2021 Stone Crab Season
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!