Spud Point Crab Company and Fish Market, Bodega Bay, Ca

Article by Joseph Chandler, Chief Journalist and Media Relations, IPA Magazine Travel

World Famous Chowder – Carol’s Famous white clam chowder – Voted Best Chowder on the Sonoma Coast!!

My Bodega Bay assignment led me to the Sonoma Coast Visitor’s Center in Bodega Bay. We were told Spud Point Crab Company’s white clam chowder is by far ‘the best‘ in all of Bodega Bay. Also a very nice Park Ranger at Sonoma State Beach said by far that Spud Point Crab Company is the best!. So, without hesitation, since I love a great cup of clam chowder, I made my way to Spud Point Crab Company. Located over an hour from Sausalito, Ca and approx. 30 minutes from Jenner.

Journalist and Assistant Editor, Linda Lee, sat down with Carol Anello, Owner. Tony and Carol opened Spud Point Crab Company in 2004. Carol is such a vivacious, friendly and fun Italian woman who shared the wonderful background as to how she met her husband. That in itself is priceless, as they met when they were 3 and 4 years old as both of their families vacationed in Guerneville at a campground and spent the whole summer there. They would see each other as they grew older. Fate had it that Tony was ‘Thunderstruck’ with Carol and he couldn’t refuse but ask her to marry him. In September of 1967 they were married. Last year, in 2025, they would have been married 58 years; however Tony Anello passed away 3 days before their wedding anniversary. Many people who have visited Spud Point Crab Company attended the Celebration of Life. Tony was loved and he left quite a legacy with his family, friends and those who briefly met him.

Tony’s family years ago had 5 permits to sell produce near Fisherman’s Wharf. They sell fresh fish such as halibut, crab and salmon when in season here at this location. Now crab season is usually the day after Christmas or New Years, depending if the whales are around, and closes in April . Go to ABOUT on their website and enjoy reading their extensive history and experience.

I was greeted by Gina Anello, General Manager and daughter of Carol and Tony. She was so welcoming in her extremely busy schedule. She brought out samples of their ‘Carols World Famous White Clam Chowder‘ and one of their top dishes, a ‘ Crab Sandwich’– so much tasty crab in one bite! The clam chowder is loaded with clams and one of the best tasting chowders in the area!! The Manhattan clam chowder is extremely delicious also! We were told to get there before 11:00a.m., as after that the line starts forming down the block!! They are only opened until 5:00p.m., so hurry up!! Also, there is about 25 pots of clam chowder made during the week and 45 pots on the weekend!!! Wow!!

Mark, the son of Carol and Tony is a great fisherman. That day he brought in 1500 pounds of halibut from this trip! It is becoming increasingly challenging to catch salmon, crab, etc., due to the fact that the seasons are being so regulated. I think it’s important to make a note that the fishing industry along the California coast is becoming very difficult to make a constant living. Special interest groups protecting the whales tend to keep the commercial fisherman out of whale areas, where the whales are eating and tend to linger along certain areas of the California coast. This makes it very hard to keep a full time crew and deck hands as the fishing has become so sporatic. Kind of like the slogan, ‘Catch them when you can.’ This gives me a whole new appreciation what the fisherman goes through and hard work to bring the fish into local markets and restaurants.

So, don’t miss out on the fresh catch of halibut! Linda Lee, Journalist for IPA Magazine Travel was exstatic to have a fresh piece of halibut, almost 2 pounds!!! So can you…..stop by Spud Point Crab Company, Bodega Bay, Ca and make it a great day!!! Visit their website at: Spud Point Crab Company