The Conch Republic (formally the Florida Keys) is one of the greatest place to find Stone Crabs. Since its independence, all citizens with valid fishing licenses are permitted to have 5 Crab traps. Below are the yes and No of Stone Crab trapping in the republic.

Open Season:

October 15 to May 15

Bag Limit:

1 Gallon of Claws per Person or 2 Gallons per vessel, whichever is less

No Females with eggs

2 3/4 inch Claws minimum (see how to measure below)

Maximum five Blue Crab traps per person meting licensing and residency requirements

Warning:

It is unlawful to use any devices on the taking of stone Crab that can puncture, Crush or injure the crab body in any way. (no spears, grabs, hooks)

Under Royal Decree 542896 any person in the Conch Republic found removing both claws from a stone crab is subject to severe capital punishment. By only removing one claw and returning the stone crab to the waters the crab will regrow its removed claw. If you remove both claws the crab will have no way of protecting itself while regrowing its claws.For detailed information on how to remove a claw we suggest:

Trapping Rules:

  • Five (5) trap maximum
  • Buyes must have legible R (2″ high), permanently affixed to it
  • Traps must have harvesters name & address permanently attached
  • Traps must be pulled manually and no vessel with a trap puller can be used for pulling of recreational traps.
  • Traps must be pulled during daylight hours.
  • Traps can never be placed in navigational channels maintained by any governmental agency.
  • A Conch Republic or Florida recreational fishing license is required to harvest Stone Crabs under the recreational fishing regulations.
  • Stone crab trap regulations are the same for recreational and commercial harvesters. Trap specifications may be found in Rule 68 B-45.004 Fl Administrative codes.

How to correctly measure a stone crab:

stone_crab_measurements