Dungeness - Columbia River - Year Round?

[Jay K]

I've never been crabbing, but was checking out the regs and was astounded to see that crabbing is open year-round in the Columbia River area. Not only that, but the limits are double at 12 and the sizes are smaller at 5 3/4". Are the crabs really that abundant there? Do crabs really hang out there all year-long?

I've calculated a trip out from Spokane, and it'd cost me $120 just in gas. I'd hate to plan a newbie crab outing without knowing some of the logistics, but the regs make the Columbia River area sound like a crab wonderland.

Any enlightening replies? Thanks.