Going to make, "The Definitive Guide to Crab Snaring from Shore" video soon. If you have any questions about crab snaring (conditions, weights, line etc) post em here please!
Fisherman's Life thanks for all of your videos. I went out on opening day to baker beach and couldn't keep my snare still. I was wondering if you could give me tips on how to find out when the water will be calm and less wavy
i think you can find that online. such as surfline.com it shows how high the waves and when it happens. anyways, i tried to crab snare last sunday in baker beach and was pretty wavy, i lost 4 sinkers from the wave, i just stop and call it a day lol.
please tell us what kind of pole length and pole specs as in line weight and lure weight also type of reel to use maybe also what would be a good spot to position your self on the beach to find crab keep up the awesome videos love them
what areas are you looking for? sandy bottom, rocks, jetty, eel grass, under piers, structure, bays, beach or dose it matter? oily fish like mackerel really bring in crab or dose squid/ chicken leg and thigh work fine. and do you think this technique would work with spiny lobsters in southern california?
Just want to say that your snares have fed my friends and family many times over since buying a few last year. Looking forward to more snaring once these winter storms finally give it a rest.
Thanks bro. I'd go with 30lb braid. No stretch in it like mono so you can set the snare better without the mono stretching. If all you have is mono it's fine too. Doesn't make that much of a difference. Biggest thing is just getting out there!
Thank you for watching and subbing sir! I am honored. Scaly critters are cool regardless of whether they are found underwater or just under rocks, right? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Yeah man I do have footage of another shrimping trip I'm sitting on still. A freshwater lake fishing derby from April. I might also have a chance to snorkel Buck Bay on Orcas Island (Puget Sound) again next week. I've been keen on tracking the chum salmon and sea-run cutthroat that spawn in the shallow stream there. Would be cool to swim with pre-spawn fish or even see some zombie fish! Also my sister works at a state park on the island that sees a yearly kokanee run from a lake into a mountain stream that is only a few inches deep. That would be fun to drop an underwater gopro into and just watch the silver scales slide by. I also follow a bunch of northwest dudes that snorkel lakes and rivers. Really dig your style though. I had never known of that poke pole fishing style where you jab a short pole into the rocky cracks on piers and such. I've never seen castable snare traps either which was great to learn about from you. Shore fishing the sandy or rocky ocean shores is not something I have had much luck with (a lot of dogfish shark sir). You are scrappy and willing to be resourceful to make something happen, and I love seeing someone living near San Francisco that isn't so lost in city life that they only know how to buy crab/fish from the store. I keep trying to convince a friend of mine that always asks for crab/seafood but never goes for it to get active. I especially like the idea of doing my own crabbing episode with him using the cheapest $50 inflatable boat (just to be rediculous, maybe ride one of those inflatable whales or pool toys, he is the biggest cheapskate), cheapest trap, cheapest rope (but everything regulation), and make crabbing magic happen! :)
hey dude im from monterey, caught some big cabes and kelp bass of the rocks never any lings though. Your videos are legit and the way you teach at the same time is awesome. I know the rock fishing this time of year is hit or miss but hope to see you fishing some rock spots soon! awesome channel keep it up
Went to ocean beach parking lot across from the zoo to watch the waves yesterday, it looked pretty washed out for surfing but I did see a guy in the wash going out, he was a body surfer, so I got my binoculars and watched him getting pounded by the waves for about 5 minutes, took my eyes off him for a split second and when I went to look for him again he was gone. Continued to looking for him another minute but couldn't locate him, so I looked down the parking lot at other people but no one seemed concerned, I did see a guy with a video camera with a long lens looking out so I decided to check if he had seen him, when I got there I said excuse me, he snapped at me without looking at me in panic voice and said he couldn't talk he's looking for a guy who he was filming who disappeared. Long story short 45 minutes later with two hook and ladder fire trucks, ambulances, search and rescue, police, and big crowd someone saw him in the water alive. Turns out he was a big wave body surfer and hired this videographer to tape him body surfing. I think this surfer was pretty embarrassed but grateful for everyone's efforts. I did talk to him a little and shook his cold hand. I heard him say to someone on shore no one wanted to go swimming with him, I'm pretty sure I know why. I know this doesn't have anything to do with fishing or crabbing but thought I share it anyway. Going crabbing once the swells die down. Again thanks Matt for your videos.
