Can you catch crabs while visiting Ketchikan?

Yes, you can catch crabs while visiting Ketchikan. First and foremost crabbing in Ketchikan is a fun and adventurous experience for all members of the family. For example, the Ketchikan Crab Tour offers crabbing tours combined with whale watching, wildlife viewing, fishing and eagles. A complete Alaska tour experience that’s on top of everyone’s list of things to do in Ketchikan.

What Kind Of Crabs Can You Catch In Ketchikan, Alaska

The main types of crab you can catch in Ketchikan, Alaska are dungeness crabs and red rock crabs. Both species of crabs are caught in a similar manner by using crab pots baited with fresh bait bags. By allowing said crab pots to soak in prime crab habitats you’re able to pull in both species of crab with a one to three hour soak. Using expert knowledge by experienced captains on the Ketchikan Crab Tour you’ll be pulling in both dungeness crabs and red rock crabs by the dozens! Enjoy catching and the entirety of the experience crabbing in Alaska. 

How To Catch Crabs While Visiting Ketchikan

 

The first step to catch crabs while visiting Ketchikan is to find a tour that provides professional captains and top notch equipment. For these factors prove invaluable in finding success while crabbing. Secondly, you’ll mark each pot with the name, address, and boat registration numbers on the buoy. Next, you’ll clip the bait bags inside the crab pot using herring, cod or salmon for bait. Next, it’s time to drop each pot in the preferred area. Captains will know right where to go so take the guidance from them on where to set each pot. 

 

After dropping each carb pot in the desired areas it’s time to go fishing as you let the crabs seek out your fresh bait scented crab pots. Typically anywhere from 1-3 hours provides adequate time for the crabs to crawl into each pot. When it’s time to check each pot you can snag the buoy line with a gaff to grab a hold of the crab pot line. Now for the last and final step to crabbing in Ketchikan. Pull up each pot and discover the treasurers that crawled inside. How many crabs are in each pot? How many crabs are female vs male? Are there any unique species inside like starfish, rock crab or octopus? These are the fun questions that the crew can wager on as each pot reveals what’s inside. It makes it fun and suspenseful.

Visiting Ketchikan Alaska On A Cruise Ship: Is Ketchikan Crab Tour A Good Excursion For Families?

Yes, Ketchikan Crab Tour is a great excursion for families! First off, Ketchikan Crab Tour meets you at your cruise ship and drops you back off at the cruise ship. Secondly, you’ll have five tours provided in one private and exclusive tour meant for your closest family and friends. Enjoy whale watching, wildlife viewing, crabbing, fishing and eagle feeding. 

Additionally, Ketchikan Crab Tour promotes local history and culture with a guided narrative to inform you all about the Alaskan heritage. Learn about indigenous cultures and see Totem Poles right from the boat! Furthermore, the entire tour takes place in calm waters where everyone can enjoy the tour without getting seasick. This is a huge plus for families going out on an ocean going Alaska adventure. Skip the crowds, rough water and boring tours and book this one of a kind all in one experience. 

What Do We Do With The Crab We Catch?

All crabs caught on the Ketchikan crab tour are released safely after photo opportunities. Each member of the group will have the opportunity to hold their crabs and take plenty of pictures throughout to document their experience. Due to the fact that Ketchikan’s local fish processors lack the procedures to process and ship crabs there will not be an option to retain crabs caught. 

Nonetheless frozen crabs diminish the quality exponentially when processed, frozen and shipped. Resulting in subpar quality and a product that lacks good taste. For these reasons, Ketchikan Crab Tour promotes catch and release and makes it all about the wonderful experience for families visiting Ketchikan. 

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