Florida's annual lobster mini-season is almost here! The two-day mini-season, which falls each year on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July, gives sport divers a chance to catch spiny lobsters before the eight-month commercial season begins Aug. 6th. 

This year, mini season will be July 27 and July 28.  The Regular Season runs August 6th through March 31st.  As always, a fishing license AND crawfish permit are required! Divers take note: The regulations have changed for 2005!  Here are a few rules to keep in mind:

• The bag limits are 6 per person per day for Monroe County and Biscayne National Park, and 12 per person per day for the rest of Florida.
• Spiny lobster has a minimum size limit that must be larger than 3" carapace, measured in the water.
• Possession and use of a measuring device is required at all times.
• Night diving is prohibited in Monroe County during the sport season.
• A recreational saltwater license and a crawfish permit are needed for harvest.

Remember that lobsters may only be taken using hands, hand-held nets, bully nets, or other means which permit the lobsters to be released unharmed if not of legal size.  The taking of lobsters is prohibited at any time of the year in the Biscayne Bay-Card Sound Lobster Sanctuary.

For complete and current regulations, visit the Fish & Wildlife Commission website.

Now the important question: Anyone willing to post GPS coordinates for their favorite lobster spot?  Good luck and don't forget your diver down flag!

Comments:

	Posted by marcp01, Jul-21-2005 @ 08:00 PM CDT My favorite lobster spot is that one, you know, over there near them rocks. Oh yeah - lots of bugs! See ya there...
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