Crab boilers are at full steam with a robust season that started Nov. 5. The season is expected to be a good one, and Monterey Bay crabbers are already loading the decks with tasty crustaceans.
Pete Kalvass, a Department of Fish and Game senior environmental scientist, said, “Crab populations appear to be robust this year, especially in Central California, coming off a record harvest during the 2010-11 seasons.”
The entire state of California has opened to sport crabbing; however, the San Francisco Bay is closed to the take of Dungeness crabs.
Most crabs are caught in Northern California — down as far south as Morro Bay. The legal take is 10 crabs measured at 5¾ inches. Charter vessels may take no more than six crabs per person measured at 6 inches. Most anglers only keep male crabs. A new regulation has been put in place for sport crab fishermen: If they are using a “hoop net,” the net must be checked every 2 hours to release any bycatch unharmed.
“Crabbing has been fantastic, with jumbo Dungeness and limits on every trip,” reported Capt. Jimmy Rubin aboard the Becky Ann in Santa Cruz.
Captain Jimmy has also been getting limits of rockfish for his groups aboard his charter boat. Crab fishermen have been scoring crabs throughout Monterey Bay with most Santa Cruz crab fishermen catching crabs from Natural Bridges to New Years Island.
Most fishermen rig with a weighted trap loaded with fresh bait. The best water depths during the early season are 180 to 300 feet. Be sure you have a measuring device and a current fishing license on board if you head out for crabs.
Anglers who catch crabs should be prepared to keep them cool and alive until cooking them the same day. Once cooked and cleaned, the delicious crustaceans will keep for several days in the refrigerator. Most people have their favorite recipes and traditions for crabs, especially during the holidays!
Mike Baxter has fished in the Monterey Bay Area since he was a boy and has been a licensed charter boat captain for more than 15 years. Contact him at [email protected].
