Live Spot Prawn Season FAQ

Everything you need to know about ordering, handling, and enjoying BC’s freshest catch.

📅 When is Spot Prawn Season?

BC spot prawn season typically runs from early May to mid-June, depending on fisheries regulations. This short 35-day window is when we offer live, wild-caught prawns straight from our family boat to your door or dock.

LIVE SPOT PRAWN SEASON OFFICIAL OPENING IS MAY 14, 2025.

CLOSING DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED (MID-JUNE)

📧 Sign up for our VIP list or follow us on Instagram/Facebook for opening day updates and availability.

🛒 How Can I Order Live Spot Prawns?

We offer multiple ways to purchase during the season:

  • Pre-Order Pickup at Ladner Wharf

  • Walk-Up Sales at Ladner Wharf

  • Home Delivery in Greater Vancouver

  • Out-of-Province Delivery to Calgary, Edmonton & Toronto (select dates)

📈 Visit our Spot Prawn Collection to order.

⏰ What Are the Pickup Hours at Ladner Wharf?

Pickup Hours:

  • Pre-Order Reservation Pickup: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM

  • Walk-Up Sales for Live Spot Prawns & Fresh Tails: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

🔹 Pre-ordering guarantees priority access to the freshest catch
🔹 Frozen Seafood Orders WILL NOT be at the boat, a separate self service location near by
🔹 For order pickups outside of our business hours, please contact us
🔹 Walk-up sales are limited – check in with our website Live Chat before arriving

🚚 How Does Delivery Work?

Greater Vancouver Home Delivery:

  • Available Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday

  • Delivery window: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

  • Delivered in Styrofoam boxes with saltwater and gel ice packs

Out-of-Province Delivery (Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto):

  • Delivered via air freight + private courier

  • Orders must be received in person or picked up from our dispatch center

  • We do not use UPS, Purolator, or Canada Post for live prawns

💰 Market Pricing & Value

Prices fluctuate based on daily market conditions and demand. Opening week often sees the highest pricing.

What makes us different:

  • We don’t grade — you receive the full catch, including the largest prawns

  • Generous packing and fair portions

  • Direct-from-boat freshness

💡 Our customers return for quality they trust—not bargain prices.

⚖️ Dead Loss Policy

A small amount of natural dead loss is normal with all live seafood. This is expected and does not qualify for refund or compensation.

We pack generously and handle each order with care to minimize loss.

❄️ Handling & Storage Tips

  • Keep prawns cool, moist, and ventilated

  • Leave in the provided bag to allow air circulation

  • Store on top of ice packs, not submerged in water or on direct ice

  • Best consumed same day

🔪 Preparation & Cooking

  • Prawns can be cooked whole or with heads removed

  • Popular methods: pan-seared, steamed (1–2 mins), grilled, or in pasta/curry

🔹 Do not overcook—spot prawns are delicate and quick to cook.

❓ Common Questions

Why do I need to remove the heads?

Once prawns die, oxidation starts quickly, especially in the head. This causes bitterness and blackening. If not cooking immediately, remove heads and chill tails.

Is it safe to eat a dead prawn?

If it's recently dead, firm, and smells clean—yes, cook it thoroughly. Avoid prawns that are mushy, discoloured, or have a strong odour.

My prawns aren't moving—are they still fresh?

Yes. Spot prawns often slow down when chilled or under stress. As long as they aren't discoloured or mushy, they're still fresh.

Can I freeze spot prawns at home?

Yes. Remove heads, rinse gently, and freeze in salt water or vacuum-sealed. Use within 3 months (vacuum sealed) or 12 months (salt water).

Are spot prawns sashimi-grade?

Only live, same-day prawns may be eaten raw. Anything held overnight or frozen must be cooked.

What’s the best way to keep the heads?

If you love spot prawn heads (we know many of our customers do!), here’s how to get the best out of them:

  • Cook them as soon as possible – ideally the same day you pick them up

  • Keep them cool and moist until you’re ready to use

  • If you can’t cook right away, you may remove the heads and freeze them separately for soups, broths, or deep frying later

  • Never let them sit unrefrigerated or on direct ice for long—oxidation begins quickly and can affect flavour

🧠 Heads are the most perishable part of the prawn. For the best taste and texture, enjoy them fresh and hot!

Do you grade your prawns?

No—we never grade. We only remove dead prawns at the time of packing. You get the full, natural mix, including large, & jumbo premium prawns.

Can I split my order with someone?

Orders come in single bags only. We don’t repack or portion orders, but you can bring your own containers for sharing.

What if I’m not home during delivery?

You may authorize a safe drop-off at your own risk. We do not re-attempt delivery or issue refunds for missed orders.

🛍️ Gift Cards & Group Orders

Yes, we offer digital gift cards available on our website—great for gifting fresh BC seafood.

Planning a bulk or group order? Email us at info@bclivespotprawns.com to coordinate.

📄 Wholesale Inquiries

We offer wholesale pricing for restaurants, seafood markets, chefs, and community bulk buyers.

  • Available for both live spot prawns (seasonal) and frozen seafood (year-round)

  • Minimum order required

Email info@bclivespotprawns.com to request our wholesale info sheet.

💬 Still Have Questions?

We're happy to help. Use the Live Chat on our website or email us at info@bclivespotprawns.com and our team will get back to you quickly.