May 042012
 

After our beautiful day that we spent at the beach we headed north on Hwy 101 and arrived at Jetty Fishery.

We could not believe our eyes.

To us, we just discovered a hidden gem and probably one of the most perfect spots that we had ever been to with our Airstream. The spots here come with full hookups, are covered with grass and come with amazing scenic views of Nehalem Bay.

It could not have been more of a perfect place for us to be.

Complete with smiling faces and some serious Dungeness crabbing opportunities, we were very excited to be here and start our crabbing adventure on the waters of Nehalem Bay.

“I could spent an entire week here,” hubby said to me.

I could not have agreed more.

We love the taste of fresh dungeness crab and the adventures that come along with catching it.  Here when you catch a crab(s), you can bring it back to the dock and Josh (pictured above) will do the honors and cook your fresh catch for you to enjoy right there on the picnic tables.  Imagine enjoying your catch with sweeping views of the bay while the sun is shining.  This is what we saw when we arrived — families doing just that and being happy together.

If you run out of luck and happen to not catch any crab, you can purchase some from their fresh salt water tanks.  Also available are oysters and clams if you like.

~ heading out to drop some crab rings

Jetty Fishery, Oregon

Jetty Fishery, Oregon

~ our crab and Prissy the local kitty.  She and B became very good friends.

Jetty Fishery

~ Seagulls are everywhere and just waiting for the right moment to make their move on the seafood here

Jetty Fishery, Oregon

Right where I am standing is paradise for children that come to Jetty Fishery in the warm summertime.  This is a protected sandy place from the sea and at high tide, the sea water flows into this area and creates many shallow pools.  The sun then warms up the water making it an ideal nature playground for children.  I can only imagine it here in the summertime.  Must be incredible . . .

Our crab was going to be the star tonight and shine in a savory parfait complete with diced avocados, grape tomatoes and thinly sliced spicy radishes.  A drizzle of cold pressed extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice was all that this simple dish needed.  Crunchy and flaky sea salt brought it to pure perfection.

~ Our sunset view at Jetty Fishery

~ Our view just outside of our Airstream’s door


An excerpt from jettyfishery.com:

The Jetty Fishery has been mentioned in publications such as the New York Times, Sunset Magazine, The Oregonian and Beer Northwest and is frequently selected as one of the best one-stop destinations for singles, couples and families to take part in crabbing, picnicking, hiking, camping, clamming, fishing, birding and eating some of the best fresh seafood on the West Coast of the United States.

The Jetty Fishery is located on the waters of the Nehalem Bay, less than 10 feet to tide pools, authentic cabled docks and sandy beaches. If you want to experience the pounding surf of the Pacific Ocean, you only need to open y
our window. Just a 2 minute boat ride across the Nehalem Bay and you’ll find yourself on the deserted beaches of the Nehalem Bay State Park. You can comb the beach, relax and read a book in a secluded nest of driftwood, or walk the lovely 3-mile peninsula over to the town of Manzanita and have an ice cream cone. No matter what you like to do, the Jetty Fishery is an excellent base of operations for your local activities.

Dec 202011
 

The sweet taste and tender meat of the Dungeness crab when dined on no longer than a few days after being caught and steamed surpasses any seafood in the world.  The Washington State Fisheries Department does an incredible job of managing our game and wildlife – our favorite being the “Deadliest Catch,” Dungeness crab.

This years crabbing season was extended until the end of December, giving J5MM the first time since we lost our 35′ Meridian yacht in 2006, to do some serious crabbing. Dock Crabbing.

Dock Crabbing on Orcas Island

Although not nearly as treacherous as our “Infinity II,” Blind Bay return to Burrows Bay fishing adventure, where an over sized male Dungeness crab clawed our wiring leading to a fiberglass inferno — winter dock crabbing can also be as dangerous as rewarding.

Infinity II Boat Fire, 2006 - Anacortes, WA

We were fortunate. This year we won — and the crabs lost.

Dungeness Crab Risotto, Infinity II Boat Fire Anacortes, WA 2006

Dungeness crab risotto garnished with flash fried sage leaves, was on the menu tonight.

Dungeness Crab Risotto garnished with Fried Sage Leaves

Crab Risotto was heavenly.  Simply follow this recipe omitting the butternut squash and add your fresh crab, fried sage leaves (see super easy steps below) and add shaved Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (use a vegetable peeler for beautiful curls!).  A (very) light drizzle of white truffle oil atop adds a deep earthy dimension to this dish.

Bon appetit and stay SAFE!

Flash fried sage leaves:

  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 10 nice size (large if you can) sage leaves

Heat the oil up in your pan, add the sage leaves and flash fry for 3 seconds each side.  Remove from pan and add crunchy sea salt (we like Maldon’s sea salt for finishing — very nice crunch and big flakes).

Serve as an appetizer as is — or crumble on top of the risotto.   B could not stop eating these :)