Get ready, lobster lovers! Florida’s exciting two-day lobster mini-season kicks off tomorrow, July 24th! This annual event gives both residents and visitors the chance to catch spiny lobsters before the regular season starts. However, to keep our lobster population healthy, there are specific rules and limits you need to know. Check out the regulations before you head out on the water.

Surprise Twist to Lobster Mini-Season! Last month Governor Ron DeSantis made an exciting announcement during a Marathon press conference: Florida residents get an extra day of lobstering on Sunday, July 14th! This special extension aims to give locals a chance to enjoy the mini-season without conflicting with their busy work schedules in the tourism industry.

The governor’s surprise announcement would have been great news for Main Attraction owners Captain Marty and Katie Lewis, except Marty was already booked for a fishing charter that Sunday. After some discussion, Marty and Katie decided to take a fishing vessel to the Bahamas for a mini-season to avoid the crowds and enjoy some fun. 10 days prior to the trip Katie would take their son and daughter lobstering on the extra residents-only day to see if they could catch some lobster on their own.

Jun 14, 2024 ‘Micro’ Mini Lobster Season

With their seasoned lobster spotter, Captain Marty, away on a fishing trip, Katie, Alex, Natalie, and their friend Chelsea decided to try their luck at lobster hunting. Equipped with snorkel gear, a cooler full of snacks and drinks, the adventurous crew set out on their small center console boat in search of the prized “bugs”—spiny lobsters!

Setting out from Marathon Sailfish Marina around 7 a.m. on Sunday, July 14th, the crew faced a slightly breezy day with easterly winds of 10-20 knots. While not perfectly calm, the conditions were manageable for their lobstering adventure. Cruising towards their first spot, they noticed several other boats, but thankfully, it was nowhere near as crowded as a typical mini-season.

Once anchored securely, they prioritized safety by prominently displaying their dive flag before gearing up for their underwater hunt. A smart strategy they employed was keeping one person on board to assist with unloading gear, measuring lobsters, and keeping a vigilant eye out for other boats.

Within the first few minutes, they were catching more than legal-sized lobsters consistently. The water depth was approximately 10-12 feet, and the visibility was very good. After snorkeling around at the first spot, they nearly reached their limit! They decided to pull up the anchor and try one more location. This spot had more ledges instead of holes, so the lobsters were further into the ledge area, requiring them to look deep to spot the antennas. 

Katie holding up a nice one!

Within 30 minutes, they had their legal limit of lobsters and decided to triple-check all the sizes and recount their catch. After taking a quick break to eat a snack and secure all their dive equipment, they prepared for the drive home.

During their search, they stumbled upon a picturesque sandbar near their snorkeling spot and decided to take a break for lunch. Relaxing on the sandbar, they encountered a variety of fascinating marine life, including conch shells, shrimp, a small sea snake, and various bird species. It was a perfect reminder of the natural beauty that makes the Keys their home.

As the wind picked up in the afternoon, the crew knew they were in for a bumpy ride back. Heading toward the marina, they braved the waves and chop, but the memories of their lobstering adventure and the charm of the sandbar made it all worthwhile. They took some photos with their catch and headed home for some tasty eats!

As of today the Lewis family is in the Bahamas island hopping starting off in Bimini and then Staniel Cay. Below are some photos of them just a few hours ago! For those in Marathon tomorrow, good luck to everyone heading out have fun, catch’em up, and stay safe!

Florida Lobster Mini-Season Tips

Here are several tips for lobstering and snorkeling in general. It’s always recommended to wear the brightest bathing suit or shirt available. While this may sound amusing, it helps the spotter on the boat keep track of snorkelers, and it serves as a signal to other approaching boats to be cautious. 

When lobstering, it is required to measure the lobster in the water. However, the boat spotter should also double-check the lobster size and ensure it doesn’t contain eggs. In a lifetime of lobstering, spotting a lobster with eggs is rare, but being in possession of one can result in a substantial fine.

Wear bright colors to make you easy to spot in the water!

Florida Lobster Mini-Season (2024) Regulations*

Key Dates & Limits:

• Mini-Season: July 24-25, 2024 (all) & July 14, 2024 (FL residents only, state waters)
• Daily Bag Limit:
  • Monroe County & Biscayne National Park: 6 lobsters/person
  • Rest of Florida: 12 lobsters/person
• Possession Limits:
  • On the water: Equal to daily bag limit
  • Off the water: Doubles on July 25th only
  • Federal waters CLOSED on July 14th

Regulations & Restrictions:

1. Licensing: Valid saltwater fishing license with lobster permit required.
2. Size Limit: Carapace > 3 inches, measured in water. Measuring tool mandatory.
3. Night Diving: Prohibited in Monroe County during the sport season (July 24-25).
4. Prohibited Areas: John Pennekamp (during season), Everglades, Dry Tortugas, no-take zones in FL Keys Sanctuary, Biscayne Bay/Card Sound Sanctuary, & Biscayne NP’s Coral Reef Protection Areas.
5. Fishing Charters:
   • July 14th: FL resident captains & customers ONLY, proof of residency required.
   • July 24-25th: No residency restrictions for charters.

Additional Notes:

• Possession limits are enforced both on and off the water.
• Executive Order 24-13 details rules for the July 14th FL resident-only day.

*This information is a brief overview. For complete, detailed, and up-to-the-minute regulations, always consult official sources like the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/lobster/