Florida Claw Daddies

Well, it's that time of year again with the open season; lasts from Oct. 15 to May 15 here in Florida, of those big orange and black pincers stuffed with sweet, succulent white meat to begin reappearing on menus and in marketplaces everywhere, known as Stone Crab Claws. Besides being tasty, claws are a guilt-free way to enjoy Florida seafood for these lucky little crustaceans doesn't normally die when their claws are taken off. After the crabs are pulled up from traps, crabbers harvest the legal claws (which must be at least 2³/₄ inches long) and throw the oval-shaped crab back into the water, where they are free to reproduce and grow new claws. Stone crabs may regenerate new pincers three of four times during their lives. Although it is legal to take both claws if they meet the required length, I don't recommend the practice as it greatly reduces the crab's chances for survival; think about it, how does it eat or defend itself with no claws but we are getting ahead of ourselves. You have but three choices to enjoy these wonderful treats of nature. Visit your favorite haunt and order a steaming plate full, purchase them already cooked at the neighborhood grocery store/fish monger or catch them yourselves. At prices varying from $9.95 to $15.00 a pound, I'll elect a night on the pier fishing for them.

If fishing from the shoreline, you'll need some twine, a keep net attached to a long pole, a bucket and an ice chest with ice; not forgetting the bait, which can be a packet of chicken backs or fish heads. The one thing I have never understood; using chicken to catch crabs? They never saw one before and yet are attracted to it like flies on honey; go figure. Attach the twine to the bait and wait. Make sure the other end of your string is attached to a stick in the ground or maybe that bucket you're sitting on or that crab on the other end will steal the whole kit and caboodle! When the twine starts tugging or straitening out it is a sure sign of a bite. Slowly, inch by inch, start winding or pulling the line towards you with one hand while the other holds the net in the water behind the baited crab. When you see the crab, he sees you; swiftly scoop up your prey in the net; releasing him on the ground and place your foot upon his topside. Now grab both claws; one in each hand and measure. Pop a claw and release him back to the water but away from your bait or you'll continuously catch the same guy over and over again. There're not real smart! Placing your claw in a plastic baggie atop the ice in your igloo assures a fresh catch. Make sure that the claws you posses are 2³/₄ inches long or you could get a stiff ticket with penalties too long to mention. Stone Crab claws are measured by a straight line from the elbow to the tip of the lower immovable finger. The forearm (propodus) shall be deemed to be the largest section of the claw assembly that has both a moveable and immovable finger and is located farthest from the body of the crab.

This is a great event to get those younger participants involved in for the fun is in the catching and one can catch crabs all the time; just pay attention to the seasons and restrictions. If you're not a Florida Resident or if you are a Florida resident and angling for these crabs with traps from a boat; you need to purchase a recreational Florida fishing license!

I enjoy using those round basket type crab traps dropped from my favorite pier or bridge. That way, while waiting on a bite while fishing, I have an alternate past time; filling a gallon bucket with Stone Claws. Same principle as with the twine; tie your bait to the bottom of the basket, lower it to the bottom and wait; ten minutes later pick up the trap and dump on the deck to inspect your catch.

Remembering the ole' saying 'birds of a feather flock together', well crabs all party well together too. Hence, that bucket I mentioned earlier; it is not intended for your butt to sit on. You will also encounter Blue crab, Sand crab, Hermit crab, Clown and Spider crabs. The bucket is used to keep your Blue and Sand crabs in. The rest are for viewing pleasure only. Do not add water to the bucket or you will drown the crabs. On a cold night the crabs will last hours in the dry bucket awaiting transport home for dinner.

Bon Appetite!