The weather is getting nicer, the kids are out of school, and the news from the state keeps getting better.
If you haven’t gotten the bug to get outdoors, then the upcoming events should be more than enough to prompt you to get out, and soon.
The word that many of us have been waiting for finally came.
As of the June 7, the local waters around Oak Harbor have opened for crabbing. Unlike last year, the season will be open seven days a week.
Biologists have determined that shell conditions will allow the harvest of both species of crabs. Be sure to check the regulations for current bag, sex and size limits.
With the season being so new there are many areas that should be a good place to start. One of the most popular will be the waters around Crescent Harbor. Many people will be plying those waters in search of the tasty crustacean. I try to find depths around 25-50 feet of water. A sand bottom with eelgrass around is what to look for. Set your traps and wait at least 15 minutes before pulling.
Don’t limit yourself to just Crescent Harbor, but search the areas all around Polnell and Maylor points. Further south, the entrance to Holmes Harbor has been another productive spot for me.
If the weather is good and the tides are not too bad, Cornet Bay is worth a try. Launch at the public pier and start at about the third piling out. If you can, stay out of the passage and look around the areas of Ben Ure Island. If you are going out in a boat, be sure that every passenger on board has a personal floatation device and have a throwable one as well. Also be sure to file a float plan so people will know when you should be back and where to look if you fail to return.
Do not despair if you don’t have a boat. With the opener, the pier at Cornet Bay will be packed, but if you can get there early, it is a great place to try.
Wading is another option for taking crabs. Some people brave the cold waters, while other put waders on and slowly walk the eelgrass flats. Usually you have a stick in one hand and a net in the other. Sunny days and polarized glasses help. Slowly wade while scanning the bottom. You will see just a portion of the crab’s upper shell in a little depression. Use the stick to flip the crab, and quickly scoop it with the net. This takes practice and make sure you have a mesh bag handy to keep your catch.
One good place to try this is around Ala Spit. If you have never tried wading, give it a shot, you may be surprised how much fun it is.
Maylor Point re-opens To Military
Another bit of good news is the relaxation of restrictions to Maylor Point for the harvest of shellfish.
Since the events of last year, the highly productive beaches around the base housing area have been closed to the harvest of shellfish. It is the intent of the Navy to start to allow a limited amount of people to once again use this area.
It must be stressed that the area is not open to the general public, but holders of a valid military I.D. can once again use the area. This includes active duty and their dependents, retired military, and Department of Defense employees with valid vehicle stickers.
I know this does not help those of us not associated with the military, but for those who are, this is a great place to go in search of clams and mussels. These beaches have not been harvested for over nine months so there should be some very good crabbing and mussel collecting.
You cannot ask for much more right now. Our beautiful weather is making living here a joy, and now that we can once again go after some crabs, get out and enjoy. It is not too far away from the gray days of fall.
