· By Lucas Calderon
When is Stone Crab Season?
Stone Crab Season Dates
f you’re like us, you wait all summer long asking the same question: When is stone crab season? The answer is simple, Florida stone crab season officially opens October 15 every year. That’s when you can finally enjoy the sweet, delicate claws of this coveted delicacy.
Stone Crab Season History
By the laws set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, (FF&WWC), the first day our fisherman can catch stone crabs is on October 15th. However, the Stone Crab traps can be placed out in the waters as early as October 5th.
Stone Crab season, for almost 100 years was from October 15 through Mother’s Day weekend, give or take May 15th. However, before the start of the 2020 season, the FF&WCC shortened the season to May 1st. This decision was mostly in part to various years of studies that showed an overall decrease in population.
To make sure that the population rates continue to stay the same, or better yet increase – more stone crabs from more people – the FF&WCC has also imposed a change to the overall structure of the traps that are used to catch Florida Stone Crabs. Starting in the 2023 season, a “2 3/16 escape ring will be required in all stone crab traps. This will allow any of the smaller stone crabs to easily space and continue to nourish themselves and grow for next season. The escape ring will be located in the lower half of the trap and addicted to the vertical centerline of the trap wall” – myfwc.com
Other regulations during the stone crab season also include the claw size that can be harvested.
During season, from October 15-May 1, the minimum size of a claw must meet is 2 and 7/8 inches. Any claw that is caught smaller than that must be returned to the ocean, and naturally any stone crab caught out of season will result in potential loss of licenses for fisheries/fishing vessels and/or jail time.
Holy Crab Delivery Offers Stone Crab
Here at Holy Crab Delivery, we have partnered exclusively with a fleet of fishermen who uphold a policy to only remove one claw from the stone crab. This practice allows the stone crab to be able to properly have the means to nourish itself and defend itself. Younger stone crabs will be able to regenerate their claws within several months, while order stone crabs may take almost a year for the claw to grow back. A typical lifespan of a stone crab is roughly eight to nine years.
Stone Crab Sizes Available for Delivery
When stone crab season begins, you can enjoy the freshest claws delivered straight to your door. At Holy Crab Delivery, we offer:
- Medium – 6–7 claws per lb
- Large – 4–5 claws per lb
- Jumbo – 2–3 claws per lb
- Colossal – 1–2 claws per lb
Not sure which size to order? Contact us and we’ll recommend the perfect option for your gathering, whether you’re planning a seafood feast or a special occasion dinner.
Contact us and we are happy to give you our best recommendation.
FAQs About Stone Crab Season
When does stone crab season start?
Florida stone crab season begins on October 15 each year.
When does stone crab season end?
The season ends on May 1.
Can stone crabs regrow their claws?
Yes! Younger crabs regenerate claws within months, while older crabs may take up to a year.
What happens if you catch stone crabs out of season?
Harvesting outside of season is illegal and can result in fines, license suspension, or jail time.
Where can I buy fresh stone crab claws online?
Holy Crab Delivery ships fresh Florida stone crab claws nationwide during the entire season.
