FWC: Stone crab season starts Oct. 15
Summary
The recreational and commercial stone crab harvest seasons start Oct. 15 and will remain open through May 1, closing May 2. As a reminder, an unobstructed escape ring measuring 2 3/16 inches in diameter must be located within a vertical exterior trap wall for all recreational and commercial plastic or wood stone crab traps. Recreational harvesters who are age 16 and older (including those normally exempt from needing a license) are required to complete an online, no-cost recreational stone crab trap registration each year. To register, visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, sign in, click the “Click here to get a License!” tile, scroll down to the “Saltwater Fishing” section, and select “Recreational Stone Crab Trap Registration.” Upon completion, each person will receive unique trap registration numbers that must be included on each trap along with the owner’s full name and address. For more information on harvesting stone crabs for recreation, trap specifications, commercial stone crab regulations and licensing information, go online to MyFWC.com/Marine, click “Recreational Regulations,” select “Crabs, Lobster and other Shellfish,” then select “Stone Crab.” Keep up to date with Florida fishing regulations on your phone by downloading the Fish Rules app in the App Store or Google Play.