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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.

PREPARING FOR MINISEASON

Fishing License Renewal

With miniseason only a few weeks away its time to start preparing so that you are ready to go at that first slack tide. The most important thing every lobsterman needs (after their net and tickle stick) would be their lobster license.

Available at a variety of locations a fishing license is an essential requirement if you are planning on catching some bugs this July. Prices can be found at the FWC's website, but for a cost analysis breakdown the only place to go is... right here. 

For out-of-state residents its pretty simple, if you are only planning on fishing in FL for miniseason the most logical option is the $17, 3-day saltwater fishing license with the added $5 lobster permit. Obviously, if you'll be here longer the 7 day or Annual licenses are also available.

For Florida residents the age old question lingers... to buy the lifetime license or not? Well here is our completely unscientific breakdown:

Current Rates (assuming you are over 13, because if not just buy the damn lifetime license):

Lifetime: $301.50

Annual License: $22 ($17 + $5 lobster permit)

Basically, if you were to continue buying the annual license you would break even after 13 years of miniseasons. However, if you take into account increases in license costs (in 2010 the lobster permit increased $3),  inflation, and online purchase surcharges, and you are more likely to break even in about 9 or 10 years. 

Of course 10 years sounds like a long time, but seeing as how this is my 6th year I'm kicking myself for only buying the lifetime license last year. Plus if you add in the added benefit of not needing to remember to renew your license every year, it just starts making sense.

As a bonus the money spent on lifetime licenses actually goes to a really awesome conservation program. The money collected is not allowed to be spent, but all of the interest that it earns goes to funding fish and wildlife programs. 

P.S. I have totally lost count of how many years I've gone, but I think 6 is pretty close.

Recipes for a Mini-Season Feast

Grilled Lobster Tails

Grilled lobster tails are a great way to mix it up from the normal steam bath that tails typically get.

Ingredients

1. Tails
2. Melted Butter
3. Garlic
4. Fresh Lime
5. Salt
6. Pepper

Directions

Follow instructions on how to de-shell the lobster. Once you have the tails out of the shell get a nice hot grill. We will be cooking the tails directly on the fire.

Mince and smash fresh garlic and add it to a tablespoon or two of butter. Melt the butter with the garlic in it.

Brush both sides of the tails with the Garlic butter. Add a small amount of salt and pepper to taste (remember most butter has salt in it and if the tails are fresh they just came out of salt water).

Place the tail meat directly on the HOT fire. Cook for about 1-2 minutes and flip. Squeeze a little lime juice on the tails. Cook for another 1-2 minutes or until the tail has a little color on it.