Blue Crabs
The daily bag limit for recreational fisherman is 10 gallons of whole blue crabs. No more than five blue crab traps per person are permitted, although the crabs also can be collected by trotline, dip net or fold-up trap. Females with eggs may not be harvested.
Stone Crabs
Only the claws of the stone crab may be taken, and they must measure a minimum of 2¾ inches from the elbow to the lower finger (bottom pincer). The season for stone crab claws runs from Oct. 15 through May 14. The individual bag limit is one gallon of claws, and the boat limit is two gallons. Although both claws may be lawfully taken, many anglers opt for only one claw to encourage success of the stone crab population and fishery.
Blue Land Crabs
Blue land crabs may only be harvested by hand or use of a dip net. The season is closed from July 1 through Oct. 31. The daily individual bag limit is 20 crabs.
Hermit Crabs
Land hermit crabs may be taken, but others are protected from recreational harvesting. No more than five land hermit crabs may be taken per day with a two-day possession limit of 10. A saltwater fishing permit is required.
Horseshoe Crabs
These crustaceans are not true crabs but surviving members of the ancient class Mesostomata. Recreational fisherman are prohibited from collecting horseshoe crabs.
Article Written By David Chandler
David Chandler has been a freelance writer since 2006 whose work has appeared in various print and online publications. A former reconnaissance Marine, he is an active hiker, diver, kayaker, sailor and angler. He has traveled extensively and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida where he was educated in international studies and microbiology.