Hi Matt , I really 😊 enjoy your videos and your fishing adventures ..Just like we were there with you .. It’s not your time, butter be careful on those rocks . You know that you are tempting fate . I think that I have found Gus Tackle , 38th /Balboa but I would appreciate it if I could buy 4 of those crab 🦀 snares from you ..A little help please. Iam 👀 looking into Blue Crabs here in Mass waters.I have been following you since 2016..Iam a retired pro photographer and your work is excellent Thank you
2016-2017 season the crabs where late migrating in. We had a good 1 month success dropping pots at 270 ft. The 2017-2018 season was a slight improvement in numbers but it too was only good for about a month. This is after the closure of the 2015-2016 season due to the high level of the domoic acid. The closure caused a crash cycle and it will be 4-5 years for the numbers to build back up. You will see an annual increase in yield for a couple more years until we get back to our pre closure year where crabbing was good till end of January with limits every time. A boat is the best way to go.
Went kayaking with a buddy at hmb on opening day. We were out there for 5 hours. Only 2 keepers. Everyone we ran into out there were having a slow day too. A lot of red rock crabs tho.
Nadine Roldan, hey we caught two rock keepers that day in Pillar Point Harbor, too! Hubby and I were on the two-person kayak, all dressed in yellow rainjackets. We caught a bunch of dungees towards the south jetty. They just weren't the right size.
Hey Matt thanks for wonderful Videos every time Please let me know wen yo plan Gathering up for Snare Crabbing Net time i will like to join in to the Frenzy !!! ^_^
The crowds of people that go to piers when a season opens is horrible, we have that every year here in Australia for Australian Salmon, they migrate down the coast every year in massive schools and when that happens the piers and jetties are packed shoulder to shoulder with people and it is unfishable. I'd rather not fish at all then have to shoulder to shoulder with people just at the chance at catching a few fish.
Matt, how many rod can you use to crab in baker, is it just one? i know in recreation you can use two rods and two snare at the same time. I don't know outside recreation area.
As far as I know, there's nothing special about Baker Beach. It's outside the GG bridge so you can use two rods unless you're going for rockfish where it's one rod
Sorry for my ignorance but why can't you consume under legal size crabs and/or fish? What does under the legal size mean? Does it mean its too young or its pregnant or something?
Under legal size means that it is too small or young yes. It's a regulation so ensure the population numbers of a certain species stay thriving or at least stay plentiful. There is less meat in the smaller crab anyway, and fines are HUGE for taking undersized or off limits species. Talking thousands of dollars
Its sucking out there, went out opening day saturday then sunday and this past week twice and NADA!!!! Grrrrr and the forecast for all next week is heavy swell and high waves too and commercial season kicks off. So frustrated :(
Man, it was all bad! went to Pacifica pier, lost 4 snares getting tangled with other fishermen it was a horror movie you were right only 2 crab caught that's day that's all I saw sucks, I went Monday and it was better every person I saw caught keepers.
Went to Half Moon bay on Nov 6th 16. Surf was great for surfers. Stayed inside the jetty's. Got 12 Red keepers using 3 traps. Looks like this weekend will have high swells also. I use www.surfline.com/surf-report/half-moon-bay-northern-california_5007/ to see the forecast. When a high pressure system is out there it will calm down. Lot of sprayed people on the jetty.
Still dismal... Got new intel on a location. I won't get to visit this location anytime soon but if you want to try, let me know. From what the "crew" has told me so far, this place has been producing limits.
Eric Villasenor, I've been using 20lb mono, and no snapped lines here. Just today, I pulled my snagged snare (heh) out of some seaweed LIMBS, thick enough to be seaweed branches. Last year, I played tug-of-war with a 20lb flathead catfish on 15lb mono. I won. 😊
LoverDino, I'm not sure where in the Bay Area, but you can find channel catfish in the California Delta. Lake Berryessa also has them, as well as the inland lakes. I catch flathead cats on the Arizona border.
