Scott;

I may be late in getting in on this crabbing idea but thought I'd add a note too. About 15 years ago, I owned a kayak built by Sunline Fiberglass. I named her Sonrisa (Spanish for smile) and outfitted her for any adventure in Puget Sound. At roughly 19' x 24" beam and weighing 78 lbs (without hardware) she was a very stable boat but still needed a strong sweep or brace in rougher conditions. I took her out on numerous occasions on Puget Sound for bottom fishing and crabbing. My most memorable trip was an overnight at Deception Pass (camped on Strawberry Island; check your charts) then going out through the North Passage on the ebb and dropping my crab pots just around the point. From there I went on to fish for rock fish and dog sharks, returning later for the crabs. This kayak had a bulkhead just behind the cockpit and a large cargo hatch within reach. I would partially fill the "cargo hold" with ice (yes good ballast) and toss my catch back there. I would strap my crab pots to the fore deck and had a rear angled rod holder mounted slightly to the side and rear of the cockpit. It was quite a sight to behold and I have a picture from that trip to prove it! Drop me line for more details if you wish, and I'll get the photo scanned to send you. Land Locked in Nine Mile Falls, WA.