Lobster Charter In Florida: Tips To Optimize The Lobster Season
Lobster Season draws thousands of recreational lobster hunters, and commercial lobster fishermen, out to sea searching for this delicious delicacy every year. The regular lobster fishing season runs from August to March of the following year. Hundreds of thousands of traps are set, and thousands of divers take to the water each year in the first month. Here is What You Should Know to Maximize your lobster charter in Florida Experience.
You need to have a license
Above all, do not think you can enjoy the lobster season without paying for a license. If you are caught driving for lobsters without a license you can expect severe penalties and costly fines. However, there are some exceptions to the conditions for obtaining a driving license, so check with the county law enforcement agency.
Measure your catch
Only adult lobsters must be caught and retained. If a lobster does not live up to this standard, it must be discarded. Size limits have been put in place to ensure that there is always a healthy breeding population. Lobsters must in fact be measured in the water before being put on the boat. Also, the tail can only be removed while ashore and, once removed, must be more than 5.5 inches long. Note that the lobster carapace must be more than three inches long.
Nocturnal Diving
Night diving and gillnet fishing are both permitted during the regular lobster fishing season. Powerful, waterproof searchlights and long-handled nets are used to catch lobsters underwater at night. Note that this practice is legal (as long as you are licensed or exempt), although catch limits still apply. You should also be aware that night diving to catch lobsters is more dangerous than day diving and carries unique risks.
Catch Limits
Harvesting limits for lobsters amount to six lobsters daily per person for Monroe County-Biscayne National Park. Outside the Keys, the limit is 12 lobsters by a person daily.
Zone Locks
While most of the open waters of the Keys are accessible to lobster divers, there are a few notable exceptions. Many official sanctuaries, parks, and other protected areas are off-limits. Besides, many local areas have banned diving in the early days of lobster season. It is therefore important to consult local regulations or check with a local dive store before going into the water.
Anticipate legal regulations
Florida Fish and Wildlife agents will be present in force during the regular lobster fishing season. They will check licenses, lobster sizes, dive sites, and much more. All infractions of this policy area will be pursued vigorously to the fullest extent of the law. Lobster season is an exciting time to get in the water. However, you must also make sure that you respect the laws and regulations in effect and that you are properly prepared to spend a safe time on and in the water. The tips we’ve given above will greatly help you to lobster charter in Florida .
