In Florida spiny lobsters have a list of rules and regulations that should be reviewed before attempting to harvest. Along with seasonal closures, spiny lobsters have a minimum carapace size limit 3” with egg bearing females excluded from collection. This carapace measurement is taken from the hard portion between the rostral horns extending to the back of the head segment. If your gauge hangs over the back, let that little guy go till next year! Lobster must be measured in the water and if legal, brought back to the dock whole. Total boat bag limits are calculated by number of properly licensed or exempt individuals who are actively harvesting lobster and not just sitting on the boat! NO spearing or methods involving penetrating or crushing the exoskeleton may be used to harvest spiny lobster. The most common approved methods of harvesting lobsters in Florida are net with tickle stick, snare or grabbing them by hand. Before grabbing a lobster from its hole, check to see if there are other critters in there, moray eels inhabit the same spots as spiny lobsters and can bite!
For more information on spiny lobsters check out our blog post at blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/a...
For most current rules and regulations refer to
myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/r...