Fisherman's Life kayak video soon? I've gone to few lakes and rented out kayaks. I love it! I'm thinking get my self a fishing kayak too. Waiting for a good deal though. Would be a nice hobby instead of always fishing from piers or shores.
Fisherman's Life I was up only for the weekend. I think this weekend would've been better, the waves are smaller, and there's a good low tide. but yeah next time I go up (prob December) we can go fishing. the ab diving was pretty crazy, I'll tell you more later, but the swell was like 10-15 ft.
Did my first crabbing of the year up here in Oregon. Took home some Red Rocks, caught the only keeper Dungeness on a crab snare. Didn't take any pics before cooking, but here is what I ended up with: imgur.com/T3C3Q9r
FreshLikeAirWick I no that. I have my fishing license. I'm just wondering if I need a shellfish license at all if I'm not on a pier. I went crabbing in oregon and needed a shellfish license. does this apply to also california?
Going to make, "The Definitive Guide to Crab Snaring from Shore" video soon. If you have any questions about crab snaring (conditions, weights, line etc) post em here please!
Fisherman's Life thanks for all of your videos. I went out on opening day to baker beach and couldn't keep my snare still. I was wondering if you could give me tips on how to find out when the water will be calm and less wavy
please.
i think you can find that online. such as surfline.com
it shows how high the waves and when it happens.
anyways, i tried to crab snare last sunday in baker beach and was pretty wavy, i lost 4 sinkers from the wave, i just stop and call it a day lol.
please tell us what kind of pole length and pole specs as in line weight and lure weight also type of reel to use maybe also what would be a good spot to position your self on the beach to find crab keep up the awesome videos love them
what areas are you looking for? sandy bottom, rocks, jetty, eel grass, under piers, structure, bays, beach or dose it matter? oily fish like mackerel really bring in crab or dose squid/ chicken leg and thigh work fine. and do you think this technique would work with spiny lobsters in southern california?
Just want to say that your snares have fed my friends and family many times over since buying a few last year. Looking forward to more snaring once these winter storms finally give it a rest.
I like this guy. He is legit about everything he does and has fun at it. Salud!
your videos are great man keep up the good work hope it's a great season
Thank you for the helpful info ...keep up the great work..VIDEOS ARE ALWAYS INTRESTING👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks bro. I'd go with 30lb braid. No stretch in it like mono so you can set the snare better without the mono stretching. If all you have is mono it's fine too. Doesn't make that much of a difference. Biggest thing is just getting out there!
that is soooo cool, never saw this kind of fishing, will share in a fishing forum in Portugal
People say releasing your first catch of the season brings you good luck throughout the season of whatever you are fishing for :)
big fan dude! awesome videos! keep it up.
crab snare. first one I have ever seen. thanksTH-cam
Kickass Matt! Way to get on top of the first crab of the year. Tight lines sir!
thank you!
Just checked out your videos. Awesome stuff!
Thank you for watching and subbing sir! I am honored. Scaly critters are cool regardless of whether they are found underwater or just under rocks, right? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
For sure, those shrimp were cool too! I'll keep an eye out for new videos!
Yeah man I do have footage of another shrimping trip I'm sitting on still. A freshwater lake fishing derby from April. I might also have a chance to snorkel Buck Bay on Orcas Island (Puget Sound) again next week. I've been keen on tracking the chum salmon and sea-run cutthroat that spawn in the shallow stream there. Would be cool to swim with pre-spawn fish or even see some zombie fish! Also my sister works at a state park on the island that sees a yearly kokanee run from a lake into a mountain stream that is only a few inches deep. That would be fun to drop an underwater gopro into and just watch the silver scales slide by. I also follow a bunch of northwest dudes that snorkel lakes and rivers.
