Introduction to Stone Crab Season

The first harvests of the stone crab season have landed at restaurants, wholesalers, and seafood markets, and buyers have reason to celebrate: costs are even with last season, continuing a trend of stable prices set in 2023 and 2024. Seafood purveyors from Broward and Palm Beach counties are reporting robust hauls and even stronger consumer demand, with some shortages of medium-sized claws in the opening days.

Stable Prices and Robust Hauls

For Peter Jarvis, owner of high-end wholesaler Triar Seafood in Hollywood, cautious optimism over his potential crab haul turned into relief when more than half of his 700-pound order arrived. His new prices: $35 per pound for medium, $45 for large, $55 for jumbo, and $79 for colossal — the same price customers paid at the tail end of last season.

“There weren’t as many mediums as everyone expected in the traps, but overall, it’s been pretty good,” said Jarvis, whose Day 1 haul is being shipped out to 700 restaurant clients around the country that had pre-ordered. “Pretty much everything that was caught is already spoken for.”

Season Overview

During the 2025-26 season, which began Wednesday and continues through May 1, most of Florida’s stone crabs will be caught in muddy waters off the Gulf Coast, Florida Keys, and Florida’s Big Bend, with some fisheries laying traps near Miami and the Bahamas. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission abridged its season by two weeks back in 2020 to curb overfishing and give crabs more time to regenerate their claws.

Sustainability and Harvesting

Florida law allows harvesting both claws of a crab if they meet the FWC’s minimum-size requirement of 2 7/8 inches. However, taking just one is better for sustainability, said Dave MacLennan, co-owner of Even Keel Fish Shack in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. At his restaurant, the claws come pre-cracked and served with housemade mustard sauce, dill aioli, and lemon.

Prices at Restaurants and Markets

MacLennan, who’s also grappling with a shortage of medium-sized claws, said he’s asked servers to recommend the large-sized claws all weekend. He is charging $9 per medium claw and $15 per large and has no jumbo or colossal in stock yet.
Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel
Billie Jo Russo, left, and her daughter, Toni Russo, enjoy stone crabs at Even Keel Fish Shack in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025.
But he has a tip for savvy buyers: With stone crabs claws, bigger isn’t always better. “The jumbo-sized claws are not as tender as the mediums and larges, and they can be tougher and stringy,” MacLennan said. “But the larges have more crab meat than mediums and taste sweeter.”

Comparison of Prices

Compared with restaurants, stone crab prices are cheaper at seafood markets, which sell the crustacean delicacy uncracked and packed on ice. That’s the case at Captain Clay & Sons Seafood Market in Delray Beach, which is charging $31.99 a pound for medium, $39.99 for large, $56.99 for jumbo, and $64.99 for colossal.
Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel
Claude Thomas sorts stone crabs as he prepares orders at Triar Seafood in Hollywood on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025.
Pent-up demand always stirs up a frenzy of sales in the first two weeks of stone crab season, but prices often drop by early November, market co-owner Clay Brand said.

Best Bargains

So where can the biggest per-pound bargains be found? Call ahead to confirm pricing, but Pop’s Fish Market in Deerfield Beach said they’re charging $29.99 for medium, $45.99 for large, $59.99 for jumbo, and $65.99 for colossal.
Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel
Even Keel Fish Shack co-owner Dave MacLennan ices fresh stone crab for customers in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025.
Not far behind is Delaware Chicken Farm & Seafood Market in Hollywood, with $32.99 for medium, $42.99 for large, $64.99 for jumbo, and $67.99 for colossal.

All-You-Can-Eat Offers

Hunting for all-you-can-eat dinners? Billy’s Stone Crab in Hollywood is selling one for all sizes starting at $140 per person. Meanwhile, Catfish Deweys in Oakland Park has an all-you-can-eat offer of $109 per person. “It’s looking good so far,” owner Dewey Culbreth said. “The amount of interest so far today tells me I’ll probably sell out an hour before closing time.”
Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel
Stone crabs are served at Even Keel Fish Shack in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025.

Conclusion

The stone crab season is off to a great start, with stable prices and robust hauls. While there may be shortages of medium-sized claws, buyers can find great deals at seafood markets and restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a delicious meal or a fun all-you-can-eat experience, there’s something for everyone this stone crab season.

FAQs

Q: When does the stone crab season start and end?
A: The stone crab season starts on October 15 and ends on May 1.
Q: Where can I find the best deals on stone crabs?
A: Seafood markets like Captain Clay & Sons and Pop’s Fish Market often have lower prices than restaurants.
Q: Are larger stone crab claws always better?
A: No, larger claws can be tougher and stringy, while mediums and larges are often more tender and sweet.
Q: Can I harvest both claws of a stone crab?
A: Yes, but it’s better for sustainability to take only one claw.
Q: How much do all-you-can-eat stone crab dinners cost?
A: Prices vary, but Billy’s Stone Crab offers an all-you-can-eat dinner starting at $140 per person, while Catfish Deweys offers one for $109 per person.