Northern California’s commercial Dungeness crab season opens to long lines of hungry fans at San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — The first capture is complete. The commercial Dungeness crab season officially began Sunday in Northern California.

The crab fishermen were happy to get back to work and the public was hungry for a taste. The season usually begins in November but has been delayed due to humpback whale migrations off the coast.

The first crab catch of the season took place at Fisherman’s Wharf.

“It’s just good to get out on the water. The delay is something we’re used to now,” said crabber Captain Pat Lazarri.

Lazzari says his crew aboard the Edward Letter caught about 7 to 8,000 pounds of crab overnight, a few hours after the season officially opened. The fresh catch was quickly transferred to holding tanks at Pier 45.

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“I’m just happy to be back at work,” said Crabber Capt. Matt Juanes.

Juanes says so far the crab catch looks good.

“There weren’t as many but the quality is very good. We average about two pounds of crab,” Juanes said.

Captain Matt sold his catch directly to a hungry audience who waited in line for hours.

“We’re beating the rush to the Super Bowl. We’re getting a new take,” said Gemma Pabson of San Pablo.

MORE: California’s commercial Dungeness crab season will officially begin Jan. 5, officials say

“I didn’t have okra for Thanksgiving, so I’m mad, but they’re here. I’m having my okra tonight,” said Zanalla Beverly of Vallejo.

Off-boat crab sales took place on a newly constructed dock to help salmon and crab fishermen generate income.

“Salmon season has been canceled for the last two years, so the crabbers, this is the only chance they have to make money,” said Gabe Makulich, harbor captain at Fisherman’s Wharf.

It’s been a very tough few years for crabbers,” said outgoing San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin.

Peskin said crab is an important shellfish to the local economy.

MORE: CA expands trap testing to help delay Bay Area crabbing season: What it means for crabbers

“Not just for restaurants and stores, but it’s a starting point for all of Northern California, the huge processors here and the families that depend on them,” Peskin said.

“There’s some good crabbing. A little slower than what we’re used to. We’re going out with less gear, so it’s going to be tough to make a paycheck,” said crab fisherman Joey Gallia.

Gallia adapts to changes in the sector, but he sticks to it.

“We do it because we love it, we’re good at it,” Gallia said.