The lobster mini-season is almost here! July 29th and 30th are the two days when divers are allowed to snag Florida spiny lobsters before commercial trapping begins.

Remember that there are new roles in some areas, including the Keyes, prohibiting snorkeling and diving near shore and marinas. Also the limits in the Keys are 6 per licensed harvester in Monroe County, 12 elsewhere in Florida. These are per day limits, and no more than the total for the two days may be transporting your catch by car after the event. Remember that noght diving is not permitted in Monroe County.

For these reasons, although it is belived that lobster may be more abundant in the keys, I prefer to dive in the Miami area where the limts are higher and the rules are not as strict.

Whatever your preference, you shoul plan to get to the area early to allow for traffic to arrive at your destination, especially if it's in the Keys beuase in most parts you are limited to a single lane highway that can easily become jammed.

Also, always allow for time to check and double check your equipment, get spare straps and parts to the extent that it is possible to prevent having to abort a dive due to a minor equipment complication.

Contact me if you would like assistance locating a home, condo or dockage for your stay here for the mini-lobster season.

Have a fun, productive and most of all SAFE time!