The Race for Spiny Lobster

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Florida Keys, FL -
It's the last Wednesday of July and, as usual, my dogs are getting their morning walk. This walk is a bit rushed, however, since the normal dawn's first light might feature a laughing gull or two, this morning's solitude is disrupted by the sound of motorboats headed to the patch reefs of the back country for spiny lobster and the excitement of heading out is in the air.

Of course, there are plenty of lobster to go around, especially if everyone obeys the rules but that's not always the case.

Of course, there are plenty of lobster to go around, especially if everyone obeys the rules but that's not always the case. In some areas of the lower Keys, there are so many boats, searching in the same area, that it looks like a marina in the middle of nowhere.

The two day season is always the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July and occurs a few days before the commercial fisherman can place their lobster pots in the water which makes it seem as if the lobsters are easier to catch.

A tickle stick and net are the tools of choice for this fun sport which involves diving in 15+ feet of water, searching in holes and under rocks, not touching any coral, "tickling" the lobster out of its hiding place and hoping they back into your net. It all happens in a matter of seconds and gloves are a necessity since once caught, the diver then needs to measure the carapace or "body" of the lobster. If it measures 3" or greater, you're good to go but remember NOT to separate the tails from the body until you get on land.

For a complete list of rules which vary tremendously here in the Keys versus the mainland, visit one of the official websites including www.floridakeys.noaa.gov or pick up a brochure entitled "Regulations for Recreations Harvest and Lobster Information for Monroe County, Florida" at any tackle shop or license location.

Then gas up and get ready to enjoy that sweet savory lobster tail cooked over the grill with butter and garlic...there's no better way to end the day.