Since the weather is expected to be good we're planning on crabbing this weekend in the San Juans. Since we'll want to fish while we wait, I was wondering if anyone can suggest what the best bet is?

Are there any notable bottom fish to target? Or what about some blackmounth off of Eagle Point?

Someone has got to have a better idea then me...

DF

Everything close to Anacortes has been crabbed-out by the commercial crabbers. I think their season ended 10/31. We went out on 11/2 and it was very slim pickin's. You will do better by going farther out. Westcott Bay is a good bet, since it is off-limits to commercial crabbers.

Don't know about fish, other than Lings are out of season.

Regards.

Finegrain
Woodinville

If you want crabs try a variety of spots and check the pots often until you find some. Alot of times they run in herds and when there's alot of pressure it takes some serching. If all else fails put the pots in 20ft or so and go for rocks. they are small but still pretty tasty.

As for fish I would suggest just about anywhere out there. Try and find a place where there's a little current and use a spinning rod with a 3/8 or 1/2 jig head and worms in motor oil or white with red tails. Lots of greenling and small rock fish out there. We went out about a month ago for salmon and after a few hours of that moved in to go for bottom fish. Picked up 20+ greenling, released several ling cod and rockfish and kept a 24 inch flounder. Most of these fish were less than 50 feet deep so light gear works well.