Updated: March 16, 2026
Oysters are one of the oldest luxury foods known to humankind. Archaeologists have found evidence that humans enjoyed shellfish as far back as 164,000 years ago!
Love oysters and want to learn more about where they come from and how they’re harvested? Whether you’re a longtime fan who wants to go deeper or a curious newcomer ready to become a foodie, we’re here to help. This guide will turn you into a confident oyster connoisseur. Before you order your next dozen, here’s everything you need to know.
How are Oysters Harvested?
Oysters are harvested from the water in several different ways, from traditional hand-gathering to modern mechanical methods.
- Handpicking: In shallow, intertidal areas, harvesters can walk out at low tide and pick oysters directly off rocks by hand.
- Raking: Using long-handled rakes, often from a small boat, harvesters scrape the seabed to gather oysters lying on the bottom.
- Scraping Dredges: These are large, heavy baskets with metal teeth, which are dragged by a boat. The teeth scrape the top layer of the seafloor, scooping oysters into the dredge.
- Hydraulic Dredges: This type of dredge uses powerful water jets to flush oysters out from under mud or sediment and into a collection bag.
Wild Harvest Oysters
Wild Harvest Oysters, as the name suggests, are harvested directly from their natural habitat in the ocean, not from a controlled aquaculture farm. They grow on natural reefs and seabeds, surviving by a different set of rules than cultivated varieties.
Because they grow in this more challenging, “wild” environment, many enthusiasts prize them for having a more robust, complex flavor. This life also means their shells are often thicker and more irregular, shaped by the ocean currents and natural seafloor.
How Oystermen Harvest Wild Oysters
Traditional oystermen, often working from small boats, rely on specialized, labor-intensive tools to harvest oysters from the seabed. The two most common tools are tongs and rakes. Oyster tongs are not for grabbing individual oysters, but are large, scissor-like tools with baskets on the end. Harvesters lower them from the boat, feel for the oysters on the bottom, and close the handles to scoop up a cluster. Hand rakes, sometimes called “bull rakes,” are heavy-toothed rakes on very long handles. Oystermen drag these along the bottom to scrape and collect the oysters in the rake’s basket.
Farmed Oysters
Farmed oysters, also known as “cultivated” oysters, are grown using a variety of aquaculture techniques. These methods protect the oysters from predators and allow for more consistent, manageable harvesting.
While they are farmed in saltwater bays and coastal estuaries, the specific methods generally fall into two categories:
1. Off-Bottom & Suspended Culture
This is a very common method where oysters are kept off the seabed, which protects them and improves water flow.
- Floating Cages or Bags: Oysters are grown in mesh bags or cages that float on the water’s surface, supported by buoys. This provides excellent circulation and gives farmers easy access for cleaning and sorting.
- Long-Lines: In deeper waters, oysters are often grown on ropes or in “lantern nets” (stacked, circular mesh trays) that hang vertically from a long, suspended line that is held up by buoys.
2. On-Bottom Culture
This method mimics a wild oyster’s natural environment, but with added protection.
- Bottom Cages: Oysters are placed in sturdy mesh cages that rest directly on the seabed, which protects them from predators like crabs and starfish.
- Bag-on-Bottom: In some intertidal areas, oysters are grown in heavy-mesh bags that are staked securely to the ocean floor.
Experience an Array of Oysters at Angry Crab Shack
Angry Crab Shack knows seafood. We love oysters, and we know you do too! Our mission is to serve only the freshest, highest-quality seafood available. Our staff is dedicated to providing you with the best experience possible so you can enjoy your meal with friends and family.
Angry Crab Shack has been a seafood restaurant serving oysters and other types of seafood since 2013 in Mesa, Arizona. We’re never satisfied with what has already been achieved and want to answer your burning questions, like how oysters are harvested and prepared. Please feel free to send us any comments or suggestions that you might have.
Enjoy Group Dining at Angry Crab Shack
If you want to dine with a group of people, Angry Crab Shack is the place to do it. We offer a wide range of group dining options that suit everyone at your party. You can gather with friends and family for a fun-filled meal. We provide appetizing seafood options for every taste and budget, and our friendly staff will ensure your visit is memorable.
As for oysters, we serve them in all sorts of ways! Charred oysters, raw oysters, fried oysters, and oyster po’boy, we have it all! Our charred oysters are cooked with garlic butter, Parmesan cheese, and topped with crushed red pepper. If you are looking for a delicious sandwich, try the breaded shrimp & fried oyster po’boy which is served on a baguette complemented with tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, and Cajun Mayo garnished with a side of our savory Cajun fries.
Experience Authentic, Oysters with bold Asian-Cajun flavors at Angry Crab Shack
Oysters are delicious and an excellent choice for those who want to eat sustainably. We hope this article has provided you with enough information, like how oysters are harvested and the methods used.
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience and want to try something new, we highly recommend visiting us. At Angry Crab Shack, we offer an array of seafood dishes inspired by Asian-Cajun flavors (including some with a spicy kick!). If your taste buds are adventurous, try our signature dish: a Classic Seafood boil with bold Asian-Cajun flavors. Call us today!
Frequently Asked Questions: Oyster Harvesting and Varieties
1. How are oysters harvested from the water?
Oysters are harvested using several different methods depending on the environment. In shallow areas, they are handpicked off rocks at low tide. In deeper water, harvesters use long-handled rakes from boats, scraping dredges with metal teeth to scoop them from the seafloor, or hydraulic dredges that use powerful water jets to flush oysters into collection bags.
2. What makes wild harvest oysters different from farmed varieties?
Wild harvest oysters grow on natural reefs and seabeds rather than controlled farms. Because they survive in a more challenging “wild” environment, enthusiasts prize them for having a more robust, complex flavor. Their shells are also often thicker and more irregular, shaped by natural ocean currents and the seafloor.
3. What specialized tools are used for traditional wild oyster harvesting?
Traditional oystermen rely on labor-intensive tools like oyster tongs and hand rakes, often called “bull rakes.” Oyster tongs are scissor-like tools with baskets on the end used to scoop up clusters from the bottom. Bull rakes are heavy-toothed rakes on very long handles that oystermen drag along the seabed to collect oysters.
4. What types of oyster dishes are served at Angry Crab Shack?
Angry Crab Shack serves oysters in many ways, including charred, raw, and fried. Our charred oysters are cooked with garlic butter and Parmesan cheese, then topped with crushed red pepper. We also offer a breaded shrimp & fried oyster po’boy served on a baguette with tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, and Cajun mayo.
