Tips and Tricks to So. Cal. Lobster Hunting?

[Panic]

Lots of great information thus far. Thanks guys!

Got it - don't hesitate, make sure you have your DSG tags, get a big pair of leather gloves, good lights and don't hesitate. This is gonna be a blast!!!

Question - Would you recommend the "head lights" or do they just blind your buddy?

Now... let's talk about the "post catch". So, I've got a really tasty looking bug in my bag (legal of course), I'm headed to my car and ready to de-gear.

Dumb question alert...... What do I do with the live lobster? Don't laugh.... ok, at least don't laugh too hard It's in my game bag and rather ticked off. Is there a good way to transport 20 minutes home? Ok, now once I get the lobster home - it's 10PM and I'm not ready to make dinner OR maybe the lobster's a gift for a really nice scuba buddy (like Dr.Bill)? Should I put the lobster in the fridge in a big plastic bag? How long can the lobster stay fresh before cooking? How should I transport the live lobster to my wonderful buddies?

Onto cooking - what's your favorite fresh lobster recipe? I've done the whole boiling pot for live Maine lobster but have yet to cook california spiny lobster. I'm assuming lots of butter to dip in?

I'm going bug hunting for my first time this weekend. I was planning on getting a 5-galloon bucket (or two) from Home Depot. The ones on the paint isle. They have lids that snap on pretty good too. My dad did some bug hunting when he was younger and he just put them in a chest cooler. I'd keep 'em in water just so they stay longer, but as long as they don't get out, I think they'll be fine.

 

[PhotoTJ]

I like the head lights, (the Mini Q40 LED is great!), and I've learned to look at my buddies with my eyes and not my head!

 

[dpbishop]

It is good idea to give the bug a hearty shaking before putting it the bag. They get disorientated and relax for a few seconds when you do this.

My Favorite recipe for when you have more people than bugs is PASTA WITH LOBSTER, TOMATOES AND "HERBES DE MAQUIS" from Epicurious.com

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/recipe_views/views/341

 

[Robert Phillips]

And remember to get to Lake Perris early as parking fills up fast!

 

[Lexy]

And remember to get to Lake Perris early as parking fills up fast!

Very funny.... Only if you're joining me there! I mean you are a veteran lobster hunter and I'm sure you know ALL the great spots

Oh goodie goodie!! Can't wait to dive Lake Perris on Saturday morning for bugs.....

NOT!

(I'll be in La Paz.)

 

[fishfood]

Oh goodie goodie!! Can't wait to dive Lake Perris on Saturday morning for bugs.....

u mean saturday morning at 12:01 am right?


<edit> just read the end of your post.. la paz.. does there season open the same as in southern california?

 

[wetrat]

Thanks for starting the thread Lexy and for all the info everybody! Here I am with only 26 dives under my belt and I've been invited to go to Catalina lobster hunting with a friend/boat owner. First, I'm allergic to lobster. Second, I'm not sure about killing lobsters. Third, don't want to ruin my gloves. But I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get in some night diving! I'll let you know how it goes.

wetrat

 

[Frank O]

Thanks for starting the thread Lexy and for all the info everybody! Here I am with only 26 dives under my belt and I've been invited to go to Catalina lobster hunting with a friend/boat owner. First, I'm allergic to lobster. Second, I'm not sure about killing lobsters. Third, don't want to ruin my gloves. But I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get in some night diving! I'll let you know how it goes.

If your heart's not into the predatory thing, you can still have a lot of fun. Three years ago I went as a freediver on a dive boat on an all-nighter at Catalina on opening night. I took a couple of swats at bugs but didn't end up bringing any home (they move a lot quicker than I thought). However, I had a great time swimming around the Catalina west end at 3 in the morning. At one point a juvenile electric ray kept following me from a distance of about 10 feet (maybe attracted to my Light Cannon?), sort of like an old-fashioned spy -- I'd swim and it would swim -- I'd stop and it would stop -- etc.

 

[spearman]

My buddies and I have had some success. I'll tell you how I do it, and you can adapt the techniques and configuration to your liking.

Equipment. Since I mostly night dive, I have a lot of lights. I use a C-8 for a primary, on a D ring mounted leash, an SL-4 for a backup, a MiniQ-40 on my mask strap for a head light, and a second MiniQ-40 for a backup backup.
I have my gauge on a retractor on the lower right side of my BC, and a spring lock bag on my right hip. I have a gauge mounted on my light, this works really well for me, and smooths things out considerably. I wear kevlar gloves.

Now, I dive mostly in Malibu. Big Rock, the pier, Corral, County line, Deer Creek. Finding the bugs come first. Water temp and habitat are the most important things. So, first find the habitat, then cover a lot of ground till you find a few bugs, in close proximity. Check the temp. This is where you'll most likely find lobsters in that area.

Start shallow. And I mean have your mask on, and be looking down, when you are still walking. I caught a 4 1/2 pounder in water I could stand in while putting on my fins.

Capture. I keep my light in my right hand, and the headlight on, sweeping from side to side. When I spot a probable keeper, I turn off the primary, and position myself for a left handed grab.
DON'T HESITATE!!!
(I'm right handed, for some reason, the lefty grab works for me. It's why my gear is configured the way it is.)
DON'T HESITATE!!!
Grab fast and firm.
DON'T HESITATE!!!

OK, you've got him in the left hand. Using your gauge on your light, pin him to your leg, and measure. Remember, it's between the horns to the back of the carapice. If the back of your gauge touches his tail, he's short, and on his way to freedom for another year. If the gauge hits the carapice, his new name is lunch. Drop the light, (it's on a leash, remember?), and grab the squeeze lock with your right. Open, insert lunch, and let the bag close on your hand. Let go of the bug, and pull your hand out. Grab your primary, turn it back on, and look sharp, where there is one, there are usually more.

(You got the message not to hesitate, right?)

The head light is important, even when you're wrestling with the bug, you always have light where you need it. When bagging, this is invaluable. And by turning off the big light, you reduce the chance of spooking of any other bugs that may be hanging around.

Repeat six times.

When you're done with the dive, re-measure on the beach. Ere on the side of caution, always, I've heard it's a steep ticket. Remember, the limit is 7 per day.

No snares or tickle sticks in California, the only tool you can use is a pair of gloves.

How well do these techinques work?

I have caught 7 over 4 pounds, 10 3 pounders, and 100 or so 1.5-2 pounders. My buddy caught one 7+. (See SoCalAJ's post, 'Bug Caught off Malibu', this forum.)

Good Hunting, see you on the beach!

TJ

PS Here is SoCalAJ's Bug from 2 seasons ago.

hey i am new to the sport and was wondering if u had any areas that are good in orange county

 

[Lexy]

just read the end of your post.. la paz.. does there season open the same as in southern california?

I'm not sure... but my guess is that the california spiny lobster doesn't extend down to the Sea of Cortez. Maybe there's a different kind of lobster? I'll let ya know ((80 degree water -> I swear I'm not rubbing it in, well, umm... honest, kinda sorta))

Thanks for starting the thread Lexy and for all the info everybody! Here I am with only 26 dives under my belt and I've been invited to go to Catalina lobster hunting with a friend/boat owner. First, I'm allergic to lobster. Second, I'm not sure about killing lobsters. Third, don't want to ruin my gloves. But I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get in some night diving! I'll let you know how it goes.

My pleasure...
Now ya know, there's nothing wrong with just going to get a couple of night dives under your belt too, right? Keep us posted on how your night dives go!