It’s Lobster Season!

Learn about Lobster season regulations and requirements and upcoming fishing news

Spiny Lobster Mini Season: July 30-31
Regular Spiny Lobster Season: Aug. 6 – March 31

It’s that time of year again – lobster season! Many enjoy these scrumptious creatures. Here are a few tips and tricks to catching them.

1. Decide where you want to fish for lobster and follow their rules. There are many regulations for catching lobster, so plan accordingly with the area you have in mind. Find Florida regulations here. Lobsters are found in rocky areas with coverings.
2. Have the right gear. Whether freediving, snorkeling or scuba diving, be sure you are fully-equipped for your lobster harvest. You will also want to have a salt water fishing license and (lobster) crawfish permit (this is enforced heavily). Other items to think about when lobstering include a nice pair of kevlar gloves, a primary dive light, a tickle stick, a lobster gauge, lobster bag, clips, a compass, and more. Adventure Outfitters has all the gear you need for lobstering. So, give us a call if you have any questions!
3. Be environmentally conscious. Little is known about lobster breeding. Be sure to make your best judgement when lobstering to whether or not the lobster is legal. To accurately determine the size of your lobster, carry a lobster gauge on your wrist or add the length onto your flashlight. The minimum size limit for lobsters is a caraspace (or the upper section of the exoskeleton) larger than 3 inches measured in the water. During mini season you can catch 6 per person per day for Monroe County and 12 per person per day for the rest of Florida. During regular season, you can catch 6 per person per day and the posessio limit on the water is equal to the daily bag limit.
4. Some lobstering ediquette: Be sure you are courteous of other lobster divers while on the hunt. Shining your light into holes where others are looking or making sudden movements will startle them. Always treat your fellow fishermen with respect.
5. Figure out how you want to catch your lobster, within the regulations. Typically, most hand-grab a lobster. A common mistake is waiting too long to take them. By grabbing firmly, you can prevent your average lobster from swimming away while reducing it’s ability to use its tail.
6. No matter how you catch em’ be sure to cook them to your liking! Grilled lobster is a popular dish. To cook the lobster, place it tail-up so the appendage under the abdomen portion of it is facing up. You will know it is done when it begins to curl. Serve with butter, lime or plain!

For more information on Florida lobstering, give us a call or visit myfwc.com.
This Tourist is Not Welcome
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, starting Aug. 1, the invasive lionfish will no longer be welcome to Florida. Imported lionfish will no longer be welcome to the state. Changes include:

• Prohibiting the importation of live lionfish
• Allowing lionfish to be removed via spearfishing when diving with a rebreather, a device that recycles air and allows divers to remain in the water for longer periods of time (currently, you cannot spear any fish when using a rebreather); and
• Allowing participants of approved tournaments and other organized events to spear lionfish or other invasive species in areas where spearfishing is not currently allowed (such as certain state parks or refuges). This will be done through a permitting system.
• See or catch a lionfish? Report a sighting by downloading the new Report Florida Lionfish app on a smart device or by visiting MyFWC.com/Fishing and clicking on “Recreational Regulations” (under “Saltwater”) and then “Lionfish.”

Lionfish were introduced into Florida waters in the late 1980s and populations have severely increased in recent years – impacting the native wildlife and habitat.

Amberjack and Gray Triggerfish Season Reopens Aug. 1
The recreational harvest of greater amberjack and gray triggerfish reopens to the Gulf of Mexico state waters Aug. 1, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Greater amberjack must be larger than 30 inches when measured from the tip of the lower jaw to the fork of the tail to be harvested during open season. The daily bag limit includes one fish per person.

Gray triggerfish must be larger than 14 inches when measured from the lower jaw to the fork of the tail. There is a two-fish daily limit bag per person.
Don’t miss out on everything that’s going on this summer! See all of our upcoming trips and classes at adventuretampa.com or at 813-832-6669.