Preparing Fresh Oregon Dungeness Crab

Preparing Fresh Oregon Dungeness Crab

by | Oct 27, 2020 | Blogs

Preparing Fresh Oregon Dungeness Crab

Everyone knows seafood taste best when they’re cooked fresh. However, simply being fresh isn’t enough to warrant for a great meal if you don’t know how to properly prepare it. So, if you get your hands on an Oregon crab, how can you shell and cook it? How can you ensure you’re preparing the Dungeness crab well enough?

First, you need to know facts about the Dungeness crab. They’re a common type of crab that happens to be good for your health. They have low fat content yet pack a lot of protein, and they also contain helpful minerals, such as selenium and zinc.

Second, you need to understand how they taste like. It tastes similar to other crab species, where the general flavors that come out of it are mild yet sweet, nutty, and salty. It features tender meat as well, with the exception of its legs having a firmer texture.

You can shell and cook the Oregon Dungeness crab by boiling or steaming it, making crab cakes and dips, out of it, or adding it in pastas, soups, and salads.

 

How to Cook Fresh Crab

Preparing a fresh Oregon Dungeness crab is simple. For the initial phase, all you need is a pot, some salt, and water. Mix the salt and water in your pot, and wait for it to boil. As soon as it boils, add the live crab inside. Then, boil it for some minutes. The length of the crab’s boiling time will depend on its weight. For every pound, 8 minutes of heating time needs to be allotted in cooking the crab.

A surefire way to know your seafood is done will be to look at its color. Once its shell turns bright orange, that means it’s been heated well enough and ready to be eaten.

How to Clean Boiled Crab

Once the Dungeness crab is done with the first phase of cooking, run it under cool water or soak it in cold water. You can immediately crack the crab’s shell afterwards, or place it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat it. If you opt for the latter, you can choose to serve it chilled or heat it up by steaming it before serving it.

If you’re serving it without shelling it first, be sure to remove the Dungeness crab’s innards and gills first. To do this, start by removing the crab’s back. Separate the crab’s back by holding onto its base with one hand and then pulling off its shell by prying it with your thumb. Note that you need to position your thumb on the middle of the shell.

Once you see the gills, remove them using your thumb or something firm enough. Then, place the crab under running water to remove its innards.

How to Shell Dungeness Crab

Cracking Dungeness crab is easy. First, twist off its legs on the part connected to the body. You’ll notice that it has pincers, and of course, they’re not edible, so simply remove those. Then, snap the crab’s large claws into two, and crack it. You can use a mallet or a nut cracker, or be creative and invent your own shell-breaker.

When you’re done with the big claws, turn your attention to the next largest piece of the crab. Those will be the leg joints. You have three choices for this part. First, you can use a mallet or a nutcracker to access the juicy meat inside this part. Second, you can decide on sucking the meat out. Third, you can pluck the meat using a fork.

Shelling the other leg parts of the Dungeness crab requires you to repeat the same process mentioned above. Likewise, you can just snap the smaller leg joints with your fingers and then suck or pick the meat out.

Lastly, breaking the crab’s body needs you to firmly grip its body with both hands and then snap it. You can then choose between repeatedly striking the crab with a mallet or something firm enough to get access to its meat, or plucking the meat with your fingers.

How to Store Cooked Crab

If you didn’t eat your freshly-prepared crab as your cracked it, you’ll need to know how to properly store it for later consumption. The best place to store cooked crab is in the refrigerator. However, make sure the crab is thoroughly covered. Likewise, remember to store it in a good container if you plan on keeping it for a few days, and ensure that no air enters the container by wrapping it in a plastic wrap or some foil.

How to Catch Oregon Crabs

There are plenty of ways to catch Dungeness crabs, but the most common instrument used are crab pots. If you want to learn more or have people guide you into catching Oregon crabs, you can contact a charter like the Newport, Oregon Fishing Charter for support.

Alternatively, you can check out some of our pages for helpful videos and articles. You can also contact us if you’re unsure about something, or figure out more information about us.

