Many Reasons for the Mini Season

It's "the most dangerous two days to be on the water," says Captain Alex Suarez of Miami, but every year, hundreds of boaters, divers and snorkelers head to the water to catch the first "bugs" of the season. 

Always the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July, the two-day sport lobster season, otherwise known as "lobster mini season" falls on July 29-30 this year. Lobster mini season offers licensed residents the chance to hunt the decapods a week prior to commercial fleets. Regular season opens August 6.

Why the Hype?

When the sun sets over the Everglades and the day is done, it's all about the sweet, tender meat. As Suarez explains, "A fresh lobster, a little butter and lime. It's the best thing to eat." Apparently, we're not the only consumers with good taste. Worldwide, the lobster industry is worth an estimated $2-4 billion. Species from New Zealand to Maine have converted regions, royalty and cultures with their tails (and claws).

But, lobster is expensive as it is delicious. That's why a chance to pluck your own right from the ocean floor is so popular - and potentially dangerous.

Why the Worry?

Each year, thousands of well intended participants, some trained and prepared but many not, hit the water in search of spiny lobster. For many, mini season is enough incentive to dust off the gear, fill the cooler and crank up the boat. The 48 hour event is part hunt and part celebration. The combination can be deadly. During Florida's 2008 lobster mini season, five divers were killed in boating accidents, diving accidents, or after having simply disappeared.

Lobster mini season can be so dangerous, in fact, that even seasoned professionals like Captain Suarez are planning to stay home. "I've been every summer since I was fourteen but the last two years, it's not worth the risk," he explains. Instead, he suggests people "go to Garcia's on the River, order a tail, don't worry about driving a boat and drink a beer."

What You Need to Know

If you're going out for mini season, you should know that a Florida saltwater fishing license with a lobster stamp is mandatory. In addition to that, all boats with divers in the water must display a dive flag, and all divers must dive with a buddy. "Casitas," structures placed underwater to attract lobsters (like refrigerators, tires and cinder blocks), are illegal. Shell piercing tools like spears and hooks are also illegal.  

As far as the lobsters go, divers should make sure that they're catching legal fare. The lobster's carapace must be larger than 3''. Divers should measure lobsters in the water and make sure to always release females carrying eggs under their tails. For a full list of rules and regulations, For more on rules and regulations and measuring lobsters, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The excitement of the catch is tempting and lobster tails are mighty tasty. However, the mini season rush can be dangerous and has proven fatal. If you choose to partake, be prepared and be safe. Know the rules, check your gear and use your head. After all, it may be some of the sweetest meat on the ocean floor, but it's not worth your life.