Lobster Class

[greeniguana]

The number one mini season tip is don't get shot....

 

[Still Kicking]

And yes the FWC has in the past, carefully monitored those structures and waited for people to harvest from them and then take criminal action against them.

Some might wonder why, if the State knows a particular structure is illegal (and destructive according to their information) why the efforts were not directed toward removal of the structure, rather than using them as "bait" for a recreational diver who may, or may not know about the rules associated with those structures.

NAL but I would think it would be hard to prove the person who takes a lobster from a casita is the same person who built the casita. Is there a prohibition against taking bugs from artificial structure?

When I am running the boat, I constantly have an eye on the sounder, looking for new structure. I find stuff all the time.

 

[johndiver999]

yes it most definitely is illegal to take a single lobster from the casita. they know where they are and then bust people who take lobster from them! Who built the structure is entirely irrelevant - unless of course it was artificial reef deployment that was permitted by the state, then it is ok, as far as I know.

 

[Wookie]

A casita made from cinder blocks and sheet(s) of metal is constructed to provide habitat for lobster fry that are just transitioning from the planktonic to benthic stage? Is that what you mean to say?

I reckon that the same argument for casitas and artificial reefs can be made.

Artificial reefs congregate fish. They congregate fish because fish like structure. Now, the question is, do artificial reefs contribute to larger fish populations, or do they just concentrate the fish in a place where more can be caught by fishermen. PS. I am no fan of artificial reefs.

I contend that casitas provide habitat for lobster fry where none existed before. The habitat protects them from predators and allows them a place to settle from their (Planktonic is indeed the word) stage as Puerulus.

I am also not a fan of cheating to catch lobsters. Also, not a fan of mini season. Watching the idiots in Hawk Channel without a dive flag tearing up the ledges while I'm running a 100 foot boat at 20 knots does nothing to encourage me to miss them.

By the way, Gabby Renchen and Tom Matthews used to be frequent visitors on the Spree. If you'd like to learn way more about casitas, their paper is an excellent source of information.

Exploring the consequences of introducing alternative fishing gear in an effort-limited fishery: Casita utilization in the spiny lobster, Panulirus argus, fishery in Florida.​

It's available on Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/public...ny_lobster_Panulirus_argus_fishery_in_Florida

 

[tekkydiver]

And yes the FWC has in the past, carefully monitored those structures and waited for people to harvest from them and then take criminal action against them.

Some might wonder why, if the State knows a particular illegal structure exists (as well as its precise location) why the efforts were not directed toward removal of the structure, rather than using them as "bait" for a recreational diver who may, or may not know about the rules associated with those structures.

These structures are carefully placed in area not generally visited by recreation divers. Usually 1 or 2 hundred yards off the reef where divers would only be dropped if their captain was less than competant

 

[tekkydiver]

yes it most definitely is illegal to take a single lobster from the casita. they know where they are and then bust people who take lobster from them! Who built the structure is entirely irrelevant - unless of course it was artificial reef deployment that was permitted by the state, then it is ok, as far as I know.

At least this year we won't be subject to the random searches by FWC. Now law enforcement will have to be out there and vigilant and looking for probable cause to inspect a vessel. #1 reason would be inappropriately displayed dive flag. Divers need to know a sausage or a ball does not meet requirements and leaves the door wide open for FWC to board and ruin your day

 

[johndiver999]

I reckon that the same argument for casitas and artificial reefs can be made.

Artificial reefs congregate fish. They congregate fish because fish like structure. Now, the question is, do artificial reefs contribute to larger fish populations, or do they just concentrate the fish in a place where more can be caught by fishermen. PS. I am no fan of artificial reefs.

I contend that casitas provide habitat for lobster fry where none existed before. The habitat protects them from predators and allows them a place to settle from their (Planktonic is indeed the word) stage as Puerulus.

I am also not a fan of cheating to catch lobsters. Also, not a fan of mini season. Watching the idiots in Hawk Channel without a dive flag tearing up the ledges while I'm running a 100 foot boat at 20 knots does nothing to encourage me to miss them.

By the way, Gabby Renchen and Tom Matthews used to be frequent visitors on the Spree. If you'd like to learn way more about casitas, their paper is an excellent source of information.

Exploring the consequences of introducing alternative fishing gear in an effort-limited fishery: Casita utilization in the spiny lobster, Panulirus argus, fishery in Florida.​

It's available on Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/public...ny_lobster_Panulirus_argus_fishery_in_Florida

Thanks I skimmed through it. I saw NOTHING about your contention that these devices serve as habitat for the settlement and survival of post-planktonic larvae. From what I understand, shallow sea grass and algae coverage is the required habitat, not a dark man-made cave.

 

[Wookie]

Thanks I skimmed through it. I saw NOTHING about your contention that these devices serve as habitat for the settlement and survival of post-planktonic larvae. From what I understand, shallow sea grass and algae coverage is the required habitat, not a dark man-made cave.

If you apply sense, common or otherwise, do you think a grouper fits under a casita roof? Do you think a grouper fits in open water in a seagrass bed?

Many people (not naming names here) will catch a lobster and hold it out to call a goliath, who expects to be fed the lobster.

 

[Wookie]

And, it's OK to disagree. It's a tangent anyway. People disagree and remain friends all the time.

 

[Ballyhoo]

Mini season north of the keys most place you can get 12 instead of 6 like Monroe county