Our goal is to make fishing fun for everyone. That includes giving you tips on preparing Oregon Dungeness crab, catching different fish species, and connecting you with the best guided fishing services in the Pacific Northwest. 

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Why Charter an Experienced Fishing Guide on Newport, Oregon

Why Charter an Experienced Fishing Guide on Newport, Oregon

by | Oct 13, 2020 | Blogs

Why Charter an Experienced Fishing Guide in Newport, Oregon

Newport, Oregon is one of the best places for a fishing adventure. You can encounter a variety of fish there, especially if you opt for a deep sea fishing session. However, merely entering Newport to trawl without much knowledge of the place or experience in angling may prove itself to be unfruitful.

So, what can you do to make sure your fishing trip goes well? First, do some research about Newport. Figure out what kinds of fish reside there, what to expect when fishing, and what objects would prove to be valuable to bring. More importantly, find a trustworthy fishing guide.

Reasons for Hiring a Fishing Guide

For a smooth and enjoyable angling adventure in Newport, hiring a fishing guide will be your wisest option. This is especially true if you’re inexperienced when it comes to fishing, but it still applies to experienced fishermen as well. Among other things, you’ll highly benefit from a fishing guide’s knowledge of the place and its fish.

Fishing Guides are Knowledgeable and Experienced

When you fish with a guide, you’re more likely to bag fishes than without a guide. This is because an experienced guide already knows which spots are vacated by the fish and when. He’ll be able to tell you where you should fish based on what you want to catch, and will even be glad to go into detail about why and how he knows such things.

Remember, a local guide knows the ocean like it’s his own house. He’ll also be updated with the latest news in Newport and well-versed in its rules.

Fishing Escorts Can Give You a Short Crash Course

As mentioned earlier, a fishing guide will be more than happy to share their knowledge with you. You can ask him about the fish residing in Newport, the best baits for the fish you’re after, and the most optimal fishing times. Likewise, you may ask your escort for advice regarding water and weather observation.

More importantly, you can opt to receive feedback for your fishing process. This will be highly useful for beginner and even intermediate fishermen. Remember, when it comes to fishing, it’s best to keep improving your techniques and skills.

You may have been having trouble tying certain knots, so you can ask your guide to demonstrate for you and then check if you got it right. You may also have some problems with casting, reeling, or proper posture as you fish, so feedback from your escort will be quite useful in that instance.

Fishing Guides Have Great Equipment

With a guide, you won’t even have to invest in expensive gears. You can expect your escort to have the best gear as he helps you fish. He may lend or lease these out to you, or the use of his equipment may be part of a package. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about repairs if damages occur on your trip.

You can also rest assured that all the knots are properly tied, which increases your chances of catching the fish you want. More importantly, it’ll be a safe trip because fishing escorts know what they’re doing. They’ll make sure to check the boat before heading out and while out, analyze the weather and predict how it’ll affect your adventure, and apply necessary measures to ensure your well-being.

Fishing Escorts Guarantee Fresh Catches

Because a fishing guide had already done it a thousand times or even more, you’re guaranteed to catch a fish with his help. With the supervision of an escort, you can bring home your dream fish, and have a photo of you with the fish.

Other Things to do in Newport, Oregon

Besides fishing, a fun activity in Newport is exploration and sightseeing. If you can’t get enough of the water, you can visit Pirate’s Plunder, South Beach State Park, or Aquatic Center. They’re perfect for those who enjoy peaceful but fun getaways.

Meanwhile, if more adventures are what you’re after, try the Agate Beach Golf Course, Bike Newport, Coast Park, or Cycle Grind. They’ll get you moving and amazed.

However, if you can’t quite decide on where else to go, check out the Aquarium Village, Burrows House Museum, Oregon Coast Aquarium, Don Davis Memorial Park, Oregon Coast Glassworks, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon Oyster Farms, Newport Recreation Center, or Pacific Maritime and Heritage Center.

If you get hungry along the way, pick one of the many restaurants scattered across Newport. Also, check out our helpful videos that feature guides on fishing and preparing your fresh catches. Alternatively, you can browse our blog if you like reading better than watching.

