The long-delayed crab season in California officially starts Saturday. Commercial fishing boats at Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay have been docked for months.
Some fishermen are waiting for test results of the meat to come back Monday before they go out for their catches and set the price.
"It's been tough financially, but we've managed to stay afloat," said Frank Sousa, captain of Two's Company. "So we're just hoping to salvage what we can."
The crab season was delayed more than four months due to a toxic algae bloom that left crab off the coast unsafe to eat. Now, fishermen have been given the all clear.
Some boats left before dawn Friday to drop the pots so crews can pull them up right at midnight Saturday when the season begins.
"A lot of people getting out, wanting to fill up the pots, wanting to make some money," said Chris Hodge, a fisherman from Oregon.
While the crab season starting is good news, fishermen still face obstacles: high winds are expected this weekend and the bait is more expensive this year.
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In addition, buyers want the crab tested to make sure it is to their liking. A market price could be set as early as Friday. Some expect the price won’t be set until Monday.
"If enough boats go out [Friday] and don't stay tied up together, then it'll be a rat race," Sousa said. "Everybody will be going."
#Crab pots untouched in #SF:season opens 12:01 Sat AM but fishermen waiting for meat test results Mon to set price. pic.twitter.com/ZCYzKHgGwe — Stephanie Chuang (@StephChuang) March 25, 2016
