Where To Hunt
- The Florida Keys. Monroe County has the largest population of lobsters in the state and also draws the most lobster divers. …
- The Gold Coast. While the reefs of Dade, Broward and Palm Beach aren’t as busy as the Keys, there are certainly areas which are very rich in lobster. …
- The East Coast.
What is the lobster season in Florida?
The regular 8 month lobster season is always August 6 through March 31. There are numerous ways and techniques to catch a Florida Spiny lobster.
Can I catch lobster in Florida?
While you can catch Florida spiny lobsters from Pensacola to Key West, the heaviest concentrations are found in three areas. Monroe County boasts the largest lobster population in the state and draws the most lobster divers. … But almost every other dive site is open to lobster hunting.
Do Florida lobsters bite?
They will bite. The really big ones can bite real good! Someone on here about 3-4 years ago had one bite the tip of his finger-to the first knunkle, bit off by a big lobster-right through his glove! The real big ones could crush just about anything in their mouth.
How far from shore do you have to travel for lobstering?
States have jurisdiction for implementing measures in state waters (within 3 miles of shore), while NOAA Fisheries implements complementary regulations for the American lobster fishery in offshore federal waters (3 to 200 miles from shore).
Are lobster traps legal in Florida?
Recreational trapping is illegal. The lobster must remain wholeseparating a lobster’s tail from its body is prohibited in state waters. It is prohibited to catch a spiny lobster with any device that could damage or puncture its shell.
How do you go lobstering?
What is the difference between a Maine lobster and a Florida lobster?
But what’s the difference, if any, between the two? Maine lobsters are considered the true lobster in regards to its classic appearance as it has claws on its first three pairs of legs. Florida lobsters, also referred to as spiny lobsters, are known by their lack of claws and long, spiny antennae.
How much is a Florida lobster license?
FISHING LICENSES OR PERMITS AND FEES
| Resident Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing Licenses | Paymentpolicies |
|---|---|
| Snook (annual) | $10.00 |
| Snook (5-Year) | $50.00 |
| Lobster (annual) | $5.00 |
| Lobster (5-Year) | $25.00 |
Can you scuba dive for lobster?
Lobster season might be the only time your mouth waters during a dive. … Florida is one of the few places you can use scuba to get lobster and use snares and nets to catch them, says Samuel Fretz, an instructor at Force-E Scuba Centers in Pompano Beach, Florida.
Are all the Florida Keys in Monroe County?
As of the 2010 census, the population was 73,090. Its county seat is Key West. Monroe County includes the islands of the Florida Keys and comprises the Key West Micropolitan Statistical Area. Over 99.9% of the county’s population lives on the Florida Keys.
Are there lobsters in Tampa Bay?
In the Tampa area spiny lobsters are rarely found inshore but you can find some off Tampa Bay scattered around deep wrecks offshore and they are usually very large, in the 15 pound range. As a sport, lobstering on the central west coast is not a pastime, most lobsters are caught by divers hunting other species.
Can a lobster cut off finger?
A lobster’s claws are strong. A very large lobster could break your finger.
What are Florida lobsters called?
Commonly referred to as the Florida spiny lobster, the Caribbean spiny lobster inhabits tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. Spiny lobsters get their name from the forward-pointing spines that cover their bodies to help protect them from predators.
What is the biggest lobster ever caught?
44 pounds However, the largest lobster ever caught in the world was captured in Nova Scotia, Canada, and weighed 44 pounds, measured 3 and a half feet long and was estimated to be over a century old. Lobsters molt in order to grow larger, and they grow their entire lives.
What are the dangers of lobstering?
USCG investigative reports indicate that lobster- men often become entangled in loose line on deck, are pulled overboard by the traps, and drown when they cannot free themselves from the line or are unable to reboard the ves- sel.
What are some dangers of lobstering?
When lobster is not cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, consumers are at risk of developing a bacterial infection that can cause fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Two common types of bacteria found in lobster are Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus.
Why are there no lobsters on the West Coast?
The reason was that whenever they put Atlantic and Pacific lobsters together, the latter would always get wiped out. Yes, they have no claws…. So, the decision was made to not work further at transplanting the Eastern species to our coast for fear of wiping out the local population.
Is Bully netting legal in Florida?
Harvesting by Lobster Bully Netting at night with the use of bully nets and lights is legal and fun, and is popular in the Florida Keys and portions of Miami-Dade County. … Report any actions taken to prevent you from legally fishing to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Can you go lobstering in Key Largo?
Lobstering in Florida is great fun! Key Largo has an abundance of marine life and among them the Florida Spiny Lobster. Many of our customers like to hunt for Lobster. There is an abundance of Florida Spiny Lobster that you will see on every dive on the Key Largo reef.
Who is exempt from Florida fishing license?
age 65 or older The new shoreline saltwater license requirement allows exemptions for residents who are age 65 or older, all children under age 16, resident disabled persons who meet certain qualifications, active duty military personnel while home on leave, and all anglers who fish from a licensed pier.
What type of boat do you need for lobstering?
The classic Maine or Downeast working boats were tailored for the specific needs of lobstering. They have a high bow for fending off large waves, and low freeboard at the stern (the space between the water and the deck) to facilitate hauling lobster traps aboard.
Can spiny lobsters hurt you?
Grab the lobster from the back and the top, and away from the moray eel (the spiny lobster has no claws to hurt you). … If you think a lobster will dart as soon as you reach, aim a few inches behind the lobster.
What is bully netting?
Bully netting is using a basket net at the end of a pole and a light to spot and catch lobster at night. … FWC staff, in a commission brief, notes the potential for the bully net fishery to be used as a cover for illegal lobster harvest, especially if growth in the fishery remains unchecked.
Which is better male or female lobster?
A more pressing choice is the choice of getting which gender. Lobstermen agree that the female is a better choice. Female lobsters may have roes, or unfertilized eggs which are tasty and considered as delicacy. Also, female lobsters have more tail breadth which means more meat.
How do Florida lobsters taste?
Generally speaking, spiny lobster tastes, well, like lobster, with medium sweetness and a bit on the firmer side, especially since it does not have knuckle or claw meat.
Which lobster is the sweetest?
Maine lobster Here’s the difference that makes Maine lobster the best: Cold Water = Better Lobster. The meat is much sweeter that lobsters grown in warm conditions. This is because the cold water keeps the meat from absorbing the salt in the water.
Does everyone on the boat need a lobster license?
Yes. All individuals must have a spiny lobster report card in their possession while fishing for or taking lobster, or assisting in fishing for lobster, including children under the age of 16.
Do non resident seniors need a fishing license in Florida?
Non-residents who are 16 years of age or older are required to have Florida licenses and permits to participate in hunting, freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing. Out-of-state fishing and hunting licenses are not valid in Florida.
What size lobster can you keep?
Three and one-fourth inches Recreational Bag Limit: Seven lobsters per person. Minimum Legal Size Limit: Three and one-fourth inches, measured in a straight line on the midline of the back from the rear edge of the eye socket to the rear edge of the body shell (3 inch carapace).