Lastly, if you need help or have any questions, feel free to contact us. We’re quite a friendly team and would love nothing more than to help our fellow fishing enthusiasts.

 

 

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Types of Fish to Catch On an Oregon Deep Sea Fishing Charter

by | Aug 31, 2020 | Blogs

Types of Fish to Catch On an Oregon Deep Sea Fishing Charter

Deep sea fishing is an exciting and rewarding experience that any fishing enthusiast is sure to enjoy. And Oregon is one of the best destinations for any deep sea fishing enthusiast! It has stunning waters and views, but you also find an incredible variety of fish deep in its waters. 

If you’re considering a trip to Oregon and want to know more about what kind of fish you’re likely to encounter, this is the best guide for you! From everything you need to know about deep sea fishing to all the fish you can catch, we don’t leave any stones unturned. 

Check out our other fishing in Oregon guides for more tips, tricks, and insider information on everything Oregon fishing!

Deep Sea Fishing in Oregon

Aside from its fantastic landscape, fun beaches, and must-see destinations, Oregon is well-known for its excellent fish in its pristine waters. But besides the fishing on Columbia River and off the Oregon coast, deep sea fishing is another popular activity. It’s a great way to experience a new kind of fishing if you’re looking for a new adventure. But what counts as deep sea fishing?

Deep sea fishing is any kind of fishing that is done far out into the waters, usually with a depth of at least 100 feet. The fish you can find at this kind of depth vary in species and availability throughout the seasons, but there’s always something to catch year-round. But if you want to get as much variety as possible, we suggest booking a trip for the fall. Besides the sheer excitement that comes with deep sea fishing, it is also a unique experience. Just a few decades ago, deep sea fishing was reserved for commercial fishing. So how lucky are we that we get to experience it today whenever we like?

What Fish You Can Catch on a Deep Sea Fishing Trip

There is an incredible amount of fish in Oregon waters, and deep sea fishing is an excellent way to explore that. These are just some of the fish you can find on your trip:

Halibut

We consider halibut to be one of the most amazing catches you can make in Oregon. Not only are they a delight to eat, but they’re incredibly large and beautiful fish. That makes them an incredibly satisfying fish to catch. But to make this catch, you’ll have to be in waters at least 750 feet deep, where large fish like halibut thrive. 

Because these flatfish are found so far from the coast, you’ll need really good weather to allow your boat to go far into the ocean. Springtime is generally the best time of the year to catch halibut – the clear skies are perfect for this kind of deep sea fishing. Consider booking your fishing charter from March to May.

Lingcod

Though neither ling nor cod, the lingcod makes for the most reliable to catch while deep sea fishing in Oregon. That is because they are available throughout the year, and regulations from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at the time of writing don’t include limits on when you can catch them. 

With their long bodies and distinctive mouths full of sharp teeth, lingcod is an excellent catch for sport and eating. Lingcod like living close to the bottom of the sea, and you can sometimes even find them 400 feet in the ocean. 

Rockfish

In Oregon, you can catch over 25 types of rockfish living in the water. They’re an incredibly interesting fish to catch, and deep sea fishing is the best way to catch them. If you want to try deep sea fishing during the winter months like November, December, and January, rockfish fishing is especially vibrant during these months. Just make sure you bring a licensed fishing guide with you to help you navigate the cold waters.

Albacore Tuna

Last, but certainly not least, on our list is the ever-popular Albacore Tuna. Though they don’t make for the easiest catch, anglers can agree that the hardship is definitely worth it. Not only are they delicious fish, but they also provide a lot of excitement as they fight hard when caught. And in Oregon, the 25-fish bag limit for Albacore Tuna is extremely irresistable to fishers around the country.

Fishing for Albacore Tuna is best in July and August, but there is still enough to catch in the months after. Just make sure you book a fishing charter early! Its immense popularity can make it hard to find a booking.

