Stone crab season in Florida is a cherished yearly tradition for seafood lovers. The sweet, succulent claws of the Florida stone crab are considered a delicacy, and the limited harvesting season makes enjoying them feel special. If you love indulging in stone crab claws freshly plucked from Florida waters, you may be wondering – when does the magic end? When exactly is stone crab season over in Florida?
Understanding the full timeline of Florida’s stone crab season from start to finish can help you make the most of this delicious crustacean. Here’s a guide to the stone crab harvesting regulations in Florida and tips for enjoying stone crab claws before the season wraps up.
Stone crabs are a crab species found in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. They get their name from their tough, rock-like shell. Only the claws of stone crabs are eaten, since the body meat is not considered edible.
The harvesting of stone crab claws has become a big part of Florida’s fishing industry and food culture. The claws are prized for their large size and sweet succulent meat.
To ensure a sustainable stone crab supply, the harvest is regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. There is a strict season during which stone crab claws can legally be harvested in Florida.
The opening and closing dates of stone crab season in Florida are as follows:
- Start of Season: October 15
- End of Season: May 1
These dates can shift slightly year to year if adjustments are needed to maintain healthy stone crab populations. But for the most part, the season lasts around 6.5 months.
Knowing exactly when the productive stone crab season comes to an end can help you get your last fix of claws before the long wait until next season. So when can you enjoy fresh Florida stone crab claws? Let’s take a closer look.
When Does the Stone Crab Season Wrap Up?
The stone crab harvesting season in Florida officially ends on May 1 each year.
After May 1, it becomes illegal for commercial stone crab fishermen to harvest claws until the new season begins again on October 15. So if you want claws straight from Florida traps, it’s best to enjoy them by the end of April.
Some seafood restaurants and markets continue selling previously frozen claws after May 1. But the availability of fresh claws significantly diminishes once the season closes.
The reason the season ends in early May is to protect stone crabs during their peak spawning period in the summer. Ending the harvest before summer gives the crabs added protection to mate and reproduce without interference. This helps maintain healthy populations year to year.
So for those who eagerly await each stone crab season, be aware that after May 1, you’ll need to wait about 5.5 months until a new bounty of claws is harvested.
Of course, with proper storage, frozen claws from the current season can be enjoyed for some time after May 1. But for stone crab fans, nothing beats the taste and texture of freshly caught claws straight from the sea.
Tips for Making the Most of the Final Weeks
As the calendar flips to April, stone crab lovers know their window of indulgence grows short. Here are some tips for relishing the final weeks of stone crab season before supplies dry up:
-
Get claws by the pound: Visit your local seafood market in April and buy pre-cracked frozen claws in bulk to stash in your freezer. This ensures you’ll have a supply to last you until next season.
-
Hit the restaurants: April is a great time to indulge in stone crab dishes at Florida’s iconic seafood restaurants before the fresh claws run out. Enjoy classics like Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami or newer spots like Rusty Pelican on Key Biscayne.
-
Throw a boil: Gather friends and family for a celebratory stone crab boil as the season winds down. Cook up a Lowcountry-style feast with crabs, shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes.
-
Get creative with recipes: Explore new ways to enjoy claws before they become scarce. Bake them in a casserole, stuff them in avocados, or fold them into fresh pasta. The options are endless.
-
Appreciate the rarity: Savor every sweet, briny bite knowing that fresh Florida stone crab is fleeting. Let the limited availability make each dish feel like a special treat.
Looking Forward to Next Season
While saying goodbye to stone crab season is bittersweet, the good news is that it will be back before you know it. As the 2023-2024 season approaches, get ready to once again enjoy these fabulous Florida claws.
Be sure to note the opening day of the new season on your calendar. When October 15 finally rolls around, celebrate the return of this tasty seasonal delicacy by indulging in fresh stone crab claws straight from the sea.
The cycle of anticipation makes that very first taste each season even sweeter. Though stone crab season offers just a small window of time, those months of enjoyment are well worth the wait.
Your Cart Your basket is empty
Add a note for the seller… Please check this box to agree to our
Winter in Florida is not only known for the mild sunny weather but the eagerly anticipated stone-crab season. Since this is a limited season, the sweet white crab claw meat becomes a sought-after culinary delight that you could easily miss out on. Therefore, knowing when the stone crab season starts and ends would help you enjoy the most out of this modern delicacy.
With Billys Stone Crab, you cannot miss out on the stone crab season in Florida, thanks to our two fish houses in Summerland Key and Marathon Key. We also have over 40 boats to catch and supply stone crabs to our fish houses to ensure you get the freshest and highest quality stone crab. Meanwhile, continue reading to learn more about the stone crab season.
Claw Sizes of Stone Crabs
Besides regulating when the stone crab season should start, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also regulates the claw sizes of stone crabs that harvesters should consider. A stone crabs claw size is regarded as the length of the larger, immovable part of the claw. The harvestable legal size of the claw is 73 mm or 2 7/8 inches or greater.
Both claws can legally be removed if they are legal size This allows the crab to use the other claw to defend itself from predators while the other regenerates. Harvesters at Billys Stone Crabs Fisheries follow ethical standards and return crabs with smaller claws to the water. Our team makes sure to remove the claws carefully to ensure that the crab survives and regenerates the removed claw.
When Is Stone Crab Season in Florida? Fresh Stone Crab Claws You Can’t Miss!
FAQ
What is the best month for stone crabs?
Florida stone crabs are one of the true gems of Gulf coast seafood, as the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico lead to delicate, tender claw meat that is prized by crab aficionados around the world. Each year, the Florida stone crab season begins in mid-October and runs until May 1st the following year.
Is stone crab season over in Florida?
… its delicate and sweet meat, these crustaceans dominate menus – and the local fishing industry – during stone crab season in Florida every October through May
How much is 1 lb of stone crab claws?
The Large stone crab claws are $47 per pound.
When does stone crab season start?
Starts October 15, 2024 Updated: August 26, 2024 Stone Crab Season will be upon us starting October 15, 2024. Stone Crabs are some of Florida’s most famous delicacies and for good reason. They are flavorful, tender, and offer a succulent, savory dining experience unlike any other.
When is Florida stone crab season coming back?
Florida Stone Crab Season is coming back Oct 15, 2024! Revisit Stone Crab Season beginning in October with Billy’s Stone Crab in Hollywood, FL today!
When is the best time to harvest stone crabs?
While stone crabs can be harvested throughout the entire season, the months of November through January are generally considered the peak. During this period, stone crabs are typically at their largest and most abundant.
Can you harvest Stone Crabs during the off-season?
During the closed season from May 2nd to October 4th, direct harvesting of stone crabs is prohibited. However, this period is far from idle for those involved in the industry. Fishermen use this time to repair and prepare their traps, boats, and other equipment for the upcoming season. The off-season is also crucial for scientific research.
When can you eat Stone Crabs in Florida?
Stone crabs can be caught throughout Florida waters from October 15th until May 1st, during which time residents and tourists alike can enjoy the unique and nutritious taste of stone crab claws at local restaurants. Why Can’t Stone Crabs Be Harvested Year-Round?
When is stone crab season 2020?
The season was shortened by two weeks on the front and back end in 2020 as an effort to prevent overfishing. Previously, it started October 1st and went through May 15th. Since it’s illegal to harvest stone crabs outside of season, there’s lots of anticipation leading up to October 15th each year.