Alaska has snow and king crab, both of which love the icy water in that area of the world. But, for many folks, nothing beats crab fishing in Florida for the two indigenous species---blue and stone crab. Even better, Florida crabs are a great source of low fat, high protein food that can be a healthy addition to anyone's diet.
Types
Stone crabs are identified by a brownish color, oval body, and two large, black-tipped claws. Crabbers should note that only the claws are allowed to be taken since they can be regrown. The crab itself must be returned to the water alive. Stone crab meat is considered a delicacy by many who have tried it, with a tender consistency that resembles snow crab or lobster, depending upon who you ask. The meat is highly nutritious, low in fat and high in protein, but no one will think poorly of you if you decide to dip it in drawn butter. The blue crab can be spotted by a bright iridescent blue shading found along the body and legs. Smaller than the stone crab, blue crab meat is similar in taste and texture, though you have to work harder to get at it.
Capture Methods
Most residents of Florida have ready access to blue or stone crab habitats and can catch either or both fresh daily. Traps baited with chicken necks and drumsticks work well, though sometimes tying your bait to a string and dangling it into a likely crab habitat can yield immediate results. They will normally hang on as you pull them out and drop them in your bucket. For a regular supply of fresh crabs with little work, check your trap and re-bait it every other day.
Location
Blue crabs are found all up and down the Atlantic seaboard as well as the shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico. They prefer shallow water and don't seem to mind if it's fresh, salty or brackish. Look for the distinctive color of the blue crab in bays, channels, estuaries and river mouths. Late spring through early fall is the best time to catch Florida blue crabs, since they move into deeper water during the winter and enter a state of semi-hibernation. Stone crabs can be found in the waters around Florida's southern tip, generally in the coastal areas from Sarasota to Fort Lauderdale. The stone crab season runs from October 15 through May 15.
Harvest Limits
Due to the abundance of blue crabs, the state of Florida has generous regulations regarding the harvest of the creature. While taking egg-bearing blues is prohibited, each person can catch up to 10 pounds of whole crab per day. There is a five trap maximum per person and no harvesting is allowed from September 20 to October 4. Rules for catching stone crab are more stringent. You can only take the claws and they must be at least 2 3/4 inches long. There is a daily limit of 1 gallon of claws per person or 2 gallons maximum for each vessel. No stone crab harvesting is allowed from May 16 to October 14.
Nutrition
Both blue and stone crabs are high protein, low fat foods, but there are other specific benefits to making them a regular part of your diet. Both crab types have less than 100 calories per 4 ounce serving and have good percentages of calcium, magnesium and selenium. For those farther from the coast, purchasing frozen blue or stone crab is moderately expensive. Obviously, if you live in Florida and can catch your own, the price for a meal with crab meat goes down considerably.
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