It has been said severally by a lot of people that mornings are the best time for crabbing, especially when it come to Dungeness.
But is there really any truth to that?
Personally, I have spent a lot of early mornings on the shore hoping to catch a large amount of crabs all because of this information, however, I have learned a few things that might surprise you.
While mornings can indeed have their advantages, its not the only time you can catch crabs successfully.
This has to do with most crabs by the way, not just Dungeness crabs.
In this post, I’ll explain why mornings can work in your favor and whether they are truly the best time for Dungeness crabbing.
Let’s go into what you need to know to make the most of your next crabbing trip.
Are Mornings Better For Dungeness Crabbing?
While the answer to this question is yes, mornings are better for Dungeness crabbing.
However, mornings are not the only fine you can catch a lovely batch of crabs, there are other times when you can also catch a significant amount of crabs successfully.
1. Morning High Tide + Active Crabs
One of the reasons mornings tend to be a great time for Dungeness crabbing is the tide.
Crabs are most active around high tide, and if you time it right, morning high tide can be perfect.
I have found that crabs move into shallower waters during this time, making them easier to catch from the shore.
It doesn’t hurt that there’s less human activity early in the day, which keeps the crabs from getting scared off.
On days when the tide lines up with sunrise, I make sure to set my traps just as the sun comes up.
It’s peaceful, and I usually see a better amount compared to later in the day.
You don’t have to be out there at the crack of dawn every time, but when you combine a morning high tide with calm waters, you are giving yourself a solid chance for a good catch.
Read: What Is The Best Tides For Crabbing?
2. Cooler Temperatures, More Activity
Another thing I have noticed about crabbing in the morning is that cooler temperatures seem to bring out more crabs.
Dungeness crabs tend to be more active in cooler water, and mornings generally offer that ideal temperature before the sun gets things hot.
I have seen this firsthand, when I go crabbing in the late afternoon, I notice the crabs are often slow and less likely to wander into my traps.
That said, you don’t need freezing temperatures for success.
Even on warmer days, the early hours before noon tend to be more productive because the water hasn’t gotten hot too much yet.
I always bring a light jacket and some coffee, knowing that the morning cool is working in my favor.
3. Fewer Crowds, Better Spots
Crabbing in the morning also means fewer people at the shore.
If you have ever gone crabbing in the afternoon, you know how packed the popular spots can get.
In the morning, you have your pick of locations without the competition.
I like getting to my favorite spot early, setting up my traps, and enjoying the quiet.
It’s a much more relaxed experience, and I feel like I have a better chance of catching crabs without the extra movement of other peoples feet.
There’s something about having the beach to yourself that makes the entire process more enjoyable, and that alone is a reason to step out in the morning if you can.
4. Evening Crabbing as a Backup
While mornings have their advantages, I have also had success crabbing in the evening.
Sometimes the tide and weather conditions make later in the day just as productive.
The important thing is to pay attention to the tides and go when crabs are likely to be active.
If mornings don’t work with your schedule, evenings can be a great replacement, especially if the tide is right.
That said, I gave found that the cooler air and less crowded shores in the morning usually give me better results overall.
But crabbing isn’t an exact science, it’s about finding what works best for you.
Important Gears To Have For Dungeness Crabbing
To make your morning crabbing experience even better, having the right gear is important.
Here are two products that I have personally found helpful, and both get the job done beautifully:
1. KUFA Casting Crab Trap
One tool I never leave home without is my KUFA Casting Crab Trap.
It’s lightweight, easy to cast from the shore, and durable enough to handle the rocky environments where Dungeness crabs love to hang out.
I have been using this trap for a while now, and it’s always pulled in good sized crabs without any issues.
It folds flat, so I can carry it along without taking up too much space, which is a huge plus when I’m packing up for a morning crabbing trip, and it’s a great equipment for both beginners and professional crabbers.
2. Promar Bait Cage with Snap Closure
Another item that’s made my crabbing more efficient is the Promar Bait Cage with Snap Closure.
Keeping your bait secure and in place is important, and this bait cage does the job perfectly.
It’s simple but effective, with a secure snap closure that makes it easy to reload bait without messing around too much.
I have found that using a bait cage helps keep the crabs focused on the trap, increasing my catch rate.
This one is also a must have, and it’s a small but impactful addition to your crabbing setup.
Both of these products have made a big difference in my shore crabbing, and they are easy to get your hands on.
With the right gear in place, those early morning crabbing sessions will feel even more productive, enjoyable, and rewarding.
Conclusion
Yes, mornings do offer a lot of advantages for Dungeness crabbing, cooler temperatures, active crabs, and fewer crowds make it worth setting the alarm a little earlier.
But remember, crabbing isn’t an exact science.
Whether you head out at sunrise or try your luck in the evening, timing it with the tides and using the right gear will make all the difference.
The traps and bait cage I mentioned have definitely helped me get better results, and I’m sure they’ll do the same for you.
So, if you are ready to catch more crabs and enjoy some peaceful time on the shore, give morning crabbing a try.
Happy crabbing, and here’s to your next successful crabbing session.
