Lobster Mini Season Coming Up!
Two day period when recreational divers can hunt lobsters prior to start of commercial lobster season. This short “sport” season is very popular in both the West Palm Beach area the Keys. The Coast Guard reports an unusually high number of rescues are required during mini-season, typically by divers that have been swept away from their boats by the Gulf Stream.
You must have a Florida saltwater fishing license ($14) with a crawfish stamp ($2.50.) Licenses available in the sporting good sections at Wal-Mart and K-Mart.
Limit: 12 spiny lobsters per person per 24 hours. Do not take female lobsters with egg sacs regardless of size. Don’t take lobsters smaller than tree inches across the carapace (the area between the eyes and the beginning of the tale.) Divers must measure lobsters underwater and release those that are too small. All divers must be certified. Limits are strictly enforced (law enforcement set up a hotline to report violators, 800-432-2046.) Be prepared to be questioned or have your boat boarded during mini-season.
Regular lobster season runs on specified dates August through March.