Lobster Charter

[fullquiver]

This is going to be another "help me plan my trip" thread, but I hope this is a new twist. My wife and I are headed to the keys for the first time in August. I would love to hunt for some lobster. I have called a few charters there to get some info on dive trips, but none offer lobstering trips.

Can you point me in the right direction for maybe some charters that would assist us in finding some bugs?

By the way this is my first post. My wife and I are newly certified. Thanks for your help...

Fullquiver

 

[snokat]

The Keys are nice, but if you have time you may want to consider going a little north of the Keys for better lobstering. Palm Beach County has more captains willing to cater to the "hunter" element. We also have a helluva lot more to do here as well. If you and yours are comfortable in 70-feet of aqua you won't be disappointed.
Check out my Jupiter lobster report from today.
Of course you could always get around So. Fla and cover different areas. Be sure to check on opening dates for the season, right now most of us only know about the close on Mar. 31 and the mini-season on July 25-26.
Don't forget your kevlar gloves.

 

[fullquiver]

Thanks for the info...we'll be headed south so that might be a good option. Thanks.

 

[Johnoly]

I gotta agree with Snokat-Alan. The upper keys dive operators are not particularly hunter focused and willing to teach you. You would have a much better success rate diving in West Palm Beach. They have many shallower reefs in the 40-60 foot range that a new diver could explore and find some lobsters. In WPB, I'd recommend Narcosis, Abernathy's, Wetter the Better, Sandy Sunday, and a host of others.

Before you go, you should watch the video "Tail Tamer" and also go on line at myflorida.com and obtain a license.

Regular bug season opens on August 6th. Have fun!

 

[dldiver]

without a doubt call ranger rick....
http://www.rangerrickscuba.com/trips/lobster-hunting.html

he actually has a lobstering class he teaches and travels to meet up with divers who are looking to limit-out on lobsters.

i finally took his class after seeing him and his groups on several trips come up with full bags of bugs every time. it was definitely worth it...i'm only sad i learned so close to the end of the season!

anyhow - rick knows the boats that specialize in lobster trips and can probably find one for you in the keys if you're really set on that area.

although i agree with all of the previous posts that the hunting is the best off of west palm!

either way - you'll have a great time here in the sunshine!
good luck!

 

[Richesb]

In general you will find most dive operations not your best choice for bug hunting here in the Keys.
They tend to "congregate" in the same areas. If you are serious about bug hunting in the Keys I would suggest you rent your own boat. This will give you a much larger area to hunt and do it at your own pace.
All in all as some have said you may want to consider further north (outside Monroe County) where the daily bag limit is higher and the lobsters tend to be bigger.

 

[fullquiver]

Thanks for all the info. This will give me a great deal of material to work with. Thanks again....

 

[hammerhead911]

Call Dive Now Florida. Spearing and lobstering fools..(407)572 1193. Ask for Luke or Heith.