Stone crab season opens October 15, and the first pulls of the year are always the sweetest.

THE SEASON: Florida stone crab season runs October 15 through May 1 in state waters. Traps can soak 10 days ahead, but no harvesting until opening day - which means the first week of the season is when the claws are fattest and the boats are busiest.

THE LOCAL PLAY: my buddies at South Florida Fish Company catch and deliver stone crab direct - off their boats, to your door. No middleman, no freezer burn. They only sell what they catch, which is exactly how it should work.

Order ahead for opening week: call 786-470-5315 or find them on Instagram @southfloridafishcompany. Get the mustard sauce, crack them cold, thank me later.

One rule from FWC worth repeating: claws only, and the crab goes back. Measure at 2 7/8 inches, take one or both claws, and let them regrow.

Supporting the guys who actually fish is the whole point. More local catches coming in future issues.

Richard

Sources: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (stone crab season and regulations).