Why You Should Hire a Deep Sea Fishing Charter

If you’re deep sea fishing, you will need a licensed guide to ensure your safety and help you navigate the complex waters off the Oregon Coast. But if you want to make your trip even easier and more convenient, consider hiring a reputable fishing charter to take care of things for you. At Pastime Fishing Adventures, we provide your boat, equipment, bait, and guide, so you can focus on your fishing.

Book today to get a slot for our most popular months! We offer a variety of packages to suit any group.

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Everything About Walleye Fishing on the Columbia River

by | Aug 17, 2020 | Blogs

Everything About Walleye Fishing on the Columbia River

Crazy about walleye fishing? The Columbia River is believed to be the best walleye fishing spot in the Pacific Northwest. That means you’re sure to find excellent catches up and down this magnificent river. And the great thing about walleye fishing on the Columbia River is that you can catch them year-round! You can schedule a trip whenever you want and find some good catches in the waters. 

So, whether you’re fishing for fun or fishing to eat, this blog is for you. You’ll need to know all this crucial information that can help you make those catches. From where to go, how to do it, and how to spot the walleye – we’ve got it all for you! So keep reading to find out everything you need to know about Columbia River walleye fishing.

All About Walleye

The walleye is one of the most popular freshwater gaming fish, named after its distinctive eye position. Both eyes on a walleye point outward – as if staring at opposite walls, hence the name. These unique eyes give walleyes a characteristic shine in the dark, making it easier for anglers to spot and catch them. 

Walleyes are sometimes called pickerel or yellow pike, but they are the same species no matter what you call them. They can grow to be 30 inches in length and 20 lbs in weight. But there have been numerous records broken by walleyes found in the Columbia River.

Columbia River Walleye Fishing Tips

Because of a walleye’s distinct eyes, catching them takes a little bit of strategy. Walleye have excellent vision in low lights, and they often take advantage of this by hunting for prey only when conditions are darker. This is when their competitors will often lay low, so walleyes have the best position.

Anglers looking to catch walleye should know about their eyes so that they can plan their trips accordingly. Seasoned experts will usually look out for what they call “walleye chop,”, referring to winds of about 6 to 16 mph. In these conditions, the water is rougher and darker. These conditions suit walleye really well, so it becomes easier to catch them there. But even without walleye chop conditions, you can still find walleye in areas that are overcast, rough, or by fishing for them at dusk and dawn.

But if this all sounds too complicated for you, there are loads of options for hiring a Columbia River fishing charter to make the trip more manageable and convenient.

Walleye Fishing Regulations

Fishing for walleye is generally permitted on the Columbia River year-round. But the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife still has numerous regulations to protect both the fish and you, as well as the river itself. Typically, there is no bag limit for walleye, unlike other fish like salmon. However, it is important to check regularly with the ODFW to make sure your information is up to date.

You will also need to acquire a license in Oregon before you can start fishing on the Columbia River. You can check this page for more information on who needs a permit, how much it will be, and how to get it.

Because of the many regulations that surround walleye fishing on the Columbia River, many people prefer to hire a fishing charter service. These fishing charters take care of these things for them. Fishing charters are an excellent choice for beginners and experienced anglers alike because they make things much easier. But besides understanding regulations in the area, fishing charters have so many benefits!

Why You Should Hire a Fishing Charter

If this is your first time hearing about fishing charters, you might be wondering, “what is a fishing charter?” 

Fishing charters offer a more convenient fishing experience to groups and individuals. Though it typically differs from company to company, that generally includes providing a fishing boat, the equipment, bait, and a fishing charter guide. They usually also clean and pack your fish. Some even offer photography services, so you always remember your trip!

By providing these things, you are assured of a stress-free and convenient fishing trip. Say goodbye to worrying about hiring your own boat, finding all the right equipment and bait, and taking care of things on your own. Instead, you only have to do one step to get the fishing experience you want.

And because fishing charter services have specific packages for specific fish and locations, you can choose what you want to fish with a click of a button. For walleye fishing on the Columbia River, you will have an experienced guide with you to help you out along the way. From selecting the best spots to fish to choosing the right bait, your fishing guide will make catching walleye so easy!

