Dungeness Crabs are large, hard-shell crabs known for their sweet flavor and flaky texture, found along the northwest coast from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to Northern California. During crab season, Half Moon Bay comes together to celebrate this seafood delicacy with mouthwatering dishes at local restaurants and plenty of opportunities to load up with fresh crab to take home with you.Â
Catch your own, or purchase directly from the fishermen’s boats at Pillar Point Harbor or from local seafood markets, restaurants and cafés.
When is Crab Season in Half Moon Bay?
Recreational crab season generally begins in early November, followed by the opening of commercial crab season in mid-November. The peak season runs from December through February, when the crabs are most abundant and the meat is at its sweetest.
In recent years, the start of the commercial season has sometimes been delayed due to the presence of humpback whales which are at risk for becoming entangled in the lines used for crab traps. Because of the potential for delays in season opening, it’s best to check the official California Fish and Wildlife page for the most current information.
Dungeness Crab
NOTE: Crab traps may not be set or used from the Mendocino/Sonoma county line* to Lopez Point in Monterey County (Fishing Zones 3 and 4), due to the elevated potential for whale entanglement in trap gear. Dungeness crab may still be caught using hoop nets (PDF), snares (loop traps) and the hands. Sign up for crab trap restriction notifications through the Marine Region News Service. Additionally, a recreational Fleet Advisory is in effect statewide. In areas open to the use of crab traps, avoid setting traps in areas where whales are present, and follow best practices for using traps. Please visit the Whale Safe Fisheries web page for the latest information, or to sign up for trap restriction updates.
Retrieved from https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Fishing-Map/San-Francisco on 2024-12-03, 11:00amFishing for crab in Half Moon Bay
If you’re interested in trying your hand at catching Dungeness crab, Half Moon Bay offers plenty of opportunities for both beginners and experienced crabbers. Pillar Point Harbor offers an accessible spot for both pier and boat crabbing. You can also join one of the many chartered crabbing trips that depart from the harbor, which are perfect for beginners or those without their own equipment. Expect to be out in the early morning or late afternoon, as crabs are typically more active during these times.Â
Remember that Dungeness crab fishing conditions and regulations can change from year to year. It’s always wise to check current conditions and rules before planning your crabbing adventure in Half Moon Bay. It’s also important to check the local regulations for size and bag limits to ensure you’re crabbing responsibly and legally.
Charter Boats
Where to buy fresh crab in Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay has one of the largest concentrations of this seafood delicacy with more than 50 commercial boats fishing off Pillar Point Harbor, the last working fishing harbor between San Francisco and Monterey. Many crab fisherman sell their daily catch right off the boat to customers. The FishLine Mobile App lets you know which boats have fresh crab for sale and gives you a list of fishermen to call, text or email to reserve your crab or fish ahead of time.
Early December marks the peak of the season, though it’s wise to avoid holiday weekends when crowds can be overwhelming. When handling crab, keep live ones cool and moist, cooking them within 24 hours of purchase. Cooked crab can be stored refrigerated for up to two days.
Video shows how to buy crab off the boat.
Where to eat crab in Half Moon Bay
Catching and cooking crab can be a lot of work, and many of us would prefer to skip to the good part and enjoy a meal of freshly-caught local crab. Half Moon Bay restaurants celebrate crab season with signature dishes that highlight the delicate, sweet flavor of Dungeness crab. Many restaurants change their offerings from season to season, so you’ll find plenty of variety, including crab sandwiches, crab cakes, whole-roasted crabs, Crab Louis salad, and other traditional favorites. Check with restaurants directly to find out what’s on the menu this season.
Popular Seafood Restaurants
Dungeness crab season in Half Moon Bay is a quintessential coastal experience. From the thrill of catching your own crab to indulging in expertly prepared dishes at local eateries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this time of year. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the season offers a delicious way to embrace the bounty of California’s coast.
