This is Betsy…a biologically correct model of a spiny lobster located at the Rain Barrel in Islamorada. Hundreds of thousands of people flock to the Florida Keys for mini lobster season each year.
What: Lobstering in the Florida Keys
Who: You! Sounds like fun, right?
When: Mini season July 24-25, 2024; Regular Lobster Season Aug 6, 2024 – Mar 31, 2025
Where: The Florida Keys (aka Monroe County) and Biscayne National Park
Why: Ummm…lobster…yum! Also, fun and adventure.
About the lobster: Lobster in the Florida Keys do not have claws. You will be trying to catch the Caribbean Spiny Lobster, which have two antennae and sharp points along their body that can poke holes in your hands so make sure you wear protective gloves!
The Process: Here is a fantastic article (with video!) on how to catch lobster using the snorkel method: https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/how-to-catch-lobster-in-the-fl-keys/
How to Find Lobster:
1. Spiny lobster hide under things. So you will be looking under rocks, inside crevasses, in thick vegetation, etc.
2. Research GPS coordinates for lobster holes.
3. Start in an area where there is a good current flow because this will be have a large concentration of ledges for lobster hiding areas. Keep in mind that high current areas are of greater danger to novice swimmers and divers.
4. Under the mangroves and on the edges of grass flats. Here’s a good article on how to do that: https://www.thefloridalivingmagazine.com/2017/03/24/find-spiny-lobster-florida-keys/.
5. Casa Feliz is on a grass flat and, yes, we have seen lobstering in front of the house! Grab your gear and head out!!
FAQ
Do I need a license? Yes! You will need a Florida saltwater fishing license and a lobster permit/stamp for both mini and regular lobster season in the Florida Keys.
Do I need a boat? No. You can go lobstering from shore. And see point number 5 under How to Find Lobster above.
Do I need S.C.U.B.A. gear? No. You can snorkel to catch the lobster since you can find them in less than 10 feet of water.
What other gear do I need? The gear in the list below can be purchased at your local Walgreens in a kit if there is no marine or dive store in your area.
· Net
· Tickle stick
· Lobster measuring tool
· Gloves
· Mask
· Snorkel
· Fins
Very Important Details:
1. Know the rules! This is a very highly regulated activity and you do not want to pay a fine or even go to jail. Here’s the best source of information for Florida Keys lobster season to have a fun and compliant time: https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/lobster/
2. Use a dive flag for safety. This will indicate to boaters that there are people diving in the area.
3. Know the limits! Don’t mess around on this one. They check.
Other helpful things to know: Mini lobster season in the Keys is a very popular event and, as such, there is a lot of additional traffic and visitors to the area. You will want to plan early for your trip if you think you want to participate.
Book your stay: Click here to book Casa Feliz for your lobster season stay.
Overall, this is a unique activity that’s easy to experience for all levels of ability. Pick up your lobster kit, head out on the water, and have fun!
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