Weathering the Tide: On Willapa Bay, crabbers seek the thrill of the chase

By: Riley Yuan

Outlets: Chinook Observer

Published: February 15, 2026

Words: 2,663

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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The typical crew of a Willapa Bay crab boat consists of three people: a puller who fishes each crab pot’s line and buoy out of the water, a baiter who switches out the bait, and a driver who pilots the boat in between pots and lines of pots. Of these roles, the touchiest belongs to the driver, whose read of the wind and the waves keeps the boat from running over the gear or capsizing. …

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