Where To Catch Dungeness Crab In San Francisco
San Francisco is known for its spectacular seafood cuisine, and one delicacy that stands out is the Dungeness crab. This succulent crab is popular among locals and tourists alike and is a must-try dish when visiting the city. The best part is, you can even catch your own crab and have it cooked fresh right on the boat or at one of the many seafood restaurants in San Francisco.
Catching Dungeness Crab: What You Need To Know
Catching Dungeness crab can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's essential to know the rules and regulations. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
- You need a California fishing license to catch Dungeness crab.
- Crab season typically runs from November through June, but check with local authorities for specific dates and times.
- The minimum size for Dungeness crab is 5 ¾ inches across the shell. Any crab smaller than this must be released.
- You can catch up to 10 crabs per day, per person.
Where To Catch Dungeness Crab In San Francisco
Now that you know the basics, it's time to figure out where to catch Dungeness crab in San Francisco. Here are some of the best spots:
Pier 39
Pier 39 is a popular tourist destination and a great place to catch Dungeness crab. You can rent crabbing gear from one of the many shops and fish right off the pier. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the resident sea lions.
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is a little further out from San Francisco, but it's worth the trip for some of the best Dungeness crabbing in the area. You can fish off the pier or rent a boat and head out into the bay. Just make sure to check the weather conditions before heading out.
Fort Point National Historic Site
If you're looking for a more scenic location to catch crab, check out the Fort Point National Historic Site. You can fish from the rocks near the Golden Gate Bridge and take in the stunning views of the bay. Just be sure to follow all safety precautions and watch for waves and currents.
Where To Eat Dungeness Crab In San Francisco
If you'd rather leave the crabbing to the experts, San Francisco has plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy this mouth-watering delicacy. Here are some of the best places to eat Dungeness crab:
The Fisherman's Wharf
The Fisherman's Wharf is one of the most popular places to eat Dungeness crab in San Francisco. You can enjoy this delicious dish at one of the many seafood restaurants in the area or try it from a street vendor. Just be sure to watch out for the seagulls - they love Dungeness crab too.
Scoma's Restaurant
If you're looking for a more upscale dining experience, check out Scoma's Restaurant. This waterfront restaurant has been serving up the freshest seafood in San Francisco for over 50 years, and their Dungeness crab is a standout dish.
Crab House at Pier 39
The Crab House at Pier 39 is another great spot to enjoy Dungeness crab. This casual restaurant offers a variety of crab dishes, including crab cakes and crab cocktails. And, of course, they serve their famous whole roasted Dungeness crab.
Conclusion
Dungeness crab is a San Francisco specialty, and whether you catch it yourself or enjoy it at a local restaurant, it's a must-try dish when visiting the city. Just be sure to follow all rules and regulations while crabbing and savor every bite of this delicious seafood.
