Meet The Fisherman: Sheb Callahan

Sheb Callahan at his processing facility in Kaplan, LA. (Photo credit: Internet archive)

Sheb Callahan is a crabber. From his Louisiana Blue Crab, LLC based in Kaplan, LA, Sheb is one of Louisiana’s largest crab wholesalers. His fishing, processing, and shipping operation serves not only Louisiana customers but a growing market in the mid-Atlantic states of Maryland and Virginia. Sheb learned the business from his father. Now, over 40 years later, he has forged relationships with fishermen throughout south Louisiana that ensures that he can source the meatiest and tastiest crabs from Gulf waters.

Live blue crabs heading to the steamer. (Photo credit: Internet archive)

Instead of using boilers, Sheb live-steams his crabs, which optimizes the quality of texture and flavor. Their state-of-the-art facility is a model for the industry, processing up to 15,000 pounds of fresh crab a day with the safest methods possible. Utilizing a specialized steam retort (essentially a gigantic pressure cooker), expert pickers, and a black light area to make sure the majority of shell is removed, the company has the simple goal of bringing out the best in their crabmeat.

The Vermilion Bay Sweet brand was developed to assist fishermen in reaching new consumer markets. Click on this image to find the tastiest Louisiana seafood products. (Photo credit: Internet archive)

Louisiana Blue Crab works with Louisiana Sea Grant and LSU Ag Center for the boat-to-table program of Louisiana Direct Seafood. Sold in 1-pound, vacuum-packed bags, buyers can choose crabmeat in three ways: jumbo lump, claw, or backfin lump. Sheb’s company selects the highest quality crabs and processes by picking, packing, and flash-freezing for shipping nationwide. Order your Vermilion Bay Sweet crabmeat online at the Louisiana Direct Seafood SHOP, or if you live in Acadiana, you can pick up the Vermilion Bay Sweet crabmeat products in two locations: The Market at Broussard Commons in Broussard or at Gonsoulin Farm Store in Loreauville. This program aims to create an online marketplace for connecting Louisiana’s fishermen with home cooks and retailers everywhere.

The meatiest blue crabs are Sheb’s specialty. (Photo credit: Internet archive)

Be sure to connect with Sheb Callahan and many more coastal Louisiana fishermen by accessing the contact information on the Louisiana Direct Seafood website. It’s a free service, and it’s nice to know that you are helping to support the many fishing families that are the foundation of our Louisiana seafood industry.

Sheb Callahan
Louisiana Blue Crab, LLC
2042 W. Veterans Memorial Dr.
Kaplan, LA 70548
(337) 643-6090

This Boat-To-Table series of stories, recipes, and information about our seafood industry is brought to you in support of Louisiana Direct Seafood, a free program of Louisiana Sea Grant and LSU Ag Center.

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