Acadiana's News Leader Crawfish Season Arrives

Crawfish Season Arrives

Pounds and pounds and pounds of these crawling mudbugs make it to plates each year.  And it's about that time of year that insatiable appetite returns. Dwight's Restaurant Manager, Mona Bernard says this time of year people start asking.

"Oh yes, a few of ‘em. They wait for crawfish season, they call all the time."

Every year thousands of these little guys (crawfish) are boiled alive and enjoyed by people all across the south. And this year is no exception.

Dwight's restaurant in Lafayette says they're seeing the demand picking up.

Mona Bernard admits they're a little small right now, but says it's still early in the season. 

Mona said, "So far it's good. We're hoping to get better crawfish coming in, so we can have both lunch and night time (meals)."

Crawfish size is being blamed by many on the unseasonably warm temperatures, paired with the droughts last year.

However, Clawdaddy's in Lafayette doesn't seem fazed one bit. In fact, today they opened their doors for the first time in six months.

Co-owner Jessica Bernard said, "We're excited about this year. The crawfish looks great, the customers, the community, everyone's ready for it. So, we're ready to kick off."

And they say buyers should realize bigger isn't always better when it comes to picking crawfish.

Jessica's brother, Trampus is part-owner as well and explains why.

"You know, (the big crawfish) they can be hollow inside. No meat in them. So you always want your medium sized crawfish."

The brother-sister duo took over their father's business after he passed away last spring.

It's now their mission to carry on his dream and that means serving Louisiana during the peak time.

Trampus said, "I think he fulfilled his dreams, so now we got to fill more of whatever he thinks he had."

"It's part of Louisiana, especially in Acadiana. So, we're excited for it," said Jessica.

-Caroline Balchunas