The Oregon Coast is famous for its Dungeness Crab. It is great fun to grab your crab traps and head to the docks at Windy Bay (Winchester Bay) or Charleston outside of Coos Bay for a day of catching crabs. Sooooo yummy, we have spent many happy family times crabbin’ on the coast (https://umpquariverhaven.com/2015/09/26/lets-go-fishin-7/) You can crack and cook your own, or, you can spend a few extra bucks and have someone there do it for you. The latter is a lot easier, I can tell you, and worth the price.  All you have to do is take them home and enjoy! Hint:  Be sure and wrap the shell leavings well as they get smelly in the trash!

Crab fishing is serious business for the commercial Mariners who make a living fishing on the Oregon Coast. This year’s crab season has been delayed due to weather and price negotiations. But, the boats have headed out to sea now and the pots are in the water. Price negotiations are in, however, the exact pricing isn’t known. Not until they bring in the first catch will the price be available to us.

The good news is that they are out fishing and will provide local businesses with delicious Dungeness once again. We can attest to the yumminess of Dungeness! If you can’t catch your own, it’s good to know the Mariners are out there braving the elements to catch them for you.

And brave the elements they are. Right now they are hurrying to fish their catch before the next big storm moves in. The storms come in on a regular basis in the winter and produce some of the most spectacular happenings that Mother Nature can provide. Our friend, Deborah Heldt Cordone, has filmed a very stormy day on the Oregon Coast at Florence (January 18, 2018). The elements don’t always allow for fishing. We thought you would enjoy watching Deb’s video below. Storm watching on the Oregon Coast is a winter activity you can partake in when you are here visiting www.umpquahaven.com! But watch from a distance as these storms are very hazardous, not just to the fishing boats, but to anyone near the water.

It should be noted that Ms. Cordone is a Coast Guard Auxiliarist working with active-duty personnel to obtain this footage and safety precautions were taken. The public was warned to stay off the jetties, coastal rocks and beaches during storms and high surf conditions. Mariners should always take special precautions and be aware of conditions related to weather and going out to sea.

Thanks, Deb, for sharing this video and for your input!!  Here’s the youtube link also:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPNn3LHtbxg