Nestled underneath the reddish glow of the Golden Gate, Fort Point Pier is the perfect spot to enjoy the beauty of the bridge, as well as throw a net out into the bay and wait alongside as fresh crab nip at your bait.

A tradition in many families, elders often take their children or grandchildren to any one of the numerous piers in the Bay Area, and cast a fishing line or crab net to pull in what nature has to offer. November 2nd marked the beginning of this year’s crab season, bringing with it the masses eager to get out into the water.

Whether you were taught how to crab or not, it is extremely easy to learn but definitely calls for a few knowledgeable tips so that your catch can be plentiful. The most important of your supplies would be of course, a net. Available at local sporting good stores or your favorite bait and tackle shop, the most basic of “ring-nets” cost up to twenty dollars. These simple devices are made of two concentric metal rings, one smaller than another, with a nylon or mesh weave inbetween that sit flat on the seafloor when thrown. A metal cage is tied in the center to house your bait. After the crab walk onto the net to eat, you simply pull your line as your catch remains. Don’t forget to bring a knife, extra rope, a flashlight (if its night-time) and some chairs.

Second, you must consider the type of bait to be used to attract crab away from their dwellings and into your net. Many experienced crabbers have tried some type of chicken product, finding that the meat is a favorite for the crustacean. Personally, chicken necks seem to do the trick fairly well, as the bone is easy to tie into a cage, and is quite inexpensive compared to other cuts. Other kinds of bait that crabbers on the pier have recommended include catfood, smelt, and even cheese. It’s worth a shot to try different things, it’ll help perfect your technique!w

Finally, make sure your bait is securely fashioned in the cage, and your lines are tight and strong. Stand back and ensure that the line is properly tied to either a post or metal peg, and throw the net just like a frisbee. Wait for it to sink and the waiting game begins.

When you feel that the crab have had enough time to crawl onto your net (usually 10-20minutes), pull the line in quick and steadily. Depending on your bait and the appetite of your catch, you’d be lucky to pull in half a dozen per pull at Fort Point Pier. Any crab less than 4″ long at the widest point of their shell should be thrown back, as well as any of the Dungenous species – you can pay big fines if you get caught.

All that’s left is to sit back and enjoy the company of your friends or family on the pier as the crab pile up in your cooler. This might even do well as a first date, assuming you know what you’re doing. Practice your technique and happy hunting!