Baited pots are out, recreational fishermen go crabbing in Monterey Bay

“We get six, the limits six,” said recreation crab fishermen Mark Marron.

It was a sight for sore eyes, buckets of Dungeness crab were caught for the first time this season in the Monterey Bay.

“We enjoy crabbing,” said crab fishermen Carolyn Triggs. “We heard it was opening so we wanted to come.”

After levels of a potentially deadly neurotoxin shut the season down, it’s now open for recreational Dungeness crab south of Point Reyes in Marin County.

“I wanted to have fun with my girl,” said David Weldon, a crab fishermen. “So yea we came before Valentine’s Day.

Fishermen said the water was crowded with the bright red crustaceans because they’ve not been fished along the coast.

“The pots had 15 to 20 crab in them, which is usually 10,” said Marron.

Compared to last year, they’re a lot bigger and meatier inside.

“We’re going to have a good dinner tonight,” said Triggs.

Some of the local businesses are also happy about the ban being lifted.

“It’s good to see your customers come back,” said Chris Arcoleo, owner of Chris’ Fishing Trips.

Chris’ Fishing Trips on the Monterey Wharf can now take recreational crab fishermen out on their boats to catch the seafood delicacy.

“You got a month to do this, but it’s gonna help, especially on the weekends.” said Arcoleo. “The skippers getting out there and going doing it.”

Liberty Fish Company also expects to see a boost in business.

Sports fishermen are already dropping off their crab there to get it cracked, cleaned and cooked once it comes out the bay.

“It’s definitely gonna help with business,” said Liberty Fish Company manager Nicholas Higuera. I’m happy finally, yes.”

Health officials are warning anglers and consumers that the internal organs of the crabs are unsafe to eat, as they usually contain higher levels of demoic acid.

The season is still on hold for commercial crab fishing.