Well, we’ve come a long way since the time my son Ben and I dropped our first crab pot into the waters of Hood Canal WA.

If you’re already familiar with the story, you’ll know that the Summer after we moved here, we were desperate for crab! So we bought a ‘cheapie charlie’ 2-man inflatable boat from Wally-Mart, loaded it up with crabbin’ goodies, and launched out of Seal Rock Campground, just north of Brinnon.

Needless to say, it was a comedy of errors! But the upside was that we learned all the things NOT to do next time, as well as what ‘correct’ gear was necessary.

Obviously, the most basic thing we needed was a decent boat. Thanks to a really generous old-timer over in East Bremerton, we bought our 1985 C-Dory Angler, the perfect little utility boat.

The next thing was figuring out what crabbing rig was most effective.

In  the past, your best bet for crabbin’ gear was the Sportsman’s Warehouse in Silverdale. Unfortunately, they filed for bankruptcy earlier this year and sold 15 of their stores, including 7 in WA State, to UFA Cooperative in Alberta, Canada. It’s unclear if UFA plans to continue stocking crabbing gear and at what discounts.

I have always purchased the less expensive Danielson 24″ Folding Crab Trap. It retails for just under $30 and lasts about 3 or 4 seasons. A more durable stainless steel version will easily run $80 per trap.

In my next installment, I’ll give you some possible resources where you can purchase your crabbing gear in the Puget Sound area.

Happy Crabbing!…

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No sweat, this is the Pacific Northwest! We always have an abundance of yummy foodstuff hanging around the waters of Hood Canal. For this occasion, I thought a big pot of freshly steamed native Littleneck Clams would fit the bill nicely.

Fortunately, we have a number of easily accessible beaches in which to find our delicious bounty.

First thing, you’ll want to select which beach you plan to dig at. The WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife has a nice mapping program that identifies area beaches and their relevant regulations. Be mindful of the appropriate ‘season’ or time of year that each beach is open and clamming is allowed. Also be aware of beaches that are closed due to health concerns.

Second, check your local tide schedule. The best clamming is always during low tide, preferably a minus tide. I use the tide tables at SaltwaterTides.com. Just scroll down to the specific area within the Puget Sound, then enter the particular date you’re going to go dig. I usually try to get out to the beach about an hour before the peak of low tide.

Personally I prefer the Littleneck Clams. They steam up easily and taste incredible dipped in drawn butter. When you steam your clams, throw in some butter, parsley, chopped garlic, and white wine. The broth is almost as good as the clams!

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com and SOUNDBITEBLOG, or email at rich@windermere.com

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