One of our greatest seafood bounties in Puget Sound is Dungeness Crab. Ever since I was a little kid, those days of pulling up crab pots, sorting and measuring Dungeness Crab, and of course… enjoying the bounty by way of a family crab feast, has been a great highlight to our Puget Sound summers. If you are looking to get involved in this great Washington pass-time, check out our gear recommendations. Many of our local fishing stores have a great selection of Puget Sound specific crab gear, but we have included a few links if you prefer to buy online. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for a few of our favorite Riptidefish articles on crabbing in Puget Sound. And good luck this summer!
Puget Sound Crab Pots
SMI Heavy Duty Rubber Wrap Crab Pot
Beau Mac/SMI produced a real winner with their commercial style, stainless, heavy duty crab pot. With a heavy gauge frame, these pots shouldn’t require any additional weights, and by wrapping with rubber and using a quality stainless cage material, these are built to last.
SMI Heavy Duty Crab Pot on Bass Pro
SMI 4-Door Octagon Crab Pot
For a fixed crab pot, the Beau Mac/SMI Octagon Crab Pot is a great option. Built in central bait cage, large holding area, and wide entry doors with a ramp. Great for anyone looking for a larger crab pot for their boat.
SMI Octagon Crab Pot on Bass Pro
SMI 4-Door Collapsible Crab Trap
I am currently using the SMI Folding Traps on my boat. They are affordable, easy to store and very durable. Most importantly, they are really effective!
SMI Collapsible Crab Trap on Bass Pro
Kufa Collapsible Crab Trap Kit
If you are looking for easy storage, these collapsible traps are perfect! This kit comes with all the gear you need to head out and enjoy a day of crabbing in Puget Sound. Buy these, pick up your crabbing license and some bait and you are ready to haul in some fresh Dungeness Crab!
Kufa Collapsible Crab Trap Kits on Amazon
Crab Rings for the Pier or Boat
Kufa Crab Ring
I’m a big fan of this crab ring because it has heavier gauge rings that are going to help anchor it to the bottom and not skid with the currents. Great for quick soaks from the boat or crabbing off of any of Puget Sound’s public fishing piers and docks.
Kufa Crab Ring with 50′ of Line on Amazon
Shore Crabbing Equipment
AirFly Crab Snare
If you are shore-bound and looking for a way to haul in Dungeness Crab from the beach, this AirFly Crab Snare is a proven setup. Attach to a heavy fishing rod and cast away!
AirFly Custom Crab Snare on Amazon
AirFly Folding Crab Snare
This snare lays flat on the seafloor and folds around the crab when you start to reel in it in. Another great option if you want to catch Dungenes Crab with a rod and reel.
AirFly Folding Crab Snare on Amazon
Other Crabbing Essentials
Crab Pot Buoy – Red/White Float
One Red and White float is a legal requirement for each crab pot in Washington State. Pick up one per setup and make sure you write your name, address and phone number on each buoy to be compliant with Washington State shellfishing rules.
Crab Pot Float on the Riptidefish Online Store
Lead Core Crab Trap Line
A crabbing line with a leaded core will sink all the excess and keep it safe from boat props. Usually a 100′ shot of leaded line is what you will need, but for deep crabbing, check out a 200′ shot.
100′ Coil of Leaded Rope on the Riptidefish Online Store
Crab Pot Harness
The crab harness is attached to your trap/pot/ring and allows you to ensure that your gear is level when you pull it up. It is an essential piece of your crab rigging.
Beau Mac Crab Pot Harnesses on the Riptidefish Online Store
Crabbing Bait Box
If your crab pot does not include a built in bait container, you will definitely need one of these. Toss in a turkey leg, raw chicken, herring, squid, or whatever is your favorite crab bait!
Bait Boxes on the Riptidefish Online Store
Crab Measuring Device for Puget Sound
Puget Sound has regulations the size of Dungeness Crab that you can keep. Avoid keeping an illegal sized crab with this measuring gauge.
Crab Measuring Devices on the Riptidefish Online Store
Puget Sound Crabbing Bait Additives
Pro-Cure 1/2 Gallon Crab and Shrimp Attractant
Fresh crab bait is always best. Whether you are using turkey legs, herring, fish carcasses, squid, raw chicken or anything else, marinade your crab bait in a liquid attractant the night before for a mega scent trail that draws in Dungeness from a larger area.
Pro-Cure 1/2 Gallon Attractant on Amazon
Pro-Cure 16 Ounce Crab and Shrimp Attractant
Same formula as the 1/2 Gallon, but if you only plan on crabbing once or twice, this smaller size is perfect! You will definitely have the advantage by soaking your baits in this awesome attractant!
Pro-Cure 16 Ounce Attractant on Amazon
Helpful Riptidefish Posts for Crabbing in Puget Sound
We have put up a few really informative posts over the years on Puget Sound Dungeness Crabbing, check them out to learn more about this great fishery!
- Puget Sound Crabbing – The Ultimate Guide
- Crab Trap Rigging and Setup
- How to Cook Dungeness Crab like a Professional Chef
- 2021 Puget Sound Crab Season