What is the best place to go crabbing in San Francisco?

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

Hey bass-hunter, even if you’re chasing lizards in the bass boat, SF Bay isn’t a bad place to scratch a crab itch between sessions. Here are the best, most accessible spots around San Francisco for recreational crabbing, plus a few pro tips that fit nicely between your next bass set.

**Top spots around San Francisco**
- **Pier 39 / Fisherman’s Wharf (SF)** – The iconic wharf is your easiest entry point. There’s usually action on Dungeness crabs in the Bay, and you’ll find local gear and tips from other anglers here. *Gear up with a simple crab trap or snare*, and target sheltered structures near pylons during a favorable outgoing tide. For a read on this vibe and setup, check out [Best Dungeness Crab in San Francisco - Crab House at PIER 39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcvyuq_MCNY).
- **Crissy Field / Fort Point area** – Near the Golden Gate, this spot draws steady local crabbers who like the rockier structure and current pushed by the tides. A short ride from a bass outing, you can drop traps along the shelves and let the tide do the work. See practical tips in [Crabbing in San Francisco with a Crab Snare (Tips & Tricks)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eYR4LO9-mI).
- **Berkeley Marina / Richmond side (San Francisco Bay)** – A bit of a ride, but these spots offer more room and often calmer water than downtown SF. Great for a quick crabbing session after a morning bass work or on a windy day when the coast is blowing blind.
- **Oyster Point / South SF Bay area** – Accessible piers and docks make this a solid mid-Bay option. It’s popular with families and folks new to crabbing, yet you’ll still find keepers when the conditions cooperate.

If you want a cinematic overview of gear and techniques, these videos cover traps, snares, and how to set up near structures: [How to Catch Crab - Tips and Tricks - Ocean Beach San Francisco](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8Oy7ty4xQA) and [Crabbing San Francisco - Catch & Cook](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_prvA5Txgds).

**Gear & quick picks**
- For quick, reliable gear, consider crab traps and snares from these options: [AQWXC 6-Loops Crab Trap for Fishing Pole](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F8Q92BPM?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) and [A1FISHER 2 Packs Pacific Folding Crab Trap](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKXC21MZ?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1).
- Other handy gear: a crab gauge, gloves, a sturdy line, and a bait source (e.g., chicken necks or fish). A quick starter kit like [Qualyqualy Crab Trap Set](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F62MFG3M?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) can get you off the dock fast.

**Weather note for mid-summer SF** (weather snapshot: SF, 57°F, Fog, wind 7.8 mph, humidity 89%)
- *Weather-specific tip*: Foggy mornings = glassy water early, which can slow the bite. As the sun climbs and winds shift, the water ticks up a bit and crabs start moving with the current. Plan your crabbing during a rising or outgoing tide in the mid-day window when visibility improves and the water warms just enough to fire up the creel. 
- *Seasonal summary*: In mid-summer SF, expect cool temps, light to moderate winds, and variable visibility. The best crabbing often comes in the late morning to early afternoon on an outgoing tide washing along piers and rock piles.

**Short technique for quick results**: set two traps per person near structure (piles, rocks, or docks), bounce a bit with the current, and check every 20–30 minutes. This gives you more chances in the drift and keeps your boat handy for a quick switch if one spot goes quiet. 💡

Crab responsibly: check the current California crab regulations (size, slot, and keep limits) before you go. Here’s a quick link to the rules: [California Dungeness Crab Regulations](https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Regulations).,

You’ve got options, buddy—swap a bass outing for a Bay cruise between tides, and you’ll be surprised how fast you can stack a keeper haul. Tight lines and smooth water out there! 🎣🦀

What is the best place to go crabbing in San Francisco?

Related Videos

Product Recommendations

AQWXC 6-Loops Crab Trap for Fishing Pole, Crab Snare for Dungeness, Rock and Blue Crabs (2 Pack Kit(Glove, Gauge Included))

A1FISHER 2 Packs Pacific Folding Crab Trap 24''x24''x12'' Kit, with Crab Bait Cage, Gauge Measure, Trap Harness, 5/16" Dia-100’ Leaded Core Rope with 12.8’’x5.5’’ Red/White Float Buoy for Dungeness

Qualyqualy Crab Trap Wire Grid Bottom, Crab Net Kit with 50Ft Rope & Bait Clip for Crabbing Blue Crabs Baitfish Minnow Traps

Crab Ring Trap – Collapsible Crab Net with 100ft Rope, Bait Bag, Clip & Ruler – 6 Pieces Portable Crab Trap for Easy Storage – Durable Grid Design for Dock & Pier Crabbing

JOY FISH Maryland Blue Crab Heavy Duty Crab Trap, 24""X12""X12"" with Gauge and Bait MESH Bag, Large, Black

Maryland Blue Crab Pot Trap, PVC Coated Wire mesh, Heavy Duty, Two T.E.D. (Turtle Excluder Device), Two Escape Rings, Float, Rope, Ready for use. Come with Crab & Lobster Measure Gauge. Made in USA

Fishing Bait Trap,2 Packs Crab Trap Minnow Trap Crawfish Trap Lobster Shrimp Collapsible Cast Net Fishing Nets Portable Folded Fishing Accessories,12.6X20.1inches

QualyQualy 2 Set Castable Crab Trap, Foldable Crabbing Net with Rope & Bait Clip, Crab Snare/Pots/Traps for Blue Crabs, Dungeness, Crawfish Portable Crabbing Equipment

Community

General Questions

When the tide is more slack is it better to fish mangroves or deep artificial reef in 20-30 ft of water

Where on this map should I fish? Its just outside of eg simmons in tampa bay and the two red dots are known artificial reef spots.

Skygazer fish have in monkey hill dam

Best night fishing tuna lure

More Questions

What's the best shore fishing rig to use at Panama City Beach?

Where is the best place to fish for bass in Arizona?

What is the best tide for shore jigging at faro capo granitola ?

What should bass anglers know about fishing Otty Lake in early fall?

What is a good budget fishing rod?

is this good fishing wheather for pike

What are the top 10 flies for Kenai Dolly Varden in August?

How can i catch largemouth bass?

What's the best shore fishing rig to use at Panama City Beach?

Where is the best place to fish for bass in Arizona?

What is the best tide for shore jigging at faro capo granitola ?

What should bass anglers know about fishing Otty Lake in early fall?

What is a good budget fishing rod?

is this good fishing wheather for pike

What are the top 10 flies for Kenai Dolly Varden in August?

How can i catch largemouth bass?

When the tide is more slack is it better to fish mangroves or deep artificial reef in 20-30 ft of water

Where on this map should I fish? Its just outside of eg simmons in tampa bay and the two red dots are known artificial reef spots.

Skygazer fish have in monkey hill dam

Best night fishing tuna lure