I have heard any month that ends in a R or any month with an R in it are good months to crab. Call ahead and make sure it has not rained in the last few days because some say that the rain watter dilutes the salt watter and crabbing is less productive.
We usualy go to Garibaldi or further north to Brighton beach. You can rent boats at both for around 50 $ for 4 hours and I think 10$ every additional hour.
We usualy use frozen chicken, turky legs and buy the fish bait at the docks. Bait the traps with both and see what they are chomping on.
As far as traps I like the square Danielson traps. Once the crab is in they cant get out. The rings are a suckers bet in my opinion.
If you go to the above places call ahead for a crab report and dont forget to get a map at the counter.
The gal that ownes the brighton beach place is always honest when I call and the crab ground is fairly close to the docks so if your boat skills are lacking it is fairly safe and calm harbor.