Crab fisherman happy to finally make money as season gets late start
SAN FRANCISCO - Sunday is the start of Dungeness crab season, giving fishermen an opportunity to finally make some money by selling directly off their boats to customers.
Dozens of people lined up at Fisherman's Wharf near Pier 45 to buy whole, uncooked crabs from Matt Juanes' boat early Sunday morning. His crew was out on the water overnight, and got back with four full containers of crab.
"Glad they came out and supported us. They’ve been waiting a long time. Credit card bills are racking up," said Juanes.
Juanes is selling about two pounds of crabs for $10 a pound, and giving customers a free one if they buy 10.
"I’m happy just to work right now. Salmon season is closed. Most fishermen do salmon and crab. Salmon season has been closed for the last two years and crab has been shortening down; smaller and smaller," said Juanes.
Crab season used to run from about November to June, allowing families to have crab for Thanksgiving. But now it's been pushed back to January, lasting until about March or April.
This is because the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has been worried about whales being entangled in crab traps.
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"Whales are staying longer because our ecosystem is healthier, there’s more food, so they’re hanging out longer. But that can be problematic for people who are fishing," said Gabe Mikulich, the Fisherman's Wharf harbormaster.
He said this has been really hard for local fishermen who have essentially been sitting on the beach all year.
"This is a really good opportunity for them to be able to come out and finally make some money," said Mikulich.
The staff at Fisherman's Wharf even set up a brand-new 280-foot float to make buying these crabs directly from the boat safe and accessible for the public.
The off-the-boat sales program has been happening for two years and is very successful.
"I'm super excited! This is the best time of the year. It beats Christmas," said customer Maria Santos of Suisun City.
For many, getting fresh crab is a tradition.
"My dad has been in love with seafood for my whole life, so it’s just become a normal thing," said Desiree Shook, who came out with her family from Concord. "On his way here he was like, ‘I want to be the first in line, we have to get there.’"
While Juanes was the only fisherman selling on Sunday, Mikulich said others will be there throughout the week.