No trip to the Adventure Coast is complete without Dungeness crab, and the best crab are always the ones you bring up yourself from the waters of lower Coos Bay. Rent or buy a crab ring and try your luck; the payoff will be a fresh crab feast you’ll always remember. And you’ll keep coming back for more.
Here are a few tips we want to share from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Be sure to read their instructional flyer How to Crab for important details.
Lower Coos Bay - Map
The lower bay (from ocean entrance to the airport) is “marine dominated”, meaning there is little freshwater influence, and offers some of Oregon’s most productive shellfishing opportunities.
Charleston Area - Map
Dock crabbing is available throughout the commercial docks in Charleston. Additionally, the Charleston Visitor Center and the T-docks South of the bridge provide excellent dock crabbing.
Rental crab rings are available at many RV parks and other lodging facilities, and tackle and marine supply stores often rent and sell rings. Here’s a short list of some locations:
Basin Tackle Shop
63510 Kingfisher Road, Charleston, OR 97420
(541) 888-FISH
Open Mon-Sat 8am-5pm; Sun 8am-Noon
www.basintackle.com
Davey Jones Locker
Cape Arago Highway & Boat Basin Road
Charleston, OR 97420
(541) 888-3941
Clamming
Oregon’s Adventure Coast is not just known for great crabbing, but excellent clamming and fishing as well. It’s relatively easy and the reward is a tasty treat best served in chowder, steamed or fried. Learn more about Clamming on Oregon’s Adventure Coast »
World-Class Fishing
Fishing opportunities are in no short supply here. There are fish for every season and an endless choice of prime fishing spots to select from.Visit our Fishing page for information on charters and more! »