Frequently Asked Questions

Size affects the amount of meat per crab and cooking time. Medium crabs work well for seasoning and boils, while jumbos offer more meat and are ideal for picking. At AJ's Got Crabs LLC, we help customers choose based on their meal plans and guest count.

Crabs are caught to order, typically within the same day or next day before your scheduled pickup. This catch-to-order model ensures you're getting live, active crabs instead of inventory that's been sitting. It's a key difference from grocery store seafood in Brandon, FL.

Florida stone crab season runs from October 15 through May 15 each year. During this window, fresh stone crab claws are available in sizes from small to jumbo. At AJ's Got Crabs LLC, we recommend ordering early during peak months due to high demand.

The cleaning service removes the top shell, gills, and internal organs, leaving crabs ready to cook immediately. It saves significant time and mess at home, especially for first-time buyers. A flat convenience fee applies and can be bundled with your live crab order.

Yes, steam and cook services are available for crabs and fish prior to pickup. This option provides a meal-ready solution with your choice of seasoning style. It's especially popular for customers hosting gatherings or wanting zero prep work at home in the Tampa Bay area.

AJ's Got Crabs LLC operates on a catch-to-order model rather than stocking inventory. Fishing trips are aligned with customer orders to maximize freshness. Pre-ordering ensures your seafood is caught specifically for you and allows coordination of the best pickup time.

For bulk or event orders, placing your request several days ahead is recommended to secure availability and coordinate timing. Early ordering allows the catch schedule to align with your event and ensures optional add-ons like cooking or cleaning services are available.

Mullet is popular both as a local Florida food staple and as fresh bait for fishing. It's commonly used in traditional fish fries and has strong regional demand. At AJ's Got Crabs LLC, we source it fresh from local waters and encourage pre-ordering due to variable supply.

Yes, custom catch finfish is made-to-order based on your request, creating a significant freshness gap compared to store inventory. The fish is caught from local Tampa Bay waters specifically for your order. This hands-on sourcing requires advance notice to align fishing trips.

Both are specialty panfish with mild, sweet flavor profiles and firm texture. They're excellent for frying or light seasoning preparations. These locally sourced fish appeal to traditional seafood buyers and curious newcomers alike, though catch quantities are often limited.

Wood-smoking transforms fresh catch into a ready-to-eat product with rich, smoky flavor and extended shelf life. The process adds craftsmanship and convenience, requiring no additional cooking at home. At AJ's Got Crabs LLC, fish goes from catch to smoker quickly to preserve quality.

A Crabber's Dozen is a sizing option offered for live blue crabs, typically providing a specific count or mix tailored to customer needs. It reflects traditional crabbing culture and offers flexibility for home crab boils and family meals in Brandon, FL.