Article Surfing Archive

Coming to Southeast Alaska this upcoming summer. If you fancy the taste of succulent crab and want to experience the adventure of catching some, then consider an excursion in Ketchikan. Ketchikan is the gateway to Alaska and is located on the Inside Passage. Ketchikan is an island located on Rivellagegedo and only accessible by air and sea. Ketchikan is also part of the Tongass National Rainforest. We get lots of rain! Just visit the rain gauge located downtown if you stop by for a visit. If your taking a cruise ship then this will be your first stop in Alaska.

Dungeness crabbing is a treat indeed. Its an opportunity to get out on the water, sightsee, and experience what catching crab is all about. Granted, this is not like the Deadliest Catch you may have seen on Discovery. There are several locations that are within range that allow cruise ship passengers to take advantage if they choose. A fourty five minute ride to Bostwick Inlet is a popular fishing spot. It is protected from the weather for the most part. Upon arrival you can bait your crab pots. I usually use herring and a carcass from salmon, halibut, or a codfish. Crab can be caught in as little as half an hour. You can only be keep the males as it is illegal to keep females. The males have to be 6 1/2 inches across the carapace in order to harvest. Males molt during the summer and fall months. Dungeness crab harvested at times of molting have a softer shell and the meat doesn't quite fill the shell. Some find it easier to pick the meat out of the shell and others complain that there is not enough meat in the shell. You'll have to decide for yourself if you come across one.

Cooking the crab is quite easy. Some people add Old Bay or Johnny's and some prefer adding their favorite beer. Once the water starts to boil I usually let it do so for about 10 minutes and call it good. Eat and enjoy, the fresher the better.