The Story of Florida’s Stone Crabs

Fresh Southwest Florida stone crab claws are a delectable, sustainable delicacy.

From the satisfying “crack” of the shell to your first succulent bite, stone crab claws are a true feast for the senses! Light, a little sweet and oh-so-easy to peel, this fresh seasonal treat is also an amazingly sustainable seafood choice in local Fort Myers restaurants. Learn more about the harvesting process in the Gulf Coast during peak stone crab season.

Stone crabs are found along both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, thriving in shallow waters and deeper depths. Only one claw is collected from each crab before it’s returned to the ocean — ensuring their survival and the continuation of this delicious seafood tradition. The stone crab season runs from October 15 to May 1, which allows them time to regenerate their claws. Regulations ensure that only claws measuring at least 2 ⅞ inches are harvested and that egg-bearing females are protected — keeping the crab population healthy and thriving. 

Since the 1920s, meaty stone crab claws have been a local favorite — with credit going to Floridian Joe Weiss of Joe’s Stone Crab fame. As the legend goes, an ichthyologist suggested the idea; Joe tossed a bag of local stone crabs into boiling water and served them chilled and cracked — and the rest is history.  

When it’s the season, stone crab claws are a staple on menus all around the islands, beaches and neighborhoods of Fort Myers. Dip them in a traditionally kicky mustard sauce, try them with warm, melted butter, or pair them with a dry white wine, prosecco or crisp beer.

Ready to get a taste? Check out some of these restaurants that are likely to have stone crabs on the menu (call and check in advance as they come in daily).

• Behind the colorful facade of Blue Dog Bar & Grill in Matlacha, find food sourced from local anglers and farmers.
• In Cape Coral, Lobster Lady is both a market and restaurant serving up the freshest seafood. 
• Pick up fresh seafood from Island Crab Company, a Saint James City favorite that also supplies local restaurants. 
• Dine in or take out from Skip One 41 in Fort Myers, where you’ll find everything from seasonal stone crab to prized pink gold Gulf shrimp.  
• Bring home the best seafood or dine in at Prawnbroker Restaurant & Fish Market in Fort Myers. 
• Nothing beats a boat ride to Cabbage Key Inn where you can dine on platters of stone crab and other seafood with a view. 
• Shuck oysters, crack crab claws and enjoy other local delicacies at Izzy's Fish & Oyster in downtown Fort Myers. 
• Look for weekly specials and fresh catches of the day at the award-winning Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market on Sanibel Island.
• Every season, stone crab claws appear on the menu at Green Flash, a favorite waterfront restaurant on Captiva Island.