SalmonBoy summed it up well.
I took a look at the $19.99 kit offered by diversdirect.com. Here are my thoughts:
- Looks like a aluminum tickle stick & gauge. If so, this is good as they will bend and not break like the plastic ones. Can be bent back into shape. A broken plastic gauge is no longer a gauge in the eyes of the Marine Patrol.
- The net is OK, it'll work.
- I'll refrain from comment on the gloves. Have never used the ones in the kit.
- Not crazy about the mesh bag. You'll need two hands to open that bag (one to pinch the clip while using the other to expand the draw string). This means you'll need a buddy (or extra appendages) to open the bag while you're holding onto the lobster that wants nothing to do with that mesh bag. Also each time you open the bag you have to be careful any of your previous catch doesn't get out. (OK, I really hate the mesh bag.)
I highly recommend the lobster bags with the trap doors. The one I have is similar to this one:
Lobster Locker Lobster Bag
It has a nice carry handle. Much easier to use. Just stuff your tasty catch through the wide trap door and you're done. Will easlly gobble up your daily lobster limit. It is kinda bulky though.
IMHO, either buy the kit (save the mesh bag for something else) and lobster locker or buy the pieces individually. Both options will probably cost about the same in the end.
Also, as SalmonBoy said... have fun and don't forget to check your gauges.