ONE MONTH TO GO

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LOBSTER LINGO

First Slack [furst slak]

- Noun

1. The first slack tide after dawn on the first day of mini-season. This is the prime time to dive for lobsters because it is the first legal dive without a current since the end of regular season. This means that the bugs are plentiful and you don't have to waste your energy fighting the current. First slack varies between high tide and low tide and time of day depending on the year.

Example: The viz was awesome during first slack this year. You could spot bugs from a mile away.

PIRATE MUSIC

Flogging Molly - The Salty Dog

DOES MINISEASON HURT THE KEYS?

The FWC makes a straight faced estimate that about 500,000 pounds of lobster are taken during the sport season – again based on their trusty questionnaire. The more realistic number is closer to 1,000,000 pounds. With a single season opening, a percentage of these would be caught by trappers, and provide a shot in the arm for an industry that is currently being regulated to death. Fishing For a Living

I was scouring the internet for miniseason news when I stumbled across this article written by, who I can only assume is a Florida Keys commercial fisherman. While it has some valid points I think that their frustration is misplaced.

Obviously any businessman who loses out do to government regulation would be frustrated, and rightfully so. However, upon examination of his or her argument, I believe it misses the economic impact on the Keys completely. Granted I am taking them completely at their word on the numbers in their articles, but they state that in 35 years the interest in mini season has grown from a few recreational divers to 50,000+. The article also double's the FWC's lobster pound estimate (which it provides no support for, but repeatedly criticizes the FWC's study) at 1,000,000 pounds. 

Based on the quasi scientific guess of this author, even at $5.50 per pound that means miniseason costs the Florida Keys an estimated $5,500,000. At 50,000 divers that is an economic impact of $110 per diver, and only $55 per diver according to the FWC's estimates.

I am not trying to take anything away from commercial fisherman but lets be realistic here, each person in our group spends well over $55 - $110 to go to the keys for this experience. When you consider planes, gas for cars and boats, food, lodging, equipment, drinks, entertainment, and everything in-between, I hate to add it up but we are probably talking at least $700 a person.Granted not all of that ends up in the Keys or in Florida but I guarantee a majority of it ends up in Florida and more than $110 gets left in the Keys.

Again, I have no qualms against the author for standing up for an industry but at the same time I think they are looking at the issue from a very small perspective. Regardless, lets all keep the industry and the wildlife in mind this year while we dive for lobsters. There is a reason that quotas are in place... so that we can all share in this glorious experience for many more years to come.

LION FISH INVASION

Exotic Pets Invade Keys

The Lion Fish epidemic is one that everybody who loves the Keys should be aware of. Lion Fish are not native to Florida waters but have most likely been introduced by pet owners who release the menace in the open ocean. The species is undoubtedly very cool looking, but they are by far the most damaging plague to hit the waters of the Florida Keys since this year's speedo epidemic.

The good news is that they are apparently pretty tasty and have been popping up in lobstermen's traps lately. The fish are poisonous so don't try to grab them, but do feel free to spear them. The population continues to grow and is only becoming more and more of a threat to the reefs. I can't say I've seen Lion Fish on a menu, but if you do I think we all owe it to ourselves to eat as many of these bastards as possible.

Mini Season 2011

Photo Recap

Warning: May content an unnecessary amount of speedos

Mini Season 2011

LOBSTER LAWS

Know Your Limit

With miniseason right around the corner its important to know exactly how many lobsters you are allowed to legally possess. The laws actual vary in different areas of Florida ,so first off you need to know where you are fishing. You are on your own on that one.

Most of Florida allows each diver to catch12 lobsters per day of miniseason. Meaning, you are allowed to be in possession of 12 lobsters on the first day and 24 on the second day. You are NOT allowed to be in possession of 24 on the first day. Nice try though!

You must also be aware that while you are on the water you are only allowed to be in possession of the daily limit. This means that if you don't catch your limit the first day you are not allowed to go out the second day and have more than your allowed 12 lobsters on the boat. 

However there are exceptions to the 12 lobster rule and that is in Monroe County and Biscayne National Park. In these two lobster havens each person is only allowed to possess 6 lobsters per day. 

It can be easy to lose count of your catch if you have a lot of people on board so make sure you have a system in place and if you aren't sure, always recount. The FWC will be out in full force and the last thing you want is a big fine to ruin your bug killin' vacation.