stone crab season

[gargoyle725]

Starts monday. Anyone ever do it with out traps? I remember when I was a kid we use to flip rocks by the seawall at fortdesoto. Anyone of good areas that may have decent numbers?

[Bossman]

Really? I always thought that they were in 30-40 feet...would love to try and catch them in closer. I'd be willing to make my 5 allowed traps

[gargoyle725]

Unless I remember wrong it was along time ago.

[Iluv2hunt]

I just buy a bag of the floaters from the fish house in Steinhatchee. Can't wait till they get them in

[GoodOyster]

We use to snorkel off the beach in Englewood, in about 15-20 feet of water, and catch a few. That was back in the mid-80's, when I was skinny and could stay under water longer than 20 seconds!

[swissk31]

Why do they call them floaters?

[Iluv2hunt]

Floaters are the crab claws that float in water. Basically, when a crab molts the meat has to grow into its new shell. Until it grows out there's an air pocket in there. Usually they are separated and sold at a MUCH cheaper rate per pound
Sometimes they can be hit or miss on quality. I've had them when they were just a s good as the regular ones. SOme that were a bit puny. But for the most part they are fine. SOme folks complain that they are mushy, but I think that's more from lack of knowledge on cooking them

[GoodOyster]

Floaters are the crab claws that float in water. Basically, when a crab molts the meat has to grow into its new shell. Until it grows out there's an air pocket in there. Usually they are separated and sold at a MUCH cheaper rate per pound
Sometimes they can be hit or miss on quality. I've had them when they were just a s good as the regular ones. SOme that were a bit puny. But for the most part they are fine. SOme folks complain that they are mushy, but I think that's more from lack of knowledge on cooking them

Those are what they call "lights" as in "lightweight" where my dad get's them (down around Rotunda, I think). If medium claws are $12/lb, the lights are usually about $8.

[Glowworm]

I went stone crabbing along the stone jeddy next to the south sqkyway pier a few years ago. Snorkle gear a tickle stick and fast hands and you can get them out from under the rocks of the jeddy.

[Iluv2hunt]

I like mine cooked in Zatarian's, then chilled. And served with drawn butter with lemon, garlic, and parsley in it