pole-spearing spiney lobsters

[dommers]

Hi. Does anyone know if by spearing a spiney lobster and thereby killing it (males only of course,) the meat is affected assuming your going to ice it and eat it within a few hours. I'm going to the Turks and Caicos and wondering about lunch. I've always taken the Maine lobsters live with a snare or hook but have always wondered why? Spearing seems much easier once you've established there are no eggs. I have also heard a rumor/myth that once dead the meat is immediately spoiled or self poisoned. Any thoughts? Anyone? Thanks, Dommers

 

[Slater]

Dont know about that area but in California its against the law to spear a bug!! Take with hoop or hand only, must measure b4 u kill, not measure after you stick a spear through his head...

 

[HowardE]

People in the Caribbean spear lobsters all the time. If there's no local law prohibiting it, which I don't think there is on TCI then you're good. Spearing them doesn't render the meat inedible. As with most spiny lobsters... Americans usually only eat the tails anyway. However, most islanders eat the whole thing.

As far as I know... In most places in the USA, you can't spear lobsters. In Florida, they (the spiny lobsters) must be brought back to shore and on dry land in LIVE condition. There are some unregulated species of lobster in Florida that don't have size requirements as well. As always...it's best to check the local restrictions, and/or if a license is required before you take from the sea.

 

[dommers]

Thanks HowardE. Very helpful. I'm gathering from NOAA and its offshoot, the Carribean Fisheries management Council, that Puerto Rico and USVI. are under same regs as mainland USA ie., no sprearing etc. As far as the rest, whatever a bottle of rum and some gas will get ya.