Area 13 help

[BentRod]

Hi all,
I'll be spending a couple days down on Henderson bay in area 13 this weekend and am looking for suggestions on a good place to drop the crab pots. I've previously tried the middle of the bay from just above Kopachuck State Park up towards Purdy, but can only get half-size Dungies and some big red-rocks no matter how deep I drop the pots. I'd like to get some keeper Dungeness, but am limited on area and distance with my 12' boat. Anyone crab from Fox Islet up toward Kopachuck with any success or would I be wasting my time? If you have had success, where could I put in at? I don't exactly need a boat launch, just beach access. My 4hp Evinrude doesn't push me very fast or very far. Thanks for any input.
BR

[Maury]

go out at low tide and look for the grass.

[BentRod]

go out at low tide and look for the grass.

Thanks for the reply,
There is plenty of eel grass in the area (looks like it would be Dungeness heaven) and there are lots of Dungies, but they're all small. It's almost like Henderson bay is a rearing pond. I haven't seen a Dungie in there over 4 inches across (at least where I've fished. There are quite a few large Red Rocks, but I only like to use those for making stock.

[Jake Dogfish]

My family lived for 30+ years on henderson bay and recently moved. There are tons of rock crab, but pretty much no dungys, not saying you couldn't get one. A good place to put pots would be just south of Minter creek a mile or two. Good luck.

[BentRod]

Thanks JD,
I was afraid you'd say that! haha. Do you think there are some legal Dungies south of Minter Creek or South of Kopachuck?

[Jake Dogfish]

That area is also full of pacific graceful crab. They look like dungys but only grow to about 4.5 inches across.

[BentRod]

I just looked up the graceful crab and I think what I've been catching might be those as I've distinctly noticed their vibrant purple legs, which is a characteristic of this strain. I'll pay closer attention if we catch some more of these and look closer the claws. Good call. Thanks.