Every July in the Florida Keys, locals and visitors gear up to hunt for spiny lobster, one of the most delicious creatures in the ocean, if you can catch them! Here at Finz Dive Center, we have everything you’ll need to scavenge the waters for lobster successfully and safely, while also understanding the rules and regulations. The result? Catching your limit of 6 lobsters and having a delicious meal worth bragging about!
Mini Season kicks off this adventurous season on July 26th and July 27th. Mini Season begins at 12:01am on Wednesday and ends at 12:00 midnight on Thursday. Following this is the regular 8 month Lobster Season, which is always August 6th through March 31st.
Spiny lobster have a minimum size limit that must be larger than 3” carapace (shown in the photo below), measured in the water.
Possession, and use of a measuring device, is required at all times, and night diving is prohibited in Monroe County (only during the sport season). A recreational saltwater license and a crawfish permit are needed for harvest.
Don’t forget all of your gear! You’ll need a mask, snorkel, fins, dive socks, gloves, and possibly a weight belt. To successfully catch the lobster, you’ll need a measuring device and a tickle stick and net, or a snare.
Come on by Finz Dive Center (in the Hurricane Hole Marina) and we’ll help you get everything you need for a fun and successful Lobster Season!
Have fun and be safe on the water!
Photos: Pat Ford; Image of Lobster Size: http://fishfloridakeys.com/lobster.htm