World Photo by Susan Chambers

A Hallmark Fisheries dock worker, at right, unloads live Dungeness crab from the F/V Nel Ron Dic Monday night in Charleston. Monday was the first day commercial fishermen could bring the winter bounty to the dock for processing. Fishermen reported the "first pulls" - the first time they could bring up their crab pots - were fair, with a few crab per pot. Processors said they were happy the season started on time this year, without the often contentious price negotiations between fishermen and processors delaying the opening. Fishermen and buyers in Oregon agreed to a $1.55 per-pound price in November, with negotiations monitored by the Oregon Department of Agriculture. "This is probably the way it should be," said Scott Adams, production manager at Hallmark. The agreement allows distributors and wholesalers to place grocery store ads in advance of the season and have some assurances that product will be available. It also makes it easier for processors to hire crews and have workers available. Today, several of the smaller fishing boats returned to port due to rough ocean conditions. The season lasts through August but 80 percent of the crab is caught in December and January.