Lobstering in Florida

[DiveCaptain]

I've lived in Florida (St.Pete/Clearwater) all my life and have never been lobstering. Only been to the Keys one time when i was younger. Thinking I might be going down this year and was wondering if anyone has any tips, techniques, spots, gear,or suggestions on lobstering in the Keys?

[HoosierDaddy]

I am new to FL and have not gone lobstering yet, but I have seen many while down in the keys.
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<DIV>Key Largo had plenty early last year while we were down there diving. It was not during Season otherwise I think we would have taken a few.</DIV>
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<DIV>I have also seen a ton of dive flags on display in the Atlantic Ocean just off the beach during mini season at Ft Lauderdale by the Sea... It is closer than the keys and I think you get a bigger bag limit???</DIV>
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<DIV>In the Tampa Bay area I know there are a few FREE Lobster Seminars at local dive shops. Depth Perception in Tampa (@301 and 60) has done one the past few years. They review size and regulations as well as provide tips and instruction on how to catch them. They will also sell you a tickle stick, bag and gauge. Check them out or find out if your dive shop offers something similar.</DIV>

[the gooch]

Yes the bag limit is greater outside of the keys. I avoid the keys during mini season like the plague. I usually do shore dives for lobster anywhere from hollywood on up to LBTS.

[DiveCaptain]

Thanks for the tips!

[thesmoothdome]

Originally Posted by HoosierDaddy

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<DIV>They will also sell you a tickle stick, bag and gauge.

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<DIV>Tickle stick? Geez, you guys have all the fun. They're illegal to use in CA. </DIV>

[DiveCaptain]

I can't make it down to the keys for the mini-season and was wondering if it is even worth it to go during the regular season 8/6 I think? Obviously the diving would be excellent, but is there really any good lobster left after they have been picked over during the mini-season?

[WaterRat]

There is good hunting long after mini season. It helps if you know someone with a private boat that can take you away from where the commercial operations dive day after day. Commercial or private though,I see bugs pretty much every dive when I'm in FL.
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<DIV>Ron</DIV>

[the gooch]

Just had lobster tail for dinner from my catch today. mmmmm mmmmm good

[WaterRat]

Originally Posted by the gooch

Just had lobster tail for dinner from my catch today. mmmmm mmmmm good

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<DIV>Hate, Hate, Hate ReallyI just died a little inside when I read this Moving back to FL can't come soon enough.</DIV>
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<DIV>Ron</DIV>

[tx.lakerat]

Ok... I'm interested... What are the months that these mini seasons take place? and for someone who would be coming in from out of state to do this what dive operator would you recommend?