Crabbing in Westport Washington: Our Favorite Dungeness Spot on the Washington Coast

Discover crabbing in Westport, Washington, for Dungeness crab, family fun, coastal stays, seafood spots, and top Washington coast activities.

WASHINGTON TRAVEL

Get Outside and Play USA

2/20/20265 min read

If you’ve ever dreamed of pulling up a crab pot heavy with fresh Dungeness crab while the Pacific wind whips through your hair, let me introduce you to our special place — Westport, Washington.

Me and Jason absolutely love crabbing in Westport. It’s more than just a fishing trip for us — it’s memories, salt air, windburned cheeks, and that moment years ago when I was freezing on the dock and he took off his jacket, wrapped it around me, and then wrapped his arms around me to keep me warm. My heart melted right there on the Washington pier. Since then, Westport has been our spot. But if you’re here for the real reason — how to catch Dungeness crab in Westport Washington — let’s dive in.

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Why Westport is One of the Best Crabbing Spots in Washington State

Located on the southern Washington coast in Westport, Westport sits where Grays Harbor meets the Pacific Ocean. That mix of tidal movement, nutrient-rich water, and protected harbor creates an ideal habitat for:

🦀 Dungeness crab
🦀 Red Rock crab
🐟 Bottom fish
🐟 Salmon (seasonal)
🐟 Lingcod

It’s one of the most reliable coastal crabbing destinations in Washington State.

Best Months for Dungeness Crab in Washington

Locals will tell you: The best crabbing months are the ones ending in “R.”

That typically means:

September
October
November
December

Fall crabbing on the Washington coast is prime time. The crabs are fuller, meatier, and absolutely worth the effort. That said?
We go year-round. Sunny days, pounding wind, sideways rain — we’re out there. Because that’s what you do when you love it.

How We Crab in Westport

Here’s our simple but effective system:

1️⃣ Set the Crab Pots

We bait our crab pots and drop them in strategic harbor spots. Tidal movement matters here — crabs move with the current, so placement is key.

2️⃣ Pole Crabbing from the Pier

After setting pots, we head to the Westport Marina fishing pier and crab fish with poles while we wait. That's Jason casting out and I was lucky enough to get that magical pink bait splatter in my eye while trying to capture a perfect photo moment! Not Good! But for the most part, It keeps things active and fun — especially for kids.

3️⃣ The Secret Bait

Jason swears by his “secret pink chicken bait.” It works. Too well sometimes. We get a lot of dirty looks on the pier ha-ha, but we've met some very nice people too, asking what our secret is. The pots are usually so full that crabs are hanging on to the outside of the trap with everything they've got. He has to reel them in himself because I struggle lifting them. That’s how heavy they get. The crabs love it so much… I literally wrote a children’s book about it. I will include the link.

What You Can Catch

🦀 Dungeness Crab

The star of the show. Sweet, tender, and a Pacific Northwest favorite.

🦀 Red Rock Crab

Smaller but strong and flavorful. Great for crab cakes and bisque. ( Watch your fingers with these!)

Always check current Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife regulations for:

Size limits
Daily catch limits
Marine area closures

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Family-Friendly Things to Do in Westport

Westport is perfect for a family-friendly coastal getaway.

Beach Exploring

Wide sandy beaches. Driftwood forts. Razor clam digging when in season. Kids can run for miles.

Jetty Walks

The Westport Jetty is amazing for exploring tide pools and watching waves crash. You are guaranteed to see tons of beautiful starfish.

Visit the Grays Harbor Lighthouse

One of the tallest lighthouses in Washington. Climb to the top for incredible coastal views.

Charter Fishing Trips

For older kids and adventurous families, deep-sea fishing charters run right out of the marina.

Marina Strolls

We love walking the docks, watching fishing boats come and go. It’s peaceful, simple, and real.

There is also tons of gift shops with ice-cream and other treats down the main street of the marina.

Best Seafood Restaurants in Westport

After a long crabbing day, nothing beats fresh seafood.

Bennett’s Fish Shack

Bennett’s Fish Shack
Casual, family-friendly, and famous for fish and chips. Perfect after a windy day on the dock. They use a beer batter that's so delicious.

Merino's Seafood Market

Fresh seafood market and eatery. Grab chowder, crab cocktails, or take fresh seafood home. They use a light breading on their fish that's amazing!

I still can't decide who has the better chowder. Both are local staples and part of what makes Westport feel like home.

Where to Stay in Westport

Whether you’re planning a crabbing weekend or full coastal vacation, here are great options:

Westport Marina Area Hotels

Stay close to the docks so you can check your pots easily.

Beachfront Rentals

Oceanfront cabins and vacation homes are perfect for families.

RV Parks & Campgrounds

If you’re rolling with the RV lifestyle (which we love), Westport has multiple full-hookup options near the marina and beach.

Search terms that will help you find options:

“Westport WA beachfront vacation rentals”
“Westport Washington RV parks near marina”
“Family-friendly hotels in Westport WA”

Crabbing Tips for Beginners

If you’re new to crabbing in Washington State:

✔ Get a valid Washington shellfish license
✔ Label your crab pots properly ( use a sharpie )
✔ Bring a crab gauge
✔ Check tides before heading out
✔ Bring gloves (trust me)
✔ Dress in layers — Westport wind is no joke

Westport, Wa Photo Bundle

Why Westport Will Always Be Our Spot

Westport isn’t flashy. It isn’t polished. It’s salty, windy, hardworking, and real. It’s where crab pots slam against docks.
Where kids squeal when the first crab crawls up from the deep. Where windburn and salt exfoliation turns into laughter. It’s where I learned that love is warmth. And it's where at the end of the day you thank God for your bounty, and like Jason does, pass the leftover bait to someone who desperately needs it.

If you’re looking for:

Best crabbing in Washington State
Dungeness crab in Westport WA
Family-friendly coastal towns in Washington
Washington coast weekend getaway ideas
Things to do in Westport with kids

Put Westport on your list. Set the pots. Walk the pier. Order the chowder.

And maybe — just maybe — you’ll find your spot too.

Westport, WA Crabbing Gear List

Everything You Need for Dungeness Crabbing on the Washington Coast

Crab Traps & Pots

Castable Crab Trap (great for pier and dock crabbing)
Folding Crab Trap with Rope
Heavy-Duty Dungeness Crab Pot
Crab Snare (for rod & reel crabbing)

Rope & Buoy Setup (Required in Washington)

Weighted Crab Pot Rope (lead core recommended)
Red & White Crab Buoy Float
Crab Pot Rigging Kit (rope + buoy combo)
Permanent Marker (to label buoy with name & address)

Bait & Bait Holders

Crab Bait Cage
Crab Bait Bags (mesh style)
Crab & Shrimp Attractant
Raw Chicken / Fish Heads / Turkey Legs / Clams- Hint: ( The rottener, the better)