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STONE CRAB SEASON
October 15, 2015 - May 15, 2016
Sanibel, Florida Stone Crab, Photo Credit – Larry Hoffman.
Florida Stone Crab Season Runs October 15 – May 15
It is stone crab season. Time for some good trapping and eating! The season runs from October 15 through May 15.
Florida Regulations
Minimum size limits: 2 3/4-inch claw.
Daily bag limit: 1 gallon of claws per person or 2 gallons per vessel, whichever is less.
Gear Requirements
Legal Gear: stone crab trap (max. 5 per person), dip or landing net
Illegal Gear: Any device that can puncture, crush or injure the crab body, such as spears, grains, grabs, hooks or similar devices.
Trapping Specifications
Maximum trap size is 24 inches by 24 inches by 24 inches or a volume of 8 cubic feet
Traps can be made from either wood, wire or plastic
The throat or entrance must be 5 ½ inches by 3 ½ inches
If the throat or entrance is round, it cannot exceed 5 inches in diameter
The trap must have a degradable panel that is 5 ½ inches by 3 ½ inches and is made of cypress or untreated pine slat no thicker than ¾ of an inch
Harvester name and address must be permanently affixed and legible
The buoy must be no smaller than 6 inches and must be marked with a legible “R” that is at least 2 inches tall.
Buoys are not required if trap is fished from a dock.
For more information, please see FWC Stone Crabs.
