Florida lobsters

[DiveBandit]

was thinking about trying "bug hunting" as my friends used to call it up North. I have no clue where to start. Does anybody know where you find them, how to catch them, season and bag limits. I dive in the Tampa area.

 

[Johnoly]

was thinking about trying "bug hunting" as my friends used to call it up North. I have no clue where to start. Does anybody know where you find them,

I'd go across the state and dive the reefs on the east coast when bugs are more plentiful

how to catch them,.

You can use a tickle stick and net or many of us use a looper. Sometimes you have to stick your hand in the hole and grab them

season and bag limits.

Regular season is Aug 6th through March 31st and the limit is 6 per person. Mini-season is the last wed and thr of July. Limits and rules depend on where you dive.

Best advice is to go with a charter boat that does a lot of bug catching and try to pair up with someone who knows what they are doing and you can learn.

There also are video's out there like "Tail Tamer" that are very good.

Read the fishing regulations and remember that no bug is worth your life, be safe.

 

[DiveBandit]

Thanks Johnoly. I appreciate the info. Those look like some nice bugs in the picture there.