stonecrabs

[Da Nizz]

Hey everyone Im lookin for some good places to find stonecrabs around sarasota fl. They are pretty much gone where Ive been lookin thanks.

 

[Central Fla]

Call Charlies Restaurant in Crystal River on SR 19, they have a seafood market.

 

[noteye]

man have you ever been pinched by one of those, there the last thing I mess with. :mfight:

 

[cudachaser]

Just look under any bridge...I used to catch them under the NASA causeway bridge on the east coast when I had my boat...I only got pinched once

 

[Da Nizz]

I usually see them all over the place under bridges although since they are in season theyre a little harder to find. Ive never been pinched bye one although one did grab my knife and didnt want to let go.

 

[Cheekymonkey]

mm Sounds Tasty

 

[cudachaser]

They would be great candidates for aqua culture...few cinder bloicks and they are happy...to bad for the permitting issues. Has anyone noted how long it takes for their claws to regenerate? I've gone back to the same places 6 months later and the claws are legal...What is their life cycle?

 

[beautybelow]

It takes about one year for the claw to grow back to a large claw from a large claw (about 3-5 oz.) The second time its a little longer usually and after that they may grow back deformed or not at all. Four or five times is usally all they can do it. If one pinches you, just break the claw off, it will let go then. Unfortuanately, I have been pinches more times than I can remember....they are kind of mean sometimes, so be careful for sure. Make sure you measure them right and dont get caught with more that you should have (I am not sure of the recreational limits anymore) or any short ones. The marine patrol doesnt mess around when it comes to Stone Crabs. The problem with catching them around bridges is they may taste a little muddy compared to ones from offshore. But compared to the price, I suppose the mud taste would be worth it.

 

[Capt. Ty]

Niz - don't forget the shallow water artificials in the area. Especially the concrete ones. The crabs have been moving in the bays also.

 

[ams511]

I would like to try stonecrabing also. I am in Miami and from what I am told / read there are not many around here. Is that true? I guess the closest place is everglades city. Has anyone tried it there and know of any good places? I do not want to know your secret spot just general local. Also do you use a trap or some other method? Thanks