Commercial crab season officially opens in Monterey

“They’ll go out and set a load and come back in and get some more,” said commercial crab fishermen Tom Hart.

Commercial boats that have been sitting idle are now reeling in Dungeness crab, some up to two pounds.

“We’re all glad it’s opening cause a lot of people have gone three to six months without a paycheck, so it’s very good to be back to work,” said Hart.

Some commercial and recreational crab fishermen told KION Saturday’s journey on the Monterey Bay was not an easy one.

Windy weather and waves made their trips rough and some didn’t trap as many Dungeness as they hoped for because this time of year the crabs start breeding.

“I don’t think they should have opened it at all because they don’t give the guys a fair shot at them like what we should have got,” said recreational and commercial crab fishermen Johnny Mercurio.

Some fishermen are keeping their pots in the water for a few days to increase their chances of landing the seafood delicacy.

“It seems to do better than just picking them up,” said Hart. “You gotta give them a chance to get in.”

Local restaurants and markets are also getting in on the action.

“Look at how feisty they are, just a really nice crab,” said Monterey fish Company owner Sal Tringali. “They’re full of meat, their shells are hard, everything is positive.”

The Monterey Fish Company bought 150 pounds of crab, they sold out in a few hours.

“People come in, they start calling their friends and it’s been crazy all day long,” said Tringali.

Customers are also stopping in for live crab at Domenico’s on the Wharf.

“Real fresh, they’re sweet like sugar,” said Domenico’s owner Sam Mercurio.

No more ordering Dungeness from Washington.

“Very nice, very happy about it,” said Mercurio.

Crab fishermen said they will try to go out and fish the bay every day until the end of June.