Measuring the Lobster
Undoubtedly the most important part of mini season is actually catching some lobsters. However, there is another very important part that should not be overlooked, and that is making sure those bugs are legal size. While you may think measuring and counting your lobsters is a good way to make rookies carry their weight (and it is), keeping an illegal lobster can mean big fines and even having your boat confiscated. So you captains better make sure those swabbies do it right!
Florida law requires that you measure your lobster in the water. Despite this regulation it is good practice to double check the measurement once the bug is on-board. Not only is it easy to make an error when measuring in the water but using two different gauges is important since they are prone to being bent, warped, or cut incorrectly.
A legal Spiny Lobster caught in Florida must have a 3" carapace.
To measure a Spiny Lobster, begin by placing the gauge in-between the lobster's horns so that it hooks onto the front of its carapace. Stretch the gauge flat across the lobster's back in an attempt to touch the lobster's tail. The gauge should not fall over the back of the carapace. If it does the lobster is an illegal size and must be thrown back. If it doesn't, toss that bug in the cooler and cancel your dinner reservations at Little Italy.
ROOKIE MISTAKE ALERT: Make sure that the gauge is hooked onto the hard, solid carapace between the horns and not the soft connective tissue between the eyes. Although the difference can be so minuscule as to seem trivial that 0.1 inch could mean the difference between the FWC sending you home with 6 bugs or sending you home without a boat.
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