OCEAN'S FINEST SEAFOOD & CRAB
The commitment to only serving fresh claws certainly has its challenges, but it’s the only way to showcase the magnificence of this dish. The meat is sweet and flaky with no comparable taste or texture – they are completely unique in every way. On top of that, Stone Crabs are a sustainable source. The crabbers in Florida are incredibly protective of the species and only the claws are harvested, preserving the life of the crab. Their claws pop off and regrow, similar to a lizard’s tail. Stone Crabs have two killer claws, allowing them to both feed and protect themselves while the missing claw grows back.
The Truluck’s Stone Crab Story
Our love affair with stone crab claws started in an unexpected place: Japan, back in the 1980s. One of Truluck’s founders, then running nightclubs overseas, met a supplier who provided crabs to the legendary Joe’s Stone Crab Restaurant in Miami. That friendship sparked an idea — a little wild, a little ambitious — to bring the experience of fresh Florida stone crabs to Texas.
At the time, few people outside Florida knew what stone crab even was. So when Truluck’s opened in Houston, we made one bold promise: never serve frozen claws. That vow, and the dedication to serving only wild-caught crab, won over guests immediately. People could taste the difference — clean, tender meat, cracked fresh from the shell, never frozen or pre-processed. Thirty years later, that promise still holds true.
When Is Stone Crab Season?
Every October, diners begin asking, “When is stone crab season exactly?” Officially, Florida stone crab season runs from October 15 until May 1 each year, as set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This carefully timed seafood season helps protect crab populations and allows for natural cycles of claw regeneration and growth.
The rules are clear — only claws meeting size limits (at least 2 7/8 inches from tip to joint) can be taken. Egg-bearing females are off-limits, and all traps must follow strict stone crab regulations Florida has in place to protect the species and reduce bycatch.
These protections make the Florida fishing industry a model for sustainable stone crab fishing. Through selective harvesting, crabbers take one or both claws (if legal size) and return the live crab to the ocean. That’s right — the crab survives, free to regrow its lost claw. This process, known as claw regeneration, makes the fishery truly unique among all marine fisheries worldwide.
Sustainable Stone Crab Harvesting
We only partner with crabbers who share our commitment to stone crab harvesting done right. Each claw you see on your plate has been hand-harvested, measured, and landed with respect for the sea. These men and women understand that the ocean provides, but it must also be protected.
It’s not always easy. Because Florida stone crabs are wild and unpredictable, supply can vary. Some days, traps come up light. When that happens, we’d rather wait than compromise. Sure, we could cut corners or accept frozen product — but that’s never been our way.
One of our longtime guests put it perfectly:
“When Truluck’s serves stone crab, you can taste the patience. You know it’s been done right — no shortcuts, just pure, honest flavor.”
That kind of quality takes trust between us and our fishing partners. We rely on their deep understanding of the ocean, on their timing, and on their care. They know the rhythms of the tides better than anyone, and they fish with both tradition and science in mind.
The Challenge — and Beauty — of the Catch
Because these crabs are wild, there are nights when we simply don’t have enough to serve. It’s disappointing, sure, but it’s part of honoring sustainable stone crab fishing. These aren’t farmed or mass-produced shellfish. Each claw comes from a living crab that will grow its claw back and continue to thrive — nature’s own recycling system.
That’s what makes Florida stone crabs so extraordinary. They’re a renewable delicacy, part of a seafood tradition that supports local communities, fuels the Florida fishing industry, and keeps ecosystems healthy for generations.
Dine With Us During Stone Crab Season
If you’re visiting during stone crab season, we always recommend calling ahead. Our supply depends entirely on the day’s catch and the ocean’s will. We’ll gladly let you know what’s fresh and available, so you can plan your visit around the season’s peak moments.
Come celebrate the return of Florida stone crab season at Truluck’s. Taste the sweetness of the ocean, the story behind every claw, and the commitment of every hand that made it possible.
Your table is waiting.