2021 Dungeness Crab Season Opener at Half Moon Bay

Today, we have 15+ feet north-west swell in the morning and 20+ mph wind gust in the afternoon.
Under the bad weather condition, there is only one option for kayaker: to go crab fishing at Half Moon Bay or Bodega Bay (where north-west swell is blocked) in the morning.
(What gear?) I have both metal cages and hoopnets, but I decided to use hoopnets only because I dont have enough time. From 8:30am to 11:30am, I can drop nets 3 times. You will see how easily and quickly crab can jump into the hoopnet.
(Where?) There are two jetties connected to maverick and to beach. There is a triangle area where boats are in & out. Please do not drop any cage or net in the triangle area where boats are in & out. And, please do not drop cages or nets near the area where crab fishermen are. So, I dropped the hoopnets close to inner jetty (connected to beach) where there are no fishermen. Of course, the hoopnet drop area is very small.
After I dropped nets, I enjoyed kayak surfing on the way to calm harbor inside. And then, I enjoyed kayak pedaling in the calm harbor while waiting as seen in the clip.
Luckily, I got a keeper, 3 shakers and tons of rock and red crabs.
Be safe and fun while crabbing with proper gear under the good weather and friends.
Gears:
Crab gauge
Hoopnets
75ft leaded ropes
Floats with GOID
A crab bag
Kayak gears (hat, hood, wetsuits, shoes, etc.)

[@smallfryry1]

Nice video...have you ever had any luck inside the harbor?

[@maxgofishing]

I dont know. I never dropped a cage or hoopnet inside the harbor.

[@jesuscabrera5599]

Illegal to fish inside the harbor !

[@maxgofishing]

@@jesuscabrera5599 That's right.

[@outdoorfreedom9778]

So far it looks like a tough season?? The tides look good the rest of the week.

[@maxgofishing]

Yes, really tough season opening. Looks good this week.

[@jeffp3674]

Nice! Were the cages put inside or outside of the jetty?

[@maxgofishing]

A bit outside. See the description.

[@johnnyle6816]

Water was too rough decided to skip opening day.

[@maxgofishing]

Recommend to stay harbor inside or near jetty where the swell could not reach you when the swell is really high. Recommend to stay home during wind gust.

[@johnnyle6816]

Got it stay next to jetty. What if the fishermen cast hits you lolol?

[@johnnyle6816]

You have IG bro, lets meet up something let me send you a dm.

[@maxgofishing]

@@johnnyle6816 There were no fishermen over there somehow. Too far from the beach?

[@johnnyle6816]

@@maxgofishing I'll try it next time. Do you have email or facebook?

[@keepitreal5148]

Duuuuuuuu

[@mackdash1411]

Do you need a license from the kayak?

[@maxgofishing]

Yes, kayaker needs a fishing license.

[@mackdash1411]

@@maxgofishing thanks my guy

[@MrCabubu]

I know it’s illegal to catch dungeoness off the wharf. Is it ok if you catch them off a kayak?

[@maxgofishing]

@@MrCabubu I dont know. Someone may know.