Harvesting Stone Crab Claws in Key West, FL

Stone crab season begins on October 15th of each year and last thru May 15th. Stone crab claws are caught in stone crab traps. Each year, many crabbers drop their traps much like farming. Stone crab traps are baited with fish heads and pigs feet. Stone crab traps are either wooden or plastic depending on the crabbers taste and budget. A benefit to wood stone crab traps over plastic stone crab traps is that the wood absorbs more of a chum-like smell that attracts the stone crabs. Wood stone crab traps, however, typically last only 3 seasons whereas plastic traps may last 5 years or more. It is also said that you don't necessarily want a nice clean trap as dirtier traps seem to attract more stone crabs.

Stone Crab Trapping Methods

Up & Down Stone Crab Trapping Method - There is a stone crab trap for every floating bouy.

Trawl Stone Crab Trapping Method - There are two bouys (a beginning and an end bouy) for every 50 stone crab traps. This method is more dangerous for the crew as a lot of rope lays on the deck of the stone crab boat while harvesting.

Stone Crab Cooking Process

Stone crab claws must be cooked prior to being chilled or else their meat will stick to the shells. That is why some stone crab claws harvested during the cold, winter months may stick to the shell. After harvesting stone crab traps, the crabbers will then immediately cook the stone crab claws in boiling water. Once cooked, the stone crab claws are then chilled in ice water for approximately 10 minutes to stop the cooking process.

Stone Crab Grading Process

After being cooked and chilled, the stone crab harvest is then graded based on ounce weight. Medium crabs weigh up to 3 ounces. Large stone crab claws weigh between 3 and 5 ounces. Jumbo stone crab claws weigh between 5 and 8 ounces. Colossal stone crab claws weigh 8 ounces and up. Contary to popular belief, stone crab claws are graded based on weight, not size.

Stone Crab Claws are the Sea's only Renewable Resource!

Fresh Choice Seafood feels that it is imperative to mention that stone crabs are a renewable resource as they are returned to their natural habitat to reproduce and regenerate their stone crab claws. This is extremely important to the stone crab industry as it is impossible to wipe out the stone crab population due to the fact that they are not harmed and are able to regenerate their claws in a short period of time. Stone crabs are the sea's only renewable resource that we're aware of!