Getting Crabby

Feel that pinch? Crab season opened last weekend and things are getting clawfully crazy. Never been crabbing before? Pacifica is the place to go, and a license is not required to crab from the pier. For around $35 you can pick up everything needed to catch your own crabs from Rusty Hook Bait & Tackle (with a slogan like "We got worms!" you can't go wrong). Owner Cheryl Jimno will hook you up with a crab ring, crab gauge, bait box, bait, and bucket. Ready? It's easy: Walk down to the pier and drop the ring. Give it about 15 minutes, then see what comes up. Dungeness crabs are the big prize. Good crustaceans!

Rusty Hook Bait & Tackle, 2130 Palmetto Ave. at Montecito Ave., Pacifica; 650-355-8303. The crab season runs from now until June 30. Dogs aren't allowed on the pier.