watt Luxeon™ LED. Shine bright, white light out to an unprecedented 207 feet for up to 200 hours. Ergonomic battery compartments include four AA batteries, while an optional external C battery pack gives you the ultimate long lasting life when needed.

Price: $152.20

 

I was hoping someone in the Newport area could paddle a night low slack for me in the next few weeks.  Anyone?   I'll be down at Beverly beach in late March for Spring Break, and may drag my yak down with me.  On a side note, if I do bring it who wants to shadow me in the Salt?  

Let me know the dates and I'll see if I can make my way down there. Sounds like fun.  Haven't had much crab lately - just been crabby!

Greg

What does the Burton head lamp run for price Zee??? I need a new one!

L3 3-Watt LED Headlamp

One of the brightest LED headlamps in the world features the first, true 3-watt Luxeon™ LED. Shine bright, white light out to an unprecedented 207 feet for up to 200 hours. Ergonomic battery compartments include four AA batteries, while an optional external C battery pack gives you the ultimate long lasting life when needed.

Price: $152.20

 

$152.20 Where the heck did you find it for that price?  That's nutz!

I've purchased two of these now  from Basegear.com up here in Beaverton (dog ate the first one). 
Both times it was only $89.95 with FREE shipping on orders over $50. 

Smok'n deal, and fast shipping to boot!

This light is freaking bright!