2021 Stone Crab Season

Yash Rai
10/11/2021

Stone Crab Season Usually Runs 10/15 – 5/2

(These dates are subject to change)

Florida stone crabs are known around the world for their delicious claw meat.

But did you know that many of the stone crabs on menus around the country come from right here near the Villages of Citrus Hills?

Whether you prefer them served cold with mustard sauce or warm with drawn butter, the experience of cracking and eating these crab claws is something you will never forget!

ABOUT STONE CRABS

One of the most exciting aspects of Florida stone crabs is that they are a renewable resource.

When the crabs are caught in the traps of professional stone crabbers, the crabbers only take one claw from each crab, and the crabs are then returned to the water.

Thus, stone crabs can survive losing a claw as a defense mechanism and regenerate that claw in about a year.

The average stone crab has a lifespan of 8-9 years, and they are generally found in sandy ocean bottoms and seagrass beds along Citrus County’s coastline out to a depth of about 20 feet.

Giant stone crabs can weigh as much as one pound.

They feed on oysters, snails, and various other small marine life.

Female stone crabs can spawn as many as six times each year, producing up to one million fertilized eggs each time.

In addition to humans, stone crabs can also find themselves being hunted by octopuses and grouper.

CATCHING STONE CRABS

The Florida stone crab harvesting season lasts about seven months.

In June 2020, the FWC voted to shorten the regular stone crab season, preserve the species, and give the female stone crabs more time to lay their eggs.

The stone crab is not in “crisis” yet but has declined since the 1990s due to overfishing.

The FWC hopes that these extra 14-days of protection will allow the stone crab numbers to rise.

During the fishing season for stone crab, many amateur fishers also hunt for stone crabs.

Amateur crabbers must hold a saltwater fishing license from Florida, and they must adhere to specific regulations.

For example, they are limited to a total of five traps, and they cannot catch more than one gallon of claws per day.

In addition, the claws must all be a minimum of 2-3/4 inches.

EATING STONE CRAB

While some enjoy catching their stone crab, many others prefer to let the professionals catch and focus on the eating.

The most popular place for stone crab near the Villages of Citrus Hills is Charlie’s Fish House & Seafood Market in Crystal River.

The restaurant was initially started as an oyster bar by Charlie Kofmehl back in 1960.

The oyster bar was an immediate success, serving the best fresh fish and seafood in Citrus County.

Then, in the early seventies, Charlie turned the oyster bar over to his two sons, Jimmy and Phil.

After years of growing the business, Jimmy and Phil decided to build a brand-new restaurant in 1990.

The new waterfront restaurant had seating for 160 guests compared to 30 in the old oyster bar.

In honor of their father, Jimmy and Phil changed the name to Charlie’s Fish House.

Since then, the family business has continued to grow, and guests can now find a third generation of Kofmehls working there.

One of the unique and natural treasures of the Citrus County area are the cherished fishing seasons. There is nothing like a fresh stone crab!

Terms and Conditions:

No purchase necessary to enter or win. One (1) entry per tour will be provided upon completion of an in-person tour of The Villages of Citrus Hills between May 1, 2026 and July 15, 2026, regardless of the number of tours completed.
Prize consists of a trip for two (2) to the 2026 U.S. Open, including event tickets for one day of play, round-trip coach airfare, and standard hotel accommodations. Drawing will be held on or about July 17, 2026.
Winner will be notified via phone and/or email and must accept the prize within 5 days or an alternate winner may be selected. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.
Travel dates, event tickets, and accommodations are subject to availability and may be determined at Citrus Hills’ sole discretion. Prize is non-transferable, has no cash alternative, and cannot be substituted except at sponsor’s discretion. Taxes, upgrades, and additional expenses not expressly included are the responsibility of the winner.
Employees, affiliates, and immediate family members are not eligible. Offer subject to change or termination at any time without notice. Additional terms may apply.
The US Open is a registered trademark of the United States Tennis Association. This promotion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the USTA. 

Terms and conditions:

Offer valid on new construction homes purchased through Citrus Hills Construction with a fully executed purchase agreement between May 1, 2026 and May 31, 2026. Citrus Hills Construction will pay the buyer’s customary lender and title closing costs when the home is closed through Manatee Title, LLC. Closing costs must be verified by an official Closing Disclosure prepared by Manatee Title, LLC. Citrus Hills Construction will provide a credit at closing for eligible closing costs as reflected on the final settlement statement. Offer does not include prepaid items, property taxes, homeowners insurance, optional upgrades, or non-standard lender fees.
Offer is non-transferable and may not be combined with other incentives unless expressly approved in writing. Offer subject to change or termination at any time without notice. Additional terms and conditions may apply. See Sales Executive for details.

GET YOUR FREE BROCHURE

By clicking submit, I agree to be contacted by Citrus Hills Investment Properties and affiliates via call, email, and text. Communications may include newsletters, promotional emails featuring move-in ready homes, travel incentives, seasonal updates, and club and activity information. To opt-out, you can reply “Stop” at any time or click the unsubscribe link in emails. Message and data rates may apply.