Really dig your style though. I had never known of that poke pole fishing style where you jab a short pole into the rocky cracks on piers and such. I've never seen castable snare traps either which was great to learn about from you. Shore fishing the sandy or rocky ocean shores is not something I have had much luck with (a lot of dogfish shark sir). You are scrappy and willing to be resourceful to make something happen, and I love seeing someone living near San Francisco that isn't so lost in city life that they only know how to buy crab/fish from the store. I keep trying to convince a friend of mine that always asks for crab/seafood but never goes for it to get active. I especially like the idea of doing my own crabbing episode with him using the cheapest $50 inflatable boat (just to be rediculous, maybe ride one of those inflatable whales or pool toys, he is the biggest cheapskate), cheapest trap, cheapest rope (but everything regulation), and make crabbing magic happen! :)
Subscribed! Love the vids! especially the crab ones
Thanks for my fix man. Great job!
nice crab Matt 🖒good vids like always keep up the good work and giving tips.
You should try adding a GoPro on the snare to see what it would look like catching the crabs
Anthony Gross He has before it didn't work out so well not a good angle
Got a new camera to shoot the snare in frame. waiting for the water to clear and crabs to start feeding again though
We went to Pacifica Pier on Tuesday and we saw only 7 keepers from 6 am to 1130 am. I can't wait to go back!
Awesome day! Great vid!!!
hey dude im from monterey, caught some big cabes and kelp bass of the rocks never any lings though. Your videos are legit and the way you teach at the same time is awesome. I know the rock fishing this time of year is hit or miss but hope to see you fishing some rock spots soon! awesome channel keep it up
+Max Dre thanks bro, I'll try to hit some rock spots soon..
Went to ocean beach parking lot across from the zoo to watch the waves yesterday, it looked pretty washed out for surfing but I did see a guy in the wash going out, he was a body surfer, so I got my binoculars and watched him getting pounded by the waves for about 5 minutes, took my eyes off him for a split second and when I went to look for him again he was gone. Continued to looking for him another minute but couldn't locate him, so I looked down the parking lot at other people but no one seemed concerned, I did see a guy with a video camera with a long lens looking out so I decided to check if he had seen him, when I got there I said excuse me, he snapped at me without looking at me in panic voice and said he couldn't talk he's looking for a guy who he was filming who disappeared. Long story short 45 minutes later with two hook and ladder fire trucks, ambulances, search and rescue, police, and big crowd someone saw him in the water alive. Turns out he was a big wave body surfer and hired this videographer to tape him body surfing. I think this surfer was pretty embarrassed but grateful for everyone's efforts. I did talk to him a little and shook his cold hand. I heard him say to someone on shore no one wanted to go swimming with him, I'm pretty sure I know why. I know this doesn't have anything to do with fishing or crabbing but thought I share it anyway. Going crabbing once the swells die down. Again thanks Matt for your videos.
Wow that is intense. I've been thinking how fast I would drown if I was caught in those waves. Glad he's OK and thanks for sharing that story!
thanks for the heads up Matt!! OB .BB. and PP wasn't producing!! #TightLinez
A kayak way out in the bay crabbing ?! That's a real G right there
I like the way your crab snares look. My snares do not function nearly as well as your do... have you tried raw chicken?
as always great video! sucks the crabs were elusive but your keeper looked tasty. keep it up man!
Ya. Totally swell. Bolinas was also dead. Do you have an app you like for swell/waves? Thanks Matts! I must have just missed you at China.
Nice footage towards the end of the video
Hi Matt , I really 😊 enjoy your videos and your fishing adventures ..Just like we were there with you .. It’s not your time, butter be careful on those rocks . You know that you are tempting fate . I think that I have found Gus Tackle , 38th /Balboa but I would appreciate it if I could buy 4 of those crab 🦀 snares from you ..A little help please. Iam 👀 looking into Blue Crabs here in Mass waters.I have been following you since 2016..Iam a retired pro photographer and your work is excellent Thank you
that looks fun I Wana try it out what are the regulations?
hi! im just moved to SF. i love crabbing. can u tell me where do u go to crabbing at??
