Organized Fishermen of Florida

08/22/2026

Did You Know? Stone Crabbers Also Fish for Lobster

Everglades City is proudly known as the Stone Crab Capital of the World, but generations of local commercial fishermen have rarely depended on just one harvest. Making a living on these waters has always required knowledge of the seasons, the fisheries, and the ability to adapt.

This photograph shows the Star Gazer (top), owned by Burt Brown, at Chokoloskee. Built in Fort Myers in 1929 by the Williams brothers, the Star Gazer was one of the few surviving boats from the 1920s that, at the time of this photograph, had “constantly been used by its owner as a fishing boat.”

That same tradition of fishing through multiple seasons continues today.

This recent photograph of the commercial fishing vessel Strictly Business (bottom), out of Everglades City, shows a boat best known for stone crabbing loaded instead with lobster traps as Florida’s commercial spiny lobster season gets underway. The 43-foot Torres was built in Key West and is owned and operated by Captain Shannon Dudley. For many stone crabbers, the end of one fishing season does not mean the end of work on the water, it means preparing for the next fishery.

For generations, fishing families from Chokoloskee and Everglades City have fished the Ten Thousand Islands, Marathon, and the Florida Keys, moving between fisheries as seasons, markets, and opportunities changed. Stone Crab, Lobster, Mackerel, Mullet, Pompano, Blue Crab, Grouper, Shrimp, and other species have all played a role in keeping families on the water.
The knowledge required to make a living from these waters continues to be passed from one generation to the next. For more than a century, the strength of Everglades City’s commercial fishing community has not rested on a single species. It has been built on the knowledge, resilience, and adaptability of the families who continue to make their living on the water.

Visit the Museum of the Everglades to learn more about the history of our fishing industry.
Museum of the Everglades is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9am to 4pm and is located at 105 West Broadway Avenue in Everglades City, Florida. Admission is always free.

08/15/2026

🚨 SOUND THE ALARM 🚨

TWO MORE MONTHS UNTIL STONE CRAB SEASON!

On OCTOBER 15th be sure to head to your local markets and restaurants for Florida’s favorite fall tradition.

You can buy this beautiful hard working crabber’s catch at A P Bell Fish Co, Inc keep our crabbers smiling and thank them for working so hard in the off season by buying local!

08/12/2026

STONE CRAB SEASON WILL BE HERE IN 65 DAYS!!!!

08/01/2026

07/18/2026

Working for our commercial industry isn’t always dinners, council/commission meetings, hotels, and festivals.

Sometimes it’s setting up the computer in the kitchen because that’s where the strongest connection is. Around the chaos, throwing the family schedule out the window, asking the hard questions.

Our executive, board members, and general members have been attending virtual workshops this week. We worked together to ensure we asked the right questions, our voices and concerns heard, and encouraging sustainable harvesting methods.

You can count on us to show up for our commercial industry even when it isn’t “fun,” “fancy,” or for a posed photo op. We’re here for you.

07/09/2026

CALLING ALL FISHING FAMILIES!

OFF is compiling commercial fishing data before its lost or forgotten. Our Executive, Alexis, will be reaching out for interviews, photos, and more.

This project is an effort to both preserve the history we have, AND collect “current events” before it becomes history. Any and all information is welcome.

You can comment below if you’re interested in helping or contact Alexis directly at: [email protected]

Photo: Mullet fisherman in Appalachicola, FL circa 1957; credit to Florida Memory archives.

07/08/2026

Perched right by the water, Kelly's is a masterclass in "no-frills" coastal comfort. You stroll into this rustic, historic sanctuary and are instantly hit by the mouth-watering scent of fresh-caught seafood and ocean air. You grab a stool at the bar and eagerly tackle a steaming plate of local catch or a legendary fish sandwich. The vibe is loud, authentic, and wonderfully laid-back, providing a savory refuge for locals and travelers alike who want a true, honest taste of the old Florida coast.

06/26/2026

Got bait?

We do! In Cortez, our fishermen work hard and long days to provide bait for commercial captains and recreational fishers. Going fishing starts with us, and we take great pride in helping people do what they love.

These boats purse seine thread fin herring. From going out first thing, putting the fish on and off the boat, packing the fish into boxes, and loading them onto the truck our fishermen are part of the whole process.

Be sure to look out for Village Pride or Killer Bait to support local fishermen.

06/23/2026

Applications Are Now Open for the Wayne Werner Memorial Scholarship!

The Gulf of America Reef Fish Shareholders’ Alliance is proud to announce the inaugural application period for the Wayne Werner Memorial Scholarship. This opportunity was created to honor the life, leadership, and legacy of longtime commercial fisherman and industry advocate Wayne Werner.

Wayne believed in bringing fishermen, scientists, and policymakers together to strengthen fisheries and ensure a bright future for America's seafood industry. This scholarship continues that vision by supporting students pursuing careers in fisheries science, marine resource management, communications, journalism, and related fields that will work alongside fishermen and shape the future of our fisheries.

📅 Application Deadline: July 31, 2026

We are grateful to the Werner family and all those who have helped make this scholarship possible.

Application and information about eligibility criteria at this link >> https://shareholdersalliance.org/wayne-werner-scholarship