Lobster Diving Techniques

[DAVECOBRA]

Could anyone share their techniques for catching LOBSTER. I'm a recently OW certified diver from Massachusetts. A group of us are planning to go diving for LOBSTER this summer and I would like to know if there are any tips or tricks to catch the "bugs" that you could share.

These are the LOBSTERS with the CLAWS.

I am not asking for your dive sites,(though you could PM me on those) LOLOL

Thanks Dave

 

[Grounded]

On the one hand, there's a video on how to catch lobsters in florida that can be purchased at various dive shops.

On the other hand, bug hunting is a very regional activity. For example: even though the lobsters look the same, hunting for bugs in california the way that we do it in Florida will get you arrested (even the gagues are a different size).

My suggestion is to make friends with some experienced local divers. A mentor will be a lot more helpful than a book or a video or a posting on a web site. In the alternative, I know some dive shops around here (south florida) offer "lobster specialty" courses right before our season starts. Maybe there's something similar where you live?

 

[augk]

First get a licence then get measuring gauge and tickle stick and catch bag put your licence #s on your tank and flag. pick a spot to go diving away from lobster buoys and pot markers and while hunting keep an eye on the surface for lobster men with shot guns in case they think your raiding their pots. Inform them that while you were surfacing you noticed some 1/2 inch line about to foul their props and tell them you will remove it for free in trade for your life. drop below the surface and pull the 3 foot piece of 1/2" line from your catch bag resurface after five minutes or so and show it to them or offer them a large discount at your place of work whichever you prefer. And they will be on their way.

Seriously go to the NELD thread do a quick search not many will reveal good fishing holes.

or the mods could move your post for you.

happy bug hunting


:speargun:

 

[BKP]

Lobster Diving Guide

This looked like a good place to start. (I'm interested myself in getting into it).

 

[seaducer]

We have the same bugs down here. Use your hands, its more sporty lol.

Seriously, when I bug hunt that is what I do...

 

[DandyDon]

Can a :newbie: diver for lobster safely...?

Probly more info in our Hunter forum. Good luck.

 

[dpbishop]

Dandy Don has a point. I know when I first started hunting (lobster & abalone) I ended up more than a few dives sucking aluminum. Even when you know your air is low it very easy to think "I'll just look under one more rock". It's also hard to keep track of your buddy in low visibility when you are concentrating on finding bugs. You see one and stop, he doesn't & goes on. I would get another 30 or so dives under your belt before attempting a new task, and practice some self-rescue techniques.

 

[don Francisco]

Look for ones that already have rubber bands on their claws. The others could hurt you.

 

[AmazonAquatics]

First get a licence then get measuring gauge and tickle stick and catch bag put your licence #s on your tank and flag. pick a spot to go diving away from lobster buoys and pot markers and while hunting keep an eye on the surface for lobster men with shot guns in case they think your raiding their pots. Inform them that while you were surfacing you noticed some 1/2 inch line about to foul their props and tell them you will remove it for free in trade for your life. drop below the surface and pull the 3 foot piece of 1/2" line from your catch bag resurface after five minutes or so and show it to them or offer them a large discount at your place of work whichever you prefer. And they will be on their way.

Seriously go to the NELD thread do a quick search not many will reveal good fishing holes.

or the mods could move your post for you.

happy bug hunting


:speargun:

lobster men with shotguns? Are you serious!

Where do you buy a measuring gauge and tickle stick and catch bag?

 

[DandyDon]

lobster men with shotguns? Are you serious!

I bet he is. Those are redneck outdoors men, a special breed somewhat similar to cowboys, and if I thot that tourists were possibly stealing my stock, I'd be armed. Better than boat ramming.

Where do you buy a measuring gauge and tickle stick and catch bag?

http://www.dem.ri.gov/pubs/regs/regs/fishwild/rimf15.pdf

Shopzilla - Best prices on Lobster Gauge Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Equipment in Sports Equipment & Outdoor Gear

Also see your local dive stores and fill shacks.