2016-2017 season the crabs where late migrating in. We had a good 1 month success dropping pots at 270 ft. The 2017-2018 season was a slight improvement in numbers but it too was only good for about a month. This is after the closure of the 2015-2016 season due to the high level of the domoic acid. The closure caused a crash cycle and it will be 4-5 years for the numbers to build back up. You will see an annual increase in yield for a couple more years until we get back to our pre closure year where crabbing was good till end of January with limits every time. A boat is the best way to go.
Went kayaking with a buddy at hmb on opening day. We were out there for 5 hours. Only 2 keepers. Everyone we ran into out there were having a slow day too. A lot of red rock crabs tho.
Nadine Roldan, hey we caught two rock keepers that day in Pillar Point Harbor, too! Hubby and I were on the two-person kayak, all dressed in yellow rainjackets. We caught a bunch of dungees towards the south jetty. They just weren't the right size.
Matt,
Is it legal to snare Dungeness from the ocean? Was told at the pier it was illegal. Thanks!
+Alexander Dan it's legal to fish for them in the ocean as long as you're outside of the gg bridge and you have a license
Hey Matt thanks for wonderful Videos every time Please let me know wen yo plan Gathering up for Snare Crabbing Net time i will like to join in to the Frenzy !!! ^_^
Matts, go to a local meat market and buy some "Chicken Back" (its a chicken by-product), its dirt cheap and the BEST crab bait
finally another video short but cool
Did they solved the toxic algae problem?
What length of rod and line is best for crab snaring?
Hey would love videos of you going to other locations on the CA coast like where i fish in bodega bay!
Would you hoop net or snare on a Kayak?
Please, make fishing videos and make more videos please! I subscribed and I am tuned!
The crowds of people that go to piers when a season opens is horrible, we have that every year here in Australia for Australian Salmon, they migrate down the coast every year in massive schools and when that happens the piers and jetties are packed shoulder to shoulder with people and it is unfishable. I'd rather not fish at all then have to shoulder to shoulder with people just at the chance at catching a few fish.
Matt, how many rod can you use to crab in baker, is it just one? i know in recreation you can use two rods and two snare at the same time. I don't know outside recreation area.
As far as I know, there's nothing special about Baker Beach. It's outside the GG bridge so you can use two rods unless you're going for rockfish where it's one rod
Is it 30lb test braid or mono ..what do think is best
hi Matt is that baker beach? is it okay to catch dungeness at that beach? just asking coz I rather go to the beach than pier?
As long as you have a fishing license, it is ok to crab off of Baker beach.
I'm trying to figure out how you get in trouble for taking more than one fish or crab .. Like you can't hide it and lie about what you got
What's the name and brand of the fishing rod holder that you use at 2:03?
thats so sick how you can get them for basically the cost of your fishing license and bait. Over here in Canada theyre usually $16.99 per pound :S
when is end of recreational crab season in calif. for 2017 ?
Sorry for my ignorance but why can't you consume under legal size crabs and/or fish? What does under the legal size mean? Does it mean its too young or its pregnant or something?
Under legal size means that it is too small or young yes. It's a regulation so ensure the population numbers of a certain species stay thriving or at least stay plentiful. There is less meat in the smaller crab anyway, and fines are HUGE for taking undersized or off limits species. Talking thousands of dollars
Thank You ☺️! Now everything is clear! Keep it up man and have a great holiday.
There he is :)
are you fishing out of the bay for crabs? is so then that's illegal no doung crab can be removed from San frasico bay
hey matts will the crab snares work on lobsters? I live in SoCal and i might want to order one from you for lobster season
+William Carreon don't think snares are legal in socal :(
aww dang
still love your vids though
heard there still out deep but coming in
Its sucking out there, went out opening day saturday then sunday and this past week twice and NADA!!!!
Grrrrr and the forecast for all next week is heavy swell and high waves too and commercial season kicks off. So frustrated :(
Yeah... been out couple times and not having much luck either. Next week the swell should calm down
Can you have another crab snare party ?
Man, it was all bad! went to Pacifica pier, lost 4 snares getting tangled with other fishermen it was a horror movie you were right only 2 crab caught that's day that's all I saw sucks, I went Monday and it was better every person I saw caught keepers.
the waves are so high in pacifica
Hey matts are you still selling some traps? where can I purchase them from. Thank you
hi yes, at www.fishermanslife.net
yeahhhhhh maaaannnn!!!! get'em!
