McKay Shrimp & Crab Gear and Brinnon Liquor Outlet

08/19/2026

Come see us at LFS Marine Outdoor in Bellingham for customer appreciation day!

08/18/2026

Area 7 lets see your catches!

Recreational crab fishing will get underway in Marine Area 7 North (San Juan Islands) beginning Saturday, Aug. 15, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers announced today.

In Marine Area 7 North, also referred to as the Gulf of Georgia, crabbing will be open Aug. 15 through Sept. 28 on Thursdays through Mondays only. Refer to our news release for details: wdfw.wa.gov/newsroom/news-release/recreational-crabbing-open-marine-area-7-north-san-juan-islands-beginning-aug-15

The Dungeness crab in this portion of Marine Area 7 tend to molt – shed their old shell and replace it with a new, larger shell – later than in other parts of Puget Sound.

WDFW and tribal co-managers conduct test fisheries annually to ensure that legal-size Dungeness crab have reached the hardshell criteria for harvest in the fishing area. The start date will aid in achieving harvest sharing goals with treaty tribes.

A happy crabber with two nice Dungeness crabs. Photo by John Olson.

08/17/2026

Selecting the right crab traps is essential for a successful season in Washington. Discover why lightweight, durable designs are ideal for Pacific Northwest recreational boaters, how to properly rig your gear for local tides, and where to find high-quality, locally assembled crabbing equipment along the Olympic Peninsula to maximize your harvest safely.

Read the whole blog at: https://mckayshrimpandcrabgear.com/puget-sound-crab-traps-guide/

08/12/2026

We are happy to announce our brand new website!

We hope that this website is a better user experience and makes your life a little easier!

Check it out at: https://mckayshrimpandcrabgear.com/

08/10/2026

Check out our latest blog where we talk about the best strategies, locations, and seasonal rules for successful crab fishing in Washington. Learn how to time the tides in Hood Canal and Puget Sound, find sandy flats where Dungeness crabs hide, and choose high-quality gear that withstands PNW currents. Maximize your harvest safely with tips from McKay Shrimp and Crab Gear!

Read the whole blog here:
https://www.mckayshrimpandcrabgear.com/crab-fishing-in-washington-guide/

07/28/2026

The recreational all shrimp fishery in Marine Area 6 except in the Discovery Bay Shrimp District reopens on Aug. 2 only. The recreational fishery for shrimp other than spot shrimp in Marine Area 6 except in the Discovery Bay Shrimp District also opens from Aug. 3 through Oct. 15. For details, refer to the emergency fishing and shellfishing rules webpage at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/emergency-rules. Photo by WDFW.

07/22/2026

07/16/2026

Adding proper shrimp and crab pot weights is essential for a successful harvest in the Pacific Northwest. Lightweight pots are easy to handle but require extra ballast to withstand strong tides in the Hood Canal and the Straits. Learn how to rig your gear with weighted lines to secure your catch and prevent lost equipment.

Read the whole blog at: https://www.mckayshrimpandcrabgear.com/shrimp-and-crab-pot-weights-guide/