Where can newbies find keeper bugs?

[Amazon]

OK, I'm guessing this is the million dollar question that perhaps folks don't want to divulge the answer to. But my husband and I have just started diving for lobsters. Lots of them bugs around, but short! Any recommendations on shore dive locations that have reasonable access that may have the potential of briinging home dinner would be most appreciated. I'm sure we won't bring home keepers every time we go out, but so far we're batting zero.

We've got a two tank boat dive coming up that will hopefully yield some lobstah's.

Also, just an observation...but what 's the deal with loading the popular shore diving sites with pots? It's an obsticale course out there...hard to keep a respectible distance, and to tow a bouy. (At Back Beach anyway...)


thanks!

 

[Scuba65]

Hmmm right now the lobstering out there is horrible and it has been that way this yr. for some reason. You pretty much have to go way out to find some keepers. We have a boat so it's easier to get some than shore diving. if you don't mind a walk through woods...you should try Norman's Woe you might find some keepers there. As for those bouys tell me about it...try manuevering a boat around those things..it is like an obstacle course out there. good luck and hope you get some lobsta for dinner.

 

[mstudley]

Also, just an observation...but what 's the deal with loading the popular shore diving sites with pots? It's an obsticale course out there...hard to keep a respectible distance, and to tow a bouy. (At Back Beach anyway...)

Well.... because that's usually where the lobsters are.

 

[scubastew]

The million dollar question, your ten dollar answer: "I suggest the grocery store!!"

most shore diving spots are pretty "picked over" so you'll be seeing many more shorts and a few "longs" but keepers sure are difficult to find on most shore dives. spots

try a spot that is difficult to get too, or parking is a major issue, less dive activity means your chances will increase.

agreed if there are lobster pot bouys there's bugs there...

happy hunting!!

 

[ClassAction]

The lobsters this year do seem a bit smaller. Last year, I only did boat dives outside of the harbor. By this time last summer, my buddy and I were catching some big bugs. But last weekend (at the same spot), everything we caught was just over the limit. Anyone else notice this?

Also, I always look at my depth as soon as we find a group of bugs. If I remember correctly, they were in the 40's last year. This year, we've seen more in the 30's. ANyone else notice this? Is this even worth noting (i.e. does depth matter)?

Amazon: One little trick I use is to surface swim away from the entry point of shore dives. Most divers seem to concentrate on the same area (which can be picked clean). Going a little offshore, or up/down the beach, can sometimes make a difference.

 

[crlavoie]

The lobsters this year do seem a bit smaller. Last year, I only did boat dives outside of the harbor. By this time last summer, my buddy and I were catching some big bugs. But last weekend (at the same spot), everything we caught was just over the limit. Anyone else notice this?

Also, I always look at my depth as soon as we find a group of bugs. If I remember correctly, they were in the 40's last year. This year, we've seen more in the 30's. ANyone else notice this? Is this even worth noting (i.e. does depth matter)?

Amazon: One little trick I use is to surface swim away from the entry point of shore dives. Most divers seem to concentrate on the same area (which can be picked clean). Going a little offshore, or up/down the beach, can sometimes make a difference.

I think you're right on with recording depth. Almost everything for me this year has been around 30'. At my former favorite spot (lane cove), it was almost impossible to find anything below that. Same thing at egg rock.

My 1st advice to the OP is, stop going to back beach. For some reason, the north side of Cape Ann has been good so far. Pick up one of the guide books and start exploring. They're out there.

 

[ScubaSarus]

Someone mentioned the grocery store. Looking at Stop & Shop's selection, I see some shorts in that tank. Even they are scrapping the barrel.

 

[crlavoie]

Someone mentioned the grocery store. Looking at Stop & Shop's selection, I see some shorts in that tank. Even they are scrapping the barrel.

Too funny... I was at the grocery store on Sunday when I looked in the tank and thought, "wow, most of you wouldn't even have hit my guage... let alone my catch bag".

 

[ScubaNorth]

Too funny... I was at the grocery store on Sunday when I looked in the tank and thought, "wow, most of you wouldn't even have hit my guage... let alone my catch bag".

I was at Sam's Club over the weekend and they had some huge bugs in the tank. Definately too big for the Gulf of Maine keepers.

 

[Burke1973]

Your best bet is to do a little recon on sites. Look for the sites that no one else dives. Find a trail through the woods to the shore that people don't really know about. That is what my buddies and I have done and we have a number of spots that we are extremely successful at. We are picky though, if it is not at least a 2lbs lobster then we don't even take it. Not worth the hassle to be bothered by the enviornmental police, which by the way stopped us last Sunday. As for the traps out there I recommend anchoring your flag around the area you are looking. This way it won't be getting tangled in the pots. Keep at it though and sooner rather then later you will be feasting on some fantastic lobster. Good luck and happy hunting!