The stone crab is a renewable commercial fishing resource. This is extremely important to the Florida stone crab industry as it is nearly impossible to wipe out the stone crab population due to the fact that the crabs are not harmed and are able to regenerate their claws. Legal-size claws are removed and the crab is returned to the water to regenerate new claws. To be harvested, claws must be 2.75 inches (70 mm) long, measured from the tips of the immovable finger to the first joint. Florida stone crabs are legal for harvest from October 15 until May 15.

CAUGHT
Stone crab traps are baited and placed on the sea bottom anywhere from the shoreline to 200 feet in depth.

COOKED
Stone crab claws are cooked immediately upon landing.

CHILLED
Once cooked, the stone crab claws are then chilled in ice water to stop the cooking process. The claws are kept cold but not frozen.

GRADED
They are graded based on ounce weight: Medium claws weigh up to 3 ounces, Large claws weigh between 3 and 5 ounces, Jumbo claws weigh 5 ounces and up. Contrary to popular belief, stone crab claws are graded based on weight, not size.

SHIPPED
Chilled claws are packed in special shipping containers and shipped overnight via Fed Ex. Now that is fresh...

Frenchy's Ozona Fresh!