South Florida Lobster Mini Season: Divers Hit the Water for Spiny Lobster Hunt

Lobster Mini Season Kicks Off

• 🦞 Lobster mini season has begun, a two-day event allowing the catch of spiny lobsters before the regular season starts on August 6th.
• ⏰ Boat ramps across South Florida experienced significant activity early Wednesday morning, with divers eager to participate.

Early Catches and Diver Experiences

• 🎣 Many divers returning after the initial hours reported catching between 10 to 30 lobsters each.
• 😴 Some participants were heading home to rest and prepare their catch for dinner, while others continued to arrive for their hunt.
• 🌊 Divers are preparing to enter the warm South Florida waters to search for spiny lobsters.

Safety and Regulations

• 🚨 The U.S. Coast Guard is present to ensure safe boating practices and diver safety.
• 📜 Key regulations for the mini season include requiring a license, catching lobsters that are 3 inches or larger, avoiding egg-bearing lobsters, and prohibiting night diving in Monroe County.
• ⚠️ While some hunters experienced less luck than hoped, the event is largely about the experience and tradition for many.