Where is this in San Francisco ?
What apps to get for waves or ocean swell?
Gio Angeles I use Surfline from Apple App Store
www.swellinfo.com/surf-forecast/ocean-beach-california
where's this at?
Swell's been pretty bad all week. Forecast isn't great either :/
More catch and cook please
Is a 12ft rod good enough?
+Eric Villasenor more than good enough as long as it's not a salmon rod. Line I recommend is atleast 30lb test
limits were caught on the charter boats!
The whole 2016 Dungeoness crab season I caught zero Dungeoness crab in the Puget Sound
a few weeks ago there were crabs on the beach in San Francisco now they are hiding haha
baker beach was a nightmare
Went to Half Moon bay on Nov 6th 16. Surf was great for surfers. Stayed inside the jetty's. Got 12 Red keepers using 3 traps. Looks like this weekend will have high swells also. I use www.surfline.com/surf-report/half-moon-bay-northern-california_5007/ to see the forecast. When a high pressure system is out there it will calm down. Lot of sprayed people on the jetty.
Still dismal... Got new intel on a location. I won't get to visit this location anytime soon but if you want to try, let me know. From what the "crew" has told me so far, this place has been producing limits.
Nice rumors
Can I go fishing with you
My worries are that if I use mono for crab snaring it might break off after a few cast ..
Eric Villasenor done it a few times holds up well
Eric Villasenor, I've been using 20lb mono, and no snapped lines here. Just today, I pulled my snagged snare (heh) out of some seaweed LIMBS, thick enough to be seaweed branches. Last year, I played tug-of-war with a 20lb flathead catfish on 15lb mono. I won. 😊
where can u catch catfish near the bay area?
LoverDino, I'm not sure where in the Bay Area, but you can find channel catfish in the California Delta. Lake Berryessa also has them, as well as the inland lakes. I catch flathead cats on the Arizona border.
KatFishin thanks for the reply man. any advice on baits? I've just started, using cut mackerel.
carps the best bait...
How come you stop posting?
+Joey Carwithen just had surgery. I have two videos to edit while I recover next month
Fisherman's Life Hope you have a full and speedy recovery .
Thumbs up
I'm glad I'm not the only one who failed. so it's more like everyone did bad... I drove up 400 mi too lol.
Lol geez. Saw you caught a couple abs though. You're in socal now? or back in the bay area? Let's go out fishing or crabbing next time your up here
Fisherman's Life kayak video soon? I've gone to few lakes and rented out kayaks. I love it! I'm thinking get my self a fishing kayak too. Waiting for a good deal though. Would be a nice hobby instead of always fishing from piers or shores.
Fisherman's Life
I was up only for the weekend. I think this weekend would've been better, the waves are smaller, and there's a good low tide. but yeah next time I go up (prob December) we can go fishing. the ab diving was pretty crazy, I'll tell you more later, but the swell was like 10-15 ft.
Did my first crabbing of the year up here in Oregon. Took home some Red Rocks, caught the only keeper Dungeness on a crab snare. Didn't take any pics before cooking, but here is what I ended up with:
imgur.com/T3C3Q9r
is there a shellfish license for California or just a fishing license is good? anyone know?
You don't need a license to fish and crab on the pier, but you do everywhere else.
FreshLikeAirWick I no that. I have my fishing license. I'm just wondering if I need a shellfish license at all if I'm not on a pier. I went crabbing in oregon and needed a shellfish license. does this apply to also california?
Nope, the fishing license covers the shellfish too. Covers snakes as well ;)
BUT you need an extra card for abalone, or lobster. Crab is covered by the basic license
Fisherman's Life thank you very much....big fan👍plus I plan on buying crab snares from you soon too
Hi
100th like!
When you taking your kayak out? Went opening day and did well:
th-cam.com/video/egLb8jC6mwk/w-d-xo.html
Let me know if you want to go.
toooooooooooooooooooooooo shoooooooooooooooooooorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrtttttttttttttttttttttttt
yo first