Florida Keys Lobstering

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Lobstering

Diving for Lobster is one of the favorite pastimes of sportsmen in the Keys. The succulent shellfish can often be found in relatively shallow water, provide an exhilarating hunt and make a GREAT meal back home.

There's a:
Spiny Lobster Sport Season
and a
Regular Spiny Lobster Season
Go to MarineFisheries.org
for the whole story.

Possession and use of a measuring device is required at all times - the minimum carapace length of 3 inches is to be measured while on the water. Lobsters must remain in whole condition at all times while on the water. No egg bearing females may be harvested.

You can purchase your license before you leave or once you get there by calling toll-free
1-888-347-4356 or by logging on to: MarineFisheries.org. You'll need a valid Crawfish Permit in your possession in order to bring lobster back to the boat.

This could be you...

No type of spear or gig may be used. Most divers use a "tickle stick" to tease the lobster out of their hole, then grab the lobster by hand or use a net to catch him. Either way can be quite tricky, as the creature is as spiny as a pincushion and the spines are very sharp.

Cooking Lobster is best done immediately - fresh is best. The simplest medthod is to boil the tails in water, shell and all. Or you can split the shell lengthwise with a heavy knife and broil in butter or grill fantail-style over an open flame. If you've cooked too much to eat, make Lobster Salad or Paté with the tail meat for tomorrow's lunch.