Palm Coast visitor for lobster/lionfish in August

[WVScubaSteve]

I will be visiting near Palm Coast, Fl. August 9th thru the 18th and looking for advice on snorkeling or scuba diving for lobster/lion fish. Thx

 

[Johnoly]

....Palm Coast, Fl. August 9th thru the 18th ...

I'd really refer to Tony at @100days-a-year since he's the best hunting local in that area on SB. But just a couple of notes. August 6th opens up the regular lobster season so the dive boats tend to get booked up pretty quick. Offshore Dive Charters (Offshore Dive Charters) out of Jacksonville runs regular trips and best to call them to see what they have planned. Sea Dogs (Sea Dogs Dive Center, New Smyrna Beach, Daytona, Florida SCUBA, Authorized PADI) in New Smyrna Beach also will be running dive trips, but again best to call well in advance to check their schedule. Also the same weekend you are in town the REEF Jacksonville Lionfish Derby was held in 2018. Not sure if that tourney is scheduled yet for 2019, but keep it on your radar to look for.


Lastly if you are ONLY hunting lionfish and using approved LF gear (like a tri-tip pole spear) then you don't need a hunting license even if you are an out of state visitor. But if you cross the line and hunt lobster or other fish, then you'll need to purchase the applicable license.


Seas around that time of year are generally cooperative and flat-ish, but one early off shore storm can muck it up. Be sure to post up pictures & report after your trip!

 

[WVScubaSteve]

I'd really refer to Tony at @100days-a-year since he's the best hunting local in that area on SB. But just a couple of notes. August 6th opens up the regular lobster season so the dive boats tend to get booked up pretty quick. Offshore Dive

I'd really refer to Tony at @100days-a-year since he's the best hunting local in that area on SB. But just a couple of notes. August 6th opens up the regular lobster season so the dive boats tend to get booked up pretty quick. Offshore Dive Charters (Offshore Dive Charters) out of Jacksonville runs regular trips and best to call them to see what they have planned. Sea Dogs (Sea Dogs Dive Center, New Smyrna Beach, Daytona, Florida SCUBA, Authorized PADI) in New Smyrna Beach also will be running dive trips, but again best to call well in advance to check their schedule. Also the same weekend you are in town the REEF Jacksonville Lionfish Derby was held in 2018. Not sure if that tourney is scheduled yet for 2019, but keep it on your radar to look for.


Lastly if you are ONLY hunting lionfish and using approved LF gear (like a tri-tip pole spear) then you don't need a hunting license even if you are an out of state visitor. But if you cross the line and hunt lobster or other fish, then you'll need to purchase the applicable license.


Seas around that time of year are generally cooperative and flat-ish, but one early off shore storm can muck it up. Be sure to post up pictures & report after your trip!

Thank you Johnoly for the great advice
Is there a likely chance one could be successful snorkeling for lion fish close to shore or would a kayak be a minimum requirement? Thx again

 

[100days-a-year]

https://www.piratediver.com
These guys are legit.
As it's an hour to Jax or better, you could easily be in Vero or Ft Pierce nearly as quickly and there is shore diving there.

 

[WVScubaSteve]

Thank you 100 days a year