Stone Crab Claw Prices Soar as Season Nears End in Southwest Florida

Crabbers report exceptional hauls and larger crab sizes this season, leading to lower prices for consumers.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:04am

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A close-up, photorealistic image of a single massive stone crab claw resting on a clean, monochromatic background, conveying the premium quality and high market value of this regional seafood delicacy.As the stone crab season nears its end, the abundance of larger, premium-sized claws has helped keep prices down for consumers in Southwest Florida.Naples Today

Stone crabbers in the Fort Myers-Naples area are wrapping up a very successful fishing season, with some anglers landing three to four times the hauls they've seen in recent years. Market prices for stone crab claws have reached as high as $107.99 per pound for the largest 'mega colossal' size, but larger hauls and bigger crab sizes have helped keep prices down for consumers. Crabbers say this is the first quality season since Hurricane Ian in 2022 disrupted the fishery.

Why it matters

Stone crabs are a treasured, renewable seafood resource in Southwest Florida, supporting both commercial and recreational fisheries. A strong stone crab season is important for the local economy and food supply, especially after the disruption caused by Hurricane Ian. The high prices also highlight the value of this regional delicacy.

The details

Unlike some other crab species, only the claw of the stone crab has value, and a pinched claw will often regrow once the crab is released back into the Gulf. Market prices now range from $25 a pound for medium claws to upwards of $84.99 for the massive 'colossal' claws, with 'mega colossal' claws fetching as high as $107.99 per pound. Crabbers say the larger hauls and bigger crab sizes this season have helped keep prices down for consumers.

  • Stone crab season ends on May 1, 2026.
  • Hurricane Ian disrupted the stone crab fishery in 2022.

The players

Vincent Montella

A St. James City fisherman and crabber who has seen exceptional hauls and crab sizes this season.

Jimmy Grimm

Whose family owns Grimm's Stone Crab in Everglades City, reporting good hauls and lower prices this season.

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What they’re saying

“It went from about three-quarters of a pound to more than 2 pounds. And there's a bunch of us pounding (the same general area off Lovers Key State Park). And I can see other guys' gear right beside mine.”

— Vincent Montella, Fisherman and Crabber

“The more product we have, the better the prices. And the size of the individual (claws) has been exceptional. We've had the majority of crabs be large jumbos. We're getting very big crabs.”

— Vincent Montella, Fisherman and Crabber

“It's been a good season. The hauls are up, so that's good for the customer. When the hauls are up the prices go down.”

— Jimmy Grimm, Owner, Grimm's Stone Crab

What’s next

The stone crab season will officially end on May 1, 2026, marking the end of this year's successful run for crabbers in Southwest Florida.

The takeaway

This strong stone crab season highlights the resilience of this regional seafood industry after the disruption caused by Hurricane Ian in 2022. The abundance of larger crabs has helped keep prices down for consumers, making this delicacy more accessible while supporting the local economy.