SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Bay Area crab lovers rejoice! After weeks of delays, fresh off the boat Dungeness crab sales started Sunday.
Local crabbers are selling their catches directly to customers again this year at San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf.
The first Dungeness crab catch just arrived at Piers 45 and 47 at Fisherman’s Wharf. A steady stream of Bay Area crab lovers was eager to buy.
Will and Rosemary Kuna drove from Oakland to pick up five crabs.
“I heard the season is finally opening. I really wanted to support local fishermen, so I figured we got to make it. You can’t go wrong with local crab,” said Rosemary Kuna.
MORE: Date set for return of Bay Area’s commercial Dungeness crab season: Here’s when
It’s the fourth year crabbers have been selling their catches directly to customers, who can expect to pay $11 per pound.
“The catch is still minimal, not as bad as last year, but we’re making headway. You just got to work a little harder to get what you need,” said Shawn Chen, VP of Crab Boat Owners Association of San Francisco.
Crabbing isn’t easy. Captain Chen shared video of this weekend’s voyage, about 40 miles outside the Golden Gate.
Crabbers say the ability to sell crabs to the public fresh off the boat is a win for everybody, except the crabs.
“For small boats like mine, it’s the difference between making it and trying to survive and not making it,” said Matt Juanes, crab boat captain.
MORE: Test results for new pop-up crab traps could boost approval chances for mass use along CA coast
“It just brings us a lot of joy to see how much our community appreciates us,” Chen said.
It’s a nice payoff for crab boat crews, who have endured season delays due to weather and whale migrations.
For customers, buying fresh crab off the dock is a real experience — maybe too real. Watch out for those pinchers!
“My husband learned how to clean it – ouch! It got me! That was an experience, yeah,” said Jennifer Hu.
Crab sales continue through April. Cash is preferred. Don’t forget to bring a cooler.
Copyright © 2026 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Duncan Meyers, founder of BDJOBSTODAY, shares expert career advice, job market insights, and practical tips to help professionals grow and succeed in their careers.
