A Day on a Dungeness Crab Boat in Puget Sound – Catch, Cook & Crabbing Spots in WA
From Pot to Plate: A Day of Dungeness Crabbing in Puget Sound
It’s still dark out when the small commercial crab boat leaves the dock in Commencement Bay, near Tacoma, Washington. The only lights are from headlamps, deck gear, and reflections on the still water. Within an hour, the sun peeks over the Olympic Mountains as the first Dungeness crab pots splash into the Sound.
This isn’t a tourist charter. It’s real life — gritty, cold, physical, and honest. And for the crew onboard, it’s not just about catching seafood. It’s about continuing a tradition that feeds families and communities across the Pacific Northwest.
In this post, we take you aboard for a full day of Dungeness crab fishing, explain why these crabs are so highly prized, and share expert tips for cooking and handling live crab at home. We’ll also reveal some of the best local crabbing spots in Washington if you’re ready to try it yourself.
🦀 What Is Dungeness Crab and Why Is It So Popular?
Dungeness crab is one of the most popular shellfish in the U.S., and for good reason:
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Sweet, tender meat that flakes beautifully
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Large size with a meaty body and claws
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Wild-caught, never farmed
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Sustainably managed on the West Coast
Named after the town of Dungeness, WA, these crabs are harvested from California to Alaska. Washington, especially Puget Sound, remains one of the top harvest zones for both recreational and commercial boats.
🛒 You can order premium wild-caught Dungeness crab online:
🎥 The Crab Fishing Experience – A Day on the Water
Morning Pot Drops
As the sun rises, pots are baited with herring or squid, then stacked and dropped with precision over gravel or sandy seafloors where Dungeness are known to crawl.
The GPS marks the coordinates — this is precision work, and the tide waits for no one.
Hauling Gear
After hours soaking, pots are pulled in with hydraulic haulers. Each one weighs 60–100 pounds when full. The real challenge? Doing it dozens of times in a row.
The camera captures the rhythm — toss, pull, sort. The boat rocks. Gloves get wet. Crabs scramble across the deck. The crew sorts legal-size crabs, measuring against the state gauge and tossing back anything too small or female.
Sorting and Icing
Legal male crabs go into seawater tanks or directly onto ice to keep them fresh and alive. By midday, the boat turns back toward the marina with hundreds of pounds of wild Dungeness crab — all caught in a few hours of fast, freezing labor.
Watch the full experience in 4K drone and onboard footage on YouTube.
🍽️ How to Handle & Cook Live Dungeness Crab at Home
Once your live crab arrives, either from your own catch or a fresh seafood shipment, handling it right ensures safety and flavor.
Steps to Cook Live Crab:
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Chill the crab in the freezer or on ice for 15–20 minutes to calm it.
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Boil water in a large pot with a generous pinch of salt (like seawater).
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Drop the crab in headfirst, cover, and cook:
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1.5 to 2 lbs: boil for 15–18 minutes
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Adjust for larger sizes
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Remove, cool, and clean: remove the shell, gills, and internal organs.
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Serve with butter, garlic, or citrus — or use in crab cakes, pasta, or sushi.
🧑🍳 Want the easiest option? Try pre-cleaned, cooked meat like Dungeness Crab Merus Meat or jumbo clusters.
📍 Best Places to Go Crabbing in Washington State
Want to catch your own crab? Washington offers excellent shore and boat-based crabbing, especially in late summer and early winter when the season is open.
Top Crabbing Locations:
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Westport Jetty or Marina
One of the best pier-accessible crabbing spots. Drop pots from the jetty or rent a small boat. -
Port Townsend Bay
Known for solid recreational hauls during open season. Use a small boat for best access. -
Sequim Bay State Park
Quiet, accessible spot with good shore-based crabbing during tides. -
Hood Canal (near Potlatch)
Some of the richest waters for Dungeness crab, especially around Seal Rock and Lilliwaup. -
Commencement Bay (Tacoma)
A historic crabbing area — and where today’s featured boat operates.
🦀 Always check WDFW (Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife) for season dates, license rules, and daily catch limits.
💬 FAQs About Dungeness Crab Fishing & Cooking
1. When is crab season in Washington?
The recreational season typically runs July–September and again in winter. Commercial seasons may differ.
2. Can I eat the yellow “crab butter” inside?
Yes, but it’s rich in fat and some people avoid it due to toxins. It's safe if sourced from clean waters.
3. How long does live crab stay fresh after delivery?
Ideally cook it the same day. If kept on ice, it may stay alive and safe for up to 24 hours.
4. Is Dungeness crab better than snow crab or king crab?
It’s different. Dungeness has sweeter, softer meat, while king crab is firmer and richer. Try both!
5. What’s the easiest way to clean a cooked crab?
Twist off the top shell, remove gills and guts, then crack the body and legs for meat. Watch our how-to video on YouTube.
Conclusion: Salt, Steel, and Sweet Crab
Dungeness crabbing isn’t just a seafood business — it’s a lifestyle carved into the tides of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re on the boat or just bringing home the catch, every crab has a story behind it: one of early mornings, salty hands, and careful work.
🛒 Ready to bring wild Washington crab to your kitchen?
👉 Shop Live & Frozen Dungeness Crab at Global Seafoods
🎥 Watch the full day on the water, filmed in 4K:
👉 Global Seafoods YouTube Channel
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