Fishing for Crabs with a Crab Snare: Our Favorite California Crabbing Spots

Fishing for crabs with a crab snare is one of the most exciting and effective ways to catch Dungeness crabs from shore in California. Compared to traditional traps, crab snaring is more active, more affordable, and perfect for anglers who enjoy surf fishing and pier fishing.

Over the years, these locations have consistently been our go-to spots for crabbing with a crab snare. They offer the right mix of structure, depth, and accessibility to produce keeper Dungeness crabs when conditions are right.

Pacifica Pier

Pacifica Pier is one of the most well-known and productive places in California for fishing for crabs with a crab snare. The pier provides deep water access and excellent structure that naturally attracts Dungeness crabs.

Why Pacifica Pier is ideal for crab snaring:

• Deep water close to shore

• Consistent Dungeness crab activity

• Easy access for beginners and experienced anglers

• No long casts required when using a crab snare

On calm days with an incoming tide, crabbing at Pacifica Pier can be fast and productive. It’s one of the best locations to learn crab snaring techniques while still having a strong chance at keepers.

Fort Funston

Fort Funston offers a more rugged approach to crabbing from shore. This spot is best suited for anglers comfortable with surf conditions and heavier gear.

Why we fish Fort Funston with a crab snare:

• Less foot traffic compared to Ocean beach

• Excellent during low swell conditions

Because currents can be strong, heavier crab snares help keep your bait in place. When conditions line up, Fort Funston can produce quality Dungeness crabs close to shore.

Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is a challenging but rewarding location for fishing for crabs. While the surf can be unforgiving, calm windows can turn this stretch of beach into an excellent crab snaring zone.

Why Ocean Beach works for crabbing:

• Wide sandy areas with troughs that hold Dungeness crabs

• Large shoreline allows room to spread out

• Strong crab movement during incoming tides

• Easy Access

Timing is critical here. Low swell, clean conditions, and an incoming tide significantly increase your chances when using a crab snare at Ocean Beach.

Bodega Bay Jetty

When we crab in Bodega Bay, we focus specifically on the jetty. The Bodega Bay Jetty is one of the best Northern California locations for targeting larger Dungeness crabs with a crab snare.

Why the jetty is excellent for crab snaring:

• Deep water access right off the rocks

• Heavy structure that attracts feeding crabs

• Strong Dungeness crab population

Fishing for crabs at the jetty requires heavier weights and quick retrieves to avoid snags. Safety is critical here—always watch the swell and never fish during rough conditions.

Best Conditions for Crab Snaring Success

No matter the location, these conditions consistently improve results when crabbing with a crab snare:

• Incoming tide

• Low to moderate swell

• Early morning or late afternoon sessions

• Fresh bait such as squid, mackerel, or sardines (Chicken and spam too!)

If surf conditions are rough, it’s best to wait—Dungeness crabs are less active, and safety becomes a concern.

Why Crab Snaring Is One of the Best Ways to Fish for Crabs

Crab snaring is one of the most efficient methods for fishing for crabs from shore in California. It allows anglers to actively target feeding crabs without traps, making it accessible, fast-paced, and incredibly rewarding.

With the right crab snare, proper timing, and proven locations like Pacifica Pier, Fort Funston, Ocean Beach, and Bodega Bay Jetty, catching Dungeness crabs from shore is absolutely achievable.