While many parts of the country are embracing cooler temps and changing leaves, Southwest Florida gets a taste of another season - literally. Stone Crab Season runs Oct. 15 through May 15 and visitors and locals alike can enjoy one of the most sustainable seafood options around. Stone Crab is a unique seafood and many people will be surprised to learn that Florida is the only state where these unique crustaceans can be commercially harvested.
Why are they considered sustainable? Unlike other crabs, trappers keep the crabs alive and are only allowed to take one claw per crab. They are then returned back to the water where their missing claw regenerates and they continue to live a normal life at sea.
A variety of local restaurants and markets offer Stone Crab claws. Be sure to try them during our crabby season! Local Tip: Call the restaurant ahead of time to see if they have any. They come fresh off the boat on a daily basis and are quite a popular menu item Oct. 15 through May. 15.
Matanzas On the Bay - Fort Myers Beach
Lobster Lady - Cape Coral
Blue Dog Bar & Grill - Matlacha
Skip One 41 - Fort Myers
Prawnbroker Restaurant and Fish Market - Fort Myers
Cabbage Key - Pine Island Sound *Only accessible by boat
Izzy's Fish & Oyster - downtown Fort Myers
Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market - Sanibel Island
