Dungeness crab season kicked off Nov. 15, and there’s plenty of good news for those who crave this tasty crustacean.

The commercial season started on time, the crabs are looking pleasantly plump, and prices remain stable. So if you were planning to boil some crabs plucked fresh from the San Francisco Bay – or looking to add some cracked legs and claws to a pot of cioppino – keep a bib, fork and some drawn butter on standby.

Last year, Central California’s Dungeness crab season, which starts annually in November and winds down in March, endured some rocky moments by comparison. Crab fishermen underwent an 11-day mid-season strike after haggling with wholesalers over prices, and bad weather in Northern California led to temporary shortages in an industry that generates an average $24 million annually in dock sales.

This year’s opening weekend wasn’t all smooth sailing. High winds prevented many fishing boats from setting the pots that capture crabs. The tide has since turned for the better, and most local seafood retailers are flush with crabs. That includes midtown’s Sunh Fish market, a leading seafood supplier for Sacramento restaurants and a favorite spot for home cooks.

Read the full story at the Sacramento Bee>>