We just returned from the Keys from a weekend of lobstering. Here is my summary:
1. We had a great time all and all, but whoever started the rumor that lobstering is great in the Keys needs to have his/her examined! Every local papers state how horrible this year is (and the impact for commercial fisherman)!
2. There are plenty of small lobsters (and I hope people do NOT take them), but very-very few that are legal size. We got 8 in 2 ½ days. We ALWAYS max out in West Palm…(and used to in the Keys as well).
3. The visibility was very bad. At some places only 1 foot, and the BEST was only about 10 feet. We dove both on the Atlantic and on the Gulf side.
4. The economy took a terrible toll, with many businesses (restaurants, retail shops, motels, gas stations, etc.) out of business and many barely making ends meet.
5. If one wants to buy real estate cheep, this is the time. Everything is for sale!
All and all, it is sad to see the deteriorations both in terms of economy and ecology!!!! Hope things will get better (especially for the marine life) and my kids and grandkids will be able to enjoy the beauty of this treasure as much as we used to!!!