Tag Archives: Florida Keys lobster mini season
Florida Keys Lobster Mini-Season
We are on the brink of another Florida Keys lobster mini-season and US-1 is flooded with tourists trailering their bug-hunting vessels into town. Pretty soon the reef will be overtaken by dive flags and center-consoles, and the waters rich with enthusiastic divers and snorkelers searching holes and ledges for tasty tails.
Before the madness ensues, I thought I would take a brief moment to tell everyone to be safe; follow the lobster mini-season rules and regulations (the FWC and Monroe County Sheriffs will be out in full force!), and most of all, use common sense. Every year accidents occur on the water simply because the boat operator was careless and used poor judgment.
Remember, always keep a close eye on your divers and keep a clear distance from vessels displaying their dive flags. Don’t dive alone, double check your equipment, be courteous, be smart, and remember that a lobster is not worth a life.
Below are some basic lobster mini-season regulations that you need to observe and follow. The officers of the sea will have no pity on you if you take more than your limit or are found with a short tail in your possession- whether you knew better or not.
For a complete list of rules click here.
- Mini Season begins at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday July 29 and runs until midnight on Thursday July 30.
- In Monroe County you are allowed 6 lobsters per person per day and you must possess a valid Florida Saltwater fishing license and lobster stamp.
- The two day total of twelve lobsters only applies when traveling by car or after the second day.
- Diving for lobster at night is not permitted however bully-netting and hoop netting is permitted.
- Spiny lobster has a minimum size limit that must be larger than 3″ carapace, measured in the water, and you must possess a measuring device at all times.
- Diving around marinas and private shorelines is prohibited.
- Always display a dive flag while in the water.
