Experience Westport, Washington

View Original

Westport's Crab Derby

Hosted by WEfish and WA Dungeness Crab Assoc.
Westport Marina
April 15, 2023, 8 AM - 7 PM


Westport's Crab Derby is back this year, and we are so excited! Whether you are a seasoned crabber or you've never been, you will love experiencing one of Westport's favorite pastimes.

On the morning of the Crab Derby, local fishermen will release hundreds of Dungeness crabs into the Westport Boat Basin, which our awesome local crab fleet has donated. As if catching a crab isn't exciting enough, some crabs will be "Money Crabs" and tagged with denominations ranging in value from $25 to $1,000! You must have a derby ticket and a valid Washington State Fishing License to redeem your prize money. There will also be drawings throughout the day with various prizes and giveaways at the Derby Booth. 

  • Pre-Sale Derby Tickets: You can purchase pre-sale tickets at Seafood Connection on Float 8 on April 14 from 9 AM to 6 PM.

  • Derby Tickets: On April 15, Derby Tickets will be available for purchase at Derby Booth at the Westport Marina. 

  • Cost: Derby tickets are $10/each, and proceeds support our local WEfish and Washington Dungeness crab Fishing Association. 

  • Crab Pot Rentals: There will be a limited supply of crab pots for rent at the Derby Booth for $15/day. 

  • Crab Pots for Sale in Westport: If you'd like to purchase a crab pot, you can find them at Englund Marine. 

  • Crab Bait for Purchase: A bait coupon will come with the purchase of your derby ticket. If you require additional bait, it is for sale at Merino's Seafood Market and Seafood Connection on Float 8. 

  • Crab Bait: If you'd like to bring your own crab bait, we recommend anything 'natural' to the crab rotten/old fish. The smellier, the better!

  • Fishing License: Recreational crabbers 15 or older must carry a current Washington fishing license. Options range from an annual shellfish/seaweed license to combination fishing licenses, valid for a single day or up to a year. Fishing Licenses are available for purchase in Westport at Shop 'n Kart. 

  • Dungeness Crab: Minimum size is 6", Male, Limit 6

  • Red Rock Crab: Minimum size is 5", Male or Female, Limit 6

    For more information, please visit WDFW.

  • Children: Life Jackets are available for use and can be found in 4 lockers around the Marina. 

  • Westport Marina: Derby crab will be distributed throughout the Marina. Pots can be placed off any dock, but boats have the right away, and pots must be moved if a boat is coming into its slip. For this reason, we ask that pots are not left unattended. 


    A huge thank you to this event's sponsors and all the volunteers that make it happen. We have $2,500 available in cash prizes, thanks to the generous donations from: 

    $1500.00 WINDERMERE Westport

    $500 WEfish

    $500 WA Dungeness Crab Assoc.


    If you have any questions, please go to the Derby Booth at the Westport Marina or Seafood Connection on Float 8. 

    For more information and to stay connected, please visit the Facebook Event Page.