Dungeness
Crab is a wonderful treat and the Pacific Coast off Northern California
is a prime fishing area for them. Crab fishing season for commercial fishermen
opens on December 1 each year. Sometimes the opening is delayed until
the crabbers' association agrees to a price with the buyers. San Francisco
Bay Crab is a Dungeness but the Crescent City Fleet brings in an annual
catch four times the size of that from the San Francisco fleet. This picture
was taken at dawn on December first as the fleet was picking up their
crab pots, set the day before, and heading in with the first catch of
the season. Hardy fishermen, they must work all hours and all kinds of
weather. Much of the Crescent City catch is bought for commercial freezing.
If you're in town when fresh crab is available, it is a real treat, whether
served at one of the fine restaurants or bought fresh for home preparation.
Sport fishermen may take crab during other dates and visitors can crab
off the pier near the Battery Point Beach House rental. Many locals set
crab pots (traps) from small boats near shore.