So what are you waiting for? Pastime Fishing Adventures offers several packages for groups looking to experience fishing on the Columbia River. Book a fishing charter today to reserve your spot!

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Types of Fish to Catch On A Willamette River Fishing Charter

by | Aug 6, 2020 | Uncategorized

Types of Fish to Catch On A Willamette River Fishing Charter

While the Columbia River is often the most popular destination for fishing in Oregon, it’s not the only place to make great catches and see incredible views. If you want to fish somewhere smaller and more unique, then the Willamette River is an excellent destination for fishing without sacrificing the Columbia River’s species diversity.

If you’re planning a trip to the Willamette River in the near future, you might be curious about what you can catch there and how it differs from other rivers in the area. We’ve got you covered! This blog will talk about everything you need to know before fishing on the Willamette River – the fish to catch, how to find them, and tips and tricks to make your trip more convenient.

 

Fishing on the Willamette River

The Willamette River is one of the Columbia River’s major tributaries, and it accounts for around 15% of the latter’s flow. What does that mean for you as a fishing enthusiast? It means that you can typically find the same fish in the Willamette River that you can in the Columbia River, depending on the area of the river you’ll be visiting. 

Salmon, sturgeon, walleye, bass, and many other species can be found in the Willamette River. What you’ll find on your fishing trip will generally depend on the season and the location, which we talk about more in greater detail in the next section.

 

What Fish to Catch on the Willamette River

Salmon

Who doesn’t love catching salmon? This is especially true in Oregon, where salmon is a must-catch for many visitors. Not only are they beautiful fish, but they taste incredible, too. 

On the Willamette River, you can catch a variety of salmon like Coho salmon and Chinook salmon. Between June and July, and in September, salmon are easier to find, though how many you can catch and which ones you can keep generally depend on the regulations of that year. Make sure you check with your hired fishing charter to find out when you can catch salmon.

Trout

Willamette River is home to thousands of rainbow trout, one of the river’s native species. They are grown in reservoirs, but they can also be found all along the river’s length. Beyond Rainbow trout, you can also find Steelhead trout and other species. 

When fishing for trout, check with local fishing charters to find the best time of the year to visit. They can also help you choose which area you should target to get the best chances of catching trout and what gear and bait to bring.

Largemouth and Smallmouth bass

Largemouth bass can grow to be around 25 inches and are generally considered an excellent catch for the area, mainly because they are easier to catch than other fish. You can find them in the waters throughout the year, though you’ll probably face more difficulty in the winter and spring seasons when the water is colder.

On the other hand, the Smallmouth bass is not that much different from its Largemouth cousins. While typically smaller at around 22 inches, the Smallmouth bass is still a fantastic catch for the river. Just make sure you bring the right kind of lures as they can be tricky to catch.

Why Hire a Fishing Charter

If this is your first time fishing on the Willamette River or if you plan to fish with your family or a large group, we generally recommend that you hire a fishing charter. Why? Fishing charters are a uniquely convenient way to make your fishing trip more straightforward and more manageable. Instead of having to rent a boat separately, finding all the right equipment, and doing all the research yourself, fishing charters take care of everything. It means that you can focus on fishing and having fun. Still, Willamette fishing charters also ensure that you won’t accidentally break any fishing regulations set up by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. 

Beyond the practical things you can hire with a fishing charter, you also gain access to another important tool: a fishing guide. Fishing guides are an essential component of any fishing trip, especially if you’re not familiar with the Willamette River’s inner workings. Even if you spent time researching on Google for weeks straight, that can’t compare to the amount of knowledge fishing guides have on the area. That can help you when you’re stuck on how to catch a specific fish.

Book a Willamette Fishing Charter!

Ready to have the best time fishing on the Willamette River? Book with Pastime Fishing Adventures today. We have a number of packages to fit any group and budget, and you can trust us to deliver only the best service.

To make sure slots don’t fill out before you can book one, check out our booking page to inquire into your preferred dates today! We look forward to meeting you.

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