Off-the-boat Dungeness crab sales begin at SF Fisherman's Wharf for eager buyers

"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,"

Fresh off-the-boat Dungeness crab sales resumed at Piers 45 and 47 at San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf after weeks of delays. Local crabbers are selling catches directly to customers for about $11 per pound. Fishermen faced minimal catches compared with last year but reported gradual improvement and harder work to secure crabs. Small-boat operators said direct sales are critical to economic survival and build community appreciation. Crews endured season delays due to weather and whale migrations. Customers lined up to buy live crab and described cleaning and handling as an intense, hands-on experience.

Read at ABC7 San Francisco