Crab Pots, Permits📋, and Pre-Season Prep: How We Get Ready for Crabbing in Juneau, Alaska!

Spring is in full swing here in Juneau, Alaska — the days are getting longer, the water is waking up, and the harbor is buzzing with boats getting ready for another unforgettable summer on the water. At Morsa Marine Tours, we’re deep in the behind-the-scenes hustle of getting ready for crabbing season — and trust us, it’s a lot more than just tossing pots overboard and hoping for Dungeness crab.

Whether you're cruising to Juneau or planning your own Southeast Alaska adventure, here’s a peek at what goes into preparing for our authentic Alaskan crabbing tours — and why every detail matters.

Step One: The Unseen Work at ADF&G

Before we can drop a single pot, we head over to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G) to register for the season. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential — every crab pot we use must be individually tagged and accounted for. These pot tags make sure we’re fishing legally and sustainably, following all the regulations that help protect Alaska’s rich marine ecosystem.

It’s a crucial part of running a responsible commercial crabbing operation — and we take pride in doing things the right way.

Next: Pot Inspections and Repairs

Once the paperwork is done, it’s time to go pot by pot. Literally. We inspect every single Dungeness crab pot from top to bottom:

• Is the mesh secure?

• Are the frames solid and rust-free?

• Do the doors open and close properly?

• Does any rotten cotton need to be replaced?

If there’s a problem, we patch it. If it’s questionable, we fix it. Every small repair ensures that the pots are ready for the real thing. Our gear needs to perform every single day — not just for looks, but for pulling in real crab.

All the Details That Make It Work

The final weeks before the season starts are filled with little tasks that make a big difference:

• Cleaning and painting buoys for maximum visibility

• Splicing and organizing ropes

• Prepping bait jars

• Conducting boat and gear safety checks

• Restocking supplies like gloves, rain gear, and life vests

These are the things that guests don’t often see — but they’re what make our tours run smoothly. When you’re out there pulling a crab pot from the cold, clear waters of Juneau, it’s all this behind-the-scenes work that makes it possible.

An Authentic Alaska Crabbing Experience

At Morsa Marine Tours, we offer more than just sightseeing. Our hands-on Dungeness crabbing excursions give you a real taste of life on the water in Southeast Alaska. You’ll help haul up crab pots, check the catch, and learn what goes into this traditional Alaskan livelihood.

Sometimes the crabs play hard to get, but one thing’s for sure — you’ll have a blast and come away with a genuine Alaska crabbing adventure you won’t forget!

Ready to Go Crabbing in Juneau?

If you're looking for something truly unique to do in Juneau, Alaska — whether you're here on a cruise ship or exploring on your own — come join us on the water.

The crab pots are ready. The gear is dialed in. And our team can’t wait to show you what real Alaska crabbing is all about.

Book your tour today and be part of the action!

From Ocean to Plate 🍽️: The Journey of Your Dungeness Crab

There’s something magical about catching your own food—and in Alaska, that magic is wrapped in salty sea air, rugged coastline, and the unforgettable taste of Dungeness crab. At Morsa Marine, our Juneau Crabbing Tours give guests the rare chance to experience the full journey of their meal, from pulling up the pots to cracking into a fresh feast, all from the deck of a working vessel.

First, the pots go down.
These are real commercial crab pots—heavy-duty, baited, and dropped into the cold waters just outside Juneau. When it’s time to haul them back up, that’s when the excitement begins. Guests often gather around as the pot breaks the surface, curious to see what’s inside.

Then comes the sorting.
Not every crab makes the cut. Captain Clayton takes time to explain how each Dungeness crab is measured to ensure it’s legal size. We take sustainability seriously—only the right ones stay onboard, and the rest go right back into the water, alive and well.

But crabbing comes with surprises.
Some of our guests are just as fascinated by what isn’t a crab. Sunflower sea stars, fish, sea cucumbers, and even the occasional octopus make an appearance in the bycatch. It’s a hands-on marine biology lesson you didn’t know you signed up for.

And finally: the feast.
After the work is done, it’s time to indulge. We cook crab right on deck—with a side of sea breeze and glacier views. Paired with a charcuterie box and plenty of good company, this is more than a meal—it’s an experience.

At the end of the tour, you’ll walk away with more than just a full stomach. You’ll leave with salty hands, great photos, and a genuine connection to the Alaskan way of life.

Because at Morsa Marine, we’re not just showing you Alaska—we’re bringing you into it.

🦀How Morsa Marine’s Juneau Crabbing Tours came to Life

Morsa Marine’s Juneau Crabbing Tours is the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and a deep love for Alaska’s waters. Our journey started with Captain Clayton, a lifelong fisherman who was born and raised right here in Juneau. He spent decades on the water, honing his skills and gaining invaluable experience as a commercial fisherman. But after all those years, he realized there was one thing missing: sharing his passion for Alaskan commercial fishing with others.

Captain Clayton had always loved the idea of taking people on an authentic, hands-on crabbing experience, allowing them to be part of the process and witness the beauty and wonder of Alaskan waters. So, he decided to launch Morsa Marine and Juneau Crabbing Tours to give visitors a chance to dive into the heart of commercial crabbing, while experiencing the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of Alaska.

At Morsa Marine, we pride ourselves on offering more than just a crabbing trip. We provide an educational, exciting, and immersive Alaskan experience. From hauling up commercial pots to learning about local marine life, every part of the tour is designed to connect you with the natural beauty of Alaska and give you a taste of what it’s like to be a true Alaskan fisherman.

What started as a dream for Captain Clayton has now turned into a thriving, unforgettable adventure for guests from all over the world. Join us on Juneau Crabbing Tours and become part of the journey that celebrates Alaska’s wild, rugged spirit.