Lobstering in the Florida Keys
That time of year is almost here again!
When is lobster season?
Regular lobster season runs from August 6th-March 31st every year. The best time to visit and go lobstering is usually in the first few months of lobster season, though some lobster can still be found later in the season. Lobster season kicks off with 2 days of “mini-season”, officially known as “spiny lobster sport season”. Taking place the last Wednesday and Thursday in July, thousands of people head down to the Florida Keys to catch their daily limit and throw lobster on the grill in the evening. This can be a fun, but hectic time to visit the Keys, and especially to venture out onto the water without some local knowledge. If this is your first time participating, we highly recommend you hire a guide to take you to the right spots, help you to navigate the water and follow the strict guidelines for lobstering. With some help, you could be back to the dock in just a few hours with your limit in hand.
What are the rules for lobstering in Key West?
It is important to be aware of the local rules before you dive in:
Florida Fish & Wildlife requires a recreational saltwater fishing license and lobster permit to harvest spiny lobster. When booking a lobstering charter all of your required licensing is included. Head down to the Keys, hop onto the boat and you are good to go! We provide all the gear needed.
Florida Fish and Wildlife rules prohibit puncturing the lobster while trying to catch them. Our favorite way to catch lobster is with a net and tickle stick. You are allowed 6 lobster per person a day in Monroe County. Each lobster you keep must have carapace length of 3 inches, measured in the water. To do this make sure you have a regulation size carapace ruler attached to your tickle stick, these can be purchased at most local dive shops, West Marine, or even the grocery store during peak season. Fun fact: It takes lobster about 2 years to grow to regulation size.
Some other rules to be aware of:
- There is no night diving allowed in the Florida Keys for lobster. If you are an early bird and get to your spot before the sun comes up, you must wait until first light to hop in the water.
- Lobster must be landed intact. Be sure to wait until you get back to the dock before you separate the tail from the body.
- Look for eggs! It is illegal to take any egg-bearing species of lobster. Pregnant lobster means more lobster in the future so let them go and maybe you’ll meet again!
How do you catch lobster?
You will need a couple of tools: a mask, snorkel, fins, gloves, a tickle stick with regulation size measuring tool, and a lobster net. All of these tools are provided on our lobstering charters. Depending on your snorkel experience, we try to find the shallowest water possible to catch our limit. Typically we prefer to harvest in about 3-10 feet, looking for calm, low current conditions.
Lobsters are social animals, grouping together in their “dens” (holes and crevices) during daylight hours offers them protection. Once you dive in, look around for the lobster antennae poking out from their holes and crevices, and try to identify the biggest of the group. Keep your tickle stick in one hand and net in the other. Florida Spiny Lobster are just that, spiny! Gloves are crucial to protecting your hands from lots of potential scrapes and cuts from the lobster’s spines. Using your tickle stick, you want to very gently touch the underside of the lobster, causing it to walk forward and reveal itself from its hiding place. Once you are able to, very calmly place your net behind the lobster’s tail. Lobster swim backwards when trying to escape, so having the net behind him will catch the lobster as it swims away. Make sure to measure the carapace in the water and if it is at least 3 inches, it’s a keeper!
If this is your first time lobstering it can take a little patience, but with some practice it makes for a fun day on the water and lobster dinner at night! Give us a call with any questions!
