When is 2009-2010 Lobster in the Florida Keys?
What gear do I need?
Do I need a fishing license?
How much does it cost?
How many lobster can I take?
How big do they have to be?
How do I measure them?
What are the rules for displaying the DIVER DOWN flag?
Are there areas that are "off limits" for taking lobster?
Can I hunt for lobster at night?
DOWNLOAD brochure of information
When does the 2009 Recreational Lobster Season start ?
Opens Wednesday August 6th and runs through March 31st 2010.
What gear do I need?
hunting gear
- tickle stick, measuring device, gloves, a bag to hold your catch
dive flag. Display this any time snorkelers or divers are in the water.
If you're snorkeling, you'll need a mask, snorkel and fins. Free divers often wear a weight belt with just a couple pounds of weight.
Divers, you'll need mask, fins and snorkel plus buoyancy compensator device (BCD), regulator, pressure gauge, depth gauge, weight belt, tanks and weights.
If you haven’t been diving in a while, be sure to dust off your gear and check it.
Too much trouble? We rent everything
GOT AIR???
If you're using your own tanks, remember that you must have a "C card" (divers certification) to get air fills. Also, your tanks must be current on their annual visual inspection and hydrostatic testing (every 5 years). Need air fills or tank inspections?
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. You'll need a saltwater fishing license with a lobster permit. Fee information. You can purchase your license online. For info on who's exempt from license fees, click here
How many lobster can I take?
You may take six lobster per day.
How big do they have to be?
Lobster must be greater than 3 inches measured at the carapace. You must measure your catch while in the water. Your lobster must stay whole while on the water - don't wring the heads until you're back on land.
How do I measure my lobster?
Carry a measuring device in the water with you (required). Measure from the notch between the antennae to the joint where the tail meets the hard body. Click here for more info.
Are there places where I can't take lobster?
The following areas are off-limits:
•Artificial Habitats in State Waters
• Biscayne Bay/Card Sound Spiny Lobster Sanctuary (closed only to the harvest of spiny lobster)
• Dry Tortugas National Park
• Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
• City of Key Colony Beach
Details here
Can I hunt lobster at night?
Yes.
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Rules for displaying diver down flag click here. Don't be a statistic! Every year, divers are struck by boats during lobster mini-season. ALWAYS display a flag while in the water (snorkelers too.) then stay within 300 ft of your flag (within 100 ft if you're in an inlet or channel.)
DOWNLOAD a brochure with a summary of 2009 Lobster Season information for MONROE COUNTY.
SALTWATER FISHING |
Resident Saltwater Fishing Licenses |
|
Annual |
Five-Year |
Gold Sportsman's License (includes Hunting, Saltwater Fishing and Freshwater Fishing licenses; and Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Turkey and Florida Waterfowl, Snook and Lobster Permits) |
$100.00 |
|
Military Gold Sportsman's License (includes Hunting, Saltwater Fishing and Freshwater Fishing licenses; and Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Turkey and Florida Waterfowl, Snook and Lobster Permits) (sold only at tax collector's office) |
$20.00 |
|
Annual Saltwater Fishing |
$17.00 |
$79.00 |
Saltwater/Freshwater Fishing Combo |
$32.50 |
|
Saltwater/Freshwater Fishing/Hunting Combo |
$48.00 |
|
|
Nonresident Saltwater Fishing Licenses |
|
|
|
Nonresident Annual Saltwater Fishing |
$47.00 |
|
Nonresident 3-Day Saltwater Fishing |
$17.00 |
|
Nonresident 7-Day Saltwater Fishing |
$30.00 |
|
|
Saltwater Fishing Permits (Resident and Nonresident)
If you are not required to buy a license, you are not required to buy permits (except tarpon) |
|
Annual |
Five-Year
Residents Only |
Snook Permit |
$2.00 |
$10.00 |
Lobster Permit |
$2.00 |
$10.00 |
Tarpon Tag |
$51.50 |
|
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Florida Keys Lobster FAQ's