Get the low down on lobster hunting season close in South Florida!
As the lobster season draws to a close, scuba divers in Florida sadly put away their snares, nets, gauges and tickle sticks. Once again, the spiny lobsters are safe to reproduce and grow until the cycle starts all over again.
In Florida, the last Wednesday and Thursday of July is called “Mini-Season.” It was designed to allow non-commercial hunters get first dibs collecting lobsters before the big boys come in and set their traps. Divers and snorkelers celebrate these two days in the hopes of catching a yummy dinner. The excitement of the 2-day season can be harmful or deadly to those who are not careful. As well as experienced divers, it tends also to attract novice scuba divers who are inclined to use unserviced equipment or who may not remember to keep a close eye on their gauges. It’s the thrill of the “Gold Rush” that entices the greedy and seduces the envy.
The official opening of the regular eight-month season always starts August 6th and continues through March 31st.
Little Known Fact:
There are two lobsters that you can hunt all year round. The FWC permits the capturing of the “spotted” lobster and the “slipper” lobster. There is no season and no size requirement for these guys. Although funny looking, the slipper lobster is known to be quite tasty! All egg-bearing crustaceans are off limits and no spearing allowed.
