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Stone crab harvest season officially kicks-off Oct. 15, but traps can be baited and placed starting Tuesday.
The massive claws of the stone crab are considered a delicacy. The crab’s claws are harvested by removing the limbs from the live animal and returning it back to the sea, where it will regrow its iconic pinchers.
Stone crabs cannot be harvested with any device that can hurt the crab’s body, and egg-bearing crabs cannot be harvested. More regulations provided here.
Recreational harvesters over 16 who fish with traps are required register online each year here.
The season remains open through May 1.
– Kelly Hayes, The Tampa Bay 100
