Crab season alert: get ready to grab some bait, set your traps, and haul in a bountiful day's catch, thanks to the pier crabbing demonstration offered by the folks at the National Park Service in the Presidio. Along with equipment rental and valuable crabbing know-how, the demonstration also include essential knowledge about which types of crabs are permissible to catch, and which need to be tossed back into the watery abyss to avoid a fine. Violating crabbing regulations is no laughing matter — on-the-spot fines can hit $1,000, and court-imposed fines can skyrocket up to $1000,000. After this demonstration, however, you'll be able to hunt for crabs in peace.

Reservations open on March 1 via phone, and they've been known to get, ahem, snapped up within a day or two, so set your calendar reminders and stock your kitchen with all the crab fixings. (For example, try this delicious secret recipe from Woodhouse Fish Grill).

Reservations required. Saturdays, March 1 through October. 10am - 12pm. Torpedo Wharf, Presidio.