We are here to bring you everything you need to know about Stone Crab Season in the 305. Locals look forward to this season every year, and some even travel here to partake. Whether you are dining at a restaurant, ordering delivery/takeout, or harvesting your own claws, there are some things that you might want to know.
When: Stone Crab Season runs October 15th through May 1st.
Why the date restriction: To help maintain the crab’s population, we are legally restricted to those seven months. Only the stone crab’s claws are harvested, and then the crab is released back into the water to regrow its claws for upcoming seasons.
Can I harvest my own: Yes, if you follow the rules and restrictions. There is actually a division at The Crustacean Fisheries group at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) that is responsible for monitoring the commercial stone crab fishery and conducting research on the population of stone crabs in Florida. Click here for the requirements or to register a recreational trap.
How can you tell what size the claw is: The claw size is determined by the length of its “propodus,” which is the large and immobile part of its claw.
What is the nutritional value of stone crabs: Stone crabs are Low in calories and have zero fat and carbs. For approximately 3 ounces (about four medium claws): Calories 60, Calories from Fat 0, Total Fat 0g, Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fatty Acid 0g, Cholesterol 45mg, Total Carbohydrates 0g, Protein 15g, Omega 3 Fatty Acid 0g.
How do I prepare them: To prevent the meat from sticking to the shell, you must prepare them immediately and then chill them. You can boil, steam, or even bake stone crab, but the preferred method is to boil them. They are traditionally served cold with mustard dipping sauce.
How to crack the claw: Use a mallet if you have one or the back of a knife or metal spoon. Be careful not to hit too hard, so you don’t end up with too many small pieces of shell.
Mustard Dipping Sauce recipe:
1 cup mayonnaise
3 tbs heavy cream or half and half
1 tbs dry mustard powder
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp A-1 or steak sauce
Salt to taste
Directions: Whisk together mayo with the dry mustard, then add the remaining ingredients. Chill.
Where can I find stone crabs locally:
- Captain Jim’s Seafood Market & Restaurant – 12950 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami, FL 33161
- Captain’s Tavern – 9625 South Dixie Highway, Miami, FL 33156
- Fresh Florida Fisheries – 2238 SW 57th Ave #2235, Miami, FL 33155
- Garcia’s Seafood Grill & Fish Market – 398 NW N River Dr, Miami, FL 33128
- George Stone Crab – 3615 NW 46th St, Miami, FL 33142
- Golden Rule Seafood – 17505 S Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL 33157
- Holy Crab –1831 Ponce de Leon, Coral Gables, FL 33134
- Joe’s Stone Crab – 11 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
- La Camaronera – 1952 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33135
- Le Zoo – 9700 Collins Ave #135, Miami Beach, FL 33154
- Monty’s Raw Bar -2550 S Bayshore Dr, Miami, FL 33133
- Prime Fish – 100 Collins Ave, Miami, FL 33139
- Shore to Door Fish Market –3380 Douglas Rd, Miami, FL 33133
- Stiltsville Fish Bar – 1787 Purdy Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Want to know even more? Click HERE or FAQ’s from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
