Looking for crab off the boat in the East Bay

[Cheesy Oysters]

We are hosting a dinner with some friends and the appointed cook would like to find a place to get live whole crab or live then cracked and cleaned (uncooked then put on ice) in the East Bay--preferably off a boat. Any ideas or where to do so in SF if not the East Bay--which pier, etc? He has gotten them in Oakland Chinatown or Rancho 66 but they haven't always been cracked. We need about 15 crabs. If you know the price, that would be helpful too.

[jillyju]

Today, near the Berkeley Pier, a sport fishing place was selling live or cooked crab. The price wasn't great--something like 6.50 live, 6.99 cooked, but it fits your criteria for fresh off the boat. Even better, you could take one of their boat trips and catch your own.

[Melanie Wong]

If the point is to buy directly from the fisherman, then Hudson Fish might work for you.
http://www.hudsonfish.com/

Further north in San Rafael, Western Boat and Tackle.
http://www.westernboatshop.com/fresh-...

That's a big enough quantity that you could possibly work out a special order and handling by calling ahead. I haven't patronized either, but they've been recommended on the board before.

[Robert Lauriston]

I bought some crab from Hudson Fish at the Berkeley farmers market yesterday, it was excellent but expensive.

Given the mention of 99 Ranch and Chinatown, I'm guessing the poster is looking for a bargain price.

[Melanie Wong]

What was the price from Hudson?

One can have bargain price or one can have the service of cleaning and cracking, hard to find both together.

[Robert Lauriston]

I think whole crabs were $6 a pound. Since it was for a mousse I got picked meat, $10.50 for 8 ounces.

[Melanie Wong]

For a moment there, memories of the crab meat, Knox gelatin, scallion, and cream of mushroom soup "mousse" molds we used to make for parties in high school crossed my mind. Don't imagine that's what you made...

[OldTimer]

I think Western Boat in San Rafael charges $5.99 lb cooked, I would guess you could order special and get cleaned raw crab for the same price. There is quite a bit of labor involved, but an advance order might work.

[Robert Lauriston]

I've never heard of crab boats in the East Bay. If you want to buy direct, go to Bodega Bay or Half Moon Bay.