When Does Florida’s Lobster Season Start? Your Complete Guide

As a seafood lover and outdoor enthusiast living in Florida, one of my favorite times of the year is when lobster season rolls around The thrill of the hunt paired with the reward of a fresh lobster dinner is an experience like no other. In this article, I’ll provide a complete guide to Florida’s recreational and commercial lobster seasons so you know exactly when you can head out on the water in search of these tasty crustaceans

An Overview of Florida’s Lobster Seasons

There are two distinct lobster seasons in Florida

• The 2-day recreational mini-season
• The regular 8-month commercial season

The dates for these seasons are set each year by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Lobster hunters eagerly await the release of the season dates each year.

The recreational mini-season always takes place on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July. For 2024, it will occur on July 24th and 25th.

The regular commercial season runs annually from August 6th through March 31st. This 8-month long season is when commercial lobstermen make their living trapping lobsters off Florida’s coasts.

During both seasons, there are regulations in place regarding size limits, bag limits, and harvesting practices. Make sure to consult the current year’s FWC regulations before heading out to catch your lobsters.

Why Does Florida Have a 2-Day Mini Lobster Season?

The lobster mini-season is a uniquely Florida tradition. The two-day recreational season was established back in the 1970s as a way to control the influx of lobster hunters before the start of the commercial season.

Without a mini-season, the lobster harvest could be decimated in the first few days if too many recreational fishers were on the water at the same time as commercial operations. The mini-season gives recreational lobstermen their shot before the commercial guys get going.

Today, the mini-season continues to give recreational harvesters the first crack at lobsters each year. It’s a beloved tradition for many Florida natives and visitors alike. During those two days, droves of people flock to the Florida coasts to try their hand at lobstering. It’s quite the spectacle!

When to Start Preparing for Mini Lobster Season

To take full advantage of the brief but bountiful mini lobster season, preparation is key. Here are some tips on when to start planning and gearing up:

• Spring: Mini season may be months away but spring is a great time to start planning your approach. Look at moon phase calendars and weather forecasts. Decide where you want to go and make lodging reservations if needed.

• Early summer: Gear checks and tune-ups should happen in early summer. Check your traps, nets, dive equipment, and boat motor. Make any needed repairs or upgrades. Stock up on bait.

• One month out: Confirm your trip plans and lodging. Make sure your harvesting gear is in top shape. Review regulations and familiarize yourself with any changes.

• One week out: Get the boat gassed up and do a final thorough gear check. Make sure your coolers are clean and ready for your catch. Reviewtechnique and safety best practices.

• Night before: Charge your lights and phones. Prep your bait. Finish loading the boat so you can head out at first light. Get to bed early!

Advance preparation is crucial for mini season success. It allows you to hit the water running as soon as the season opens.

What Time Does Mini Lobster Season Start?

When the big day finally arrives, you’ll want to be on the water right at sunrise. Here are the key times:

• Mini lobster season officially starts at 12:01 am on the Wednesday of mini season week. However, lobstering is not permitted from sunset until sunrise.

• To start lobstering, you’ll need to wait for sunrise on that Wednesday, which is typically around 6:30 am in much of Florida.

• Legal harvest can then continue until midnight when the first day ends.

• This pattern repeats itself the next day, with lobstering resuming at sunrise on Thursday.

• The season wraps up on Thursday at midnight.

So in essence, mini season takes place during daylight hours over two consecutive days. Mark your calendar and set your alarm because the early lobsterman gets the finest catch!

The Best Locations for Lobstering During Mini Season

Lobsters can be found along the majority of Florida’s coastline but some areas are particularly productive during mini season. Here are some top spots to target:

• The Keys: Locations like Key West, Marathon, Islamorada, and Key Largo offer great lobster habitat.

• Fort Lauderdale: The area around Port Everglades Inlet is a lobster hotspot.

• Biscayne Bay: The bay and offshore reefs hold lots of spiny lobster.

• Ten Thousand Islands: This labyrinth of mangroves and islands near Naples hosts hordes of lobsters.

• St. Petersburg: The Sunshine Skyway Bridge area offers convenient lobstering grounds.

No matter where you go, be sure to scout your locations in advance for the best mini season results.

Essential Gear for Lobster Mini Season

Lobstering requires specialized gear to get the job done right. Some must-have equipment for mini lobster season includes:

• Lobster nets for trapping lobsters on the seabed
• Tickle sticks for coaxing lobsters out of hiding
• Gloves to protect your hands when handling lobsters
• Rope and buoys for deploying traps and marking their position
• Lobster gauge to confirm your catch meets size regulations
• Dive flag to mark your location in the water
• Cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh

High-quality gear is available at tackle shops or online retailers specializing in lobstering supplies.

Regulations to Follow During Mini Lobster Season

In the excitement of mini lobster season, it’s important not to let your enthusiasm override rules and regulations. Be sure to follow these key guidelines:

• Observe the 6-inch minimum size limit for harvested lobster
• Abide by the daily bag limit of 12 lobsters per person
• Measure lobsters correctly with an approved gauge device
• Harvest only during daylight hours between sunrise and sunset
• Display dive flags properly when diving for lobsters
• Avoid harvesting lobsters from restricted areas like marine sanctuaries
• Obtain proper fishing licenses and permits

Infringing on any regulations can result in big fines. Know the rules thoroughly before heading out.

Staying Safe During Lobster Mini Season

The frenzy of mini lobster can create hazardous conditions if proper precautions aren’t taken:

• Boat congestion will be high, so take extra care when navigating channels and approaching dive flags
• Dehydration is a risk in the Florida sun, so drink plenty of water
• Let others know where you plan to dive and how long you’ll be out
• Boat with a dive buddy and never lobster alone
• Ensure gear like regulators and spearguns are in perfect working order
• Check weather regularly and be ready to head in if conditions deteriorate
• Avoid alcohol when diving and boating

With smart preparation and safe practices, you’ll be ready to revel in a safe and successful mini lobster season.

Mastering Techniques for Catching Florida Lobsters

The techniques for catching Florida spiny lobsters include:

• Scuba diving – Diving down to lobster dens and coaxing them out by hand. Great for mini-season.

• Snorkeling – Access shallow waters lobsters hide in. Use tickle sticks to get them out.

• Free diving – Dive down on a single breath, fan the den, and grab exposed lobster by hand.

• Bully netting – Use a circular net to trap lobsters against den entrances overnight.

• Hoop netting – Deploy cylindrical nets on the bottom to passively catch lobsters.

Each method requires practice. I’d recommend trying all the techniques to discover which one suits you best. Scuba, snorkeling, and free diving allow you to freely chase lobsters, while netting involves setting traps and waiting for results.

During mini season, knowledge of lobster habits is also key. Look for dens in ledges, coral heads, mangrove roots, bridges, and artificial structures. Hunt when visibility is best, and be ready to grab lobsters quickly before they retreat. Finding productive spots, reading lobster behavior, and mastering capture techniques are all vital skills for mini season success.

Time to Chow Down on Your Hard-Earned Catch

After a rewarding day on the water during mini season, the real fun begins – eating the delicious lobster you caught!

Here are some stellar ways to prepare your fresh Florida lobster:

• Grilled lobster tails – Simple and classic
• Lobster rolls – Lobster salad stuffed in a toasted bun
• Lobster mac and cheese – Take this comfort food up a notch
• Lobster risot