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Who is the Lobster?
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When most people think about lobsters, they see a bright red lobster with big claws. I guess we have Red Lobster restaurant to thank for that! In the US, there are two main species of lobster that are commercially harvested, the American Lobster, and the Caribbean Spiny lobster.
 The American Lobster is usually found in colder waters of North America. A lot of people think of the state of Maine when they see this lobster, as they have a large industry on the coast dedicated to the harvesting this species. The American Lobster can be identified by its two large claws. These claws are used for protection and aid in catching and eating food. This lobster is usually caught by traps baited with dead fish. They are usually not caught for recreation, because of the depth and the cool temperature of the waters they inhabit. I'm sure there are a few brave souls that venture out into the murky waters of the North to go after this lobster, but I bet they have a drysuit on!
 The Spiny Lobster is found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, including along the coast of Florida. Unlike it's relative the American Lobster, it does not have front claws. Instead, it has spines that cover its body to help protect them from predators. It also has two long antennae used to scare off predators and smaller antennae called antennules used to detect movement and chemicals in the area. Because the Spiny Lobster inhabits warmer waters, it is caught both on a commercial and recreational basis. This page is dedicated to catching the Spiny Lobster.
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How can we catch him?
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 The Spiny Lobster can be caught with simple equipment found at almost any tackle store along the coast. Basic equipment includes:
1) A mesh bag to keep the lobster in once they have been caught, 2) Gloves to protect your hands from the spines of the lobster, 3) A net to catch the lobster, 4) A 'Tickle Stick' to coax lobsters into the net, and finally, 5) A measuring gauge to make sure the lobster is large enough to keep. There is other equipment custom made to catch lobsters such as 'Tail Snares', but these can cost upwards of $50, and I don't find these to be any more effective then the basic equipment.
Because Spiny lobsters can be found near the shoreline or out in deeper water, you can use snorkel or scuba gear to find them. I prefer scuba gear because you don't have to keep going up for air once you find and try to catch a 'bug' (the nickname for a lobster).
It's best to work with a buddy when hunting for lobster. You can cover more area, more thoroughly, and in less time. I like to either hold the net, or hold the Tickle Stick. If one person holds the Tickle Stick, he can work to coax the lobster out while the other person positions the net. Lobsters usually move backward when they are trying to get away, and if you tap them with the stick, your buddy can position the net when he tries to dart away. You'll catch more this way than trying to be the macho man!
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When can we catch him?
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| Spiny lobster can be found year-round, but there are usually specifc times and seasons for when they can be caught. In Florida, they have a 2-day mini-season, and a regular season. The mini-season is always on the last Wednesday and Thursday in July. This gives an opportunity for recreational hunters to catch lobster before the commercial trappers can. Regular season opens August 6 and closes March 31. You should always check your local regulations to see when the season is open in your area.
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Where can we catch him?
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 Adult spiny lobsters make their homes in crevices and caverns of coral reefs, sponge flats, old barrels, and almost any structure where something could hide. Lobsters stay in their dens during daylight hours to avoid predators, and come out a couple of hours after dark to look for food. If you are hunting during the day, they'll be hiding in these places, so look around. You usually won't be able to see the whole lobster, but will usually see a pair of antennae poking out. Most likely, if you spot one pair on antennae, you'll see more!
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What is his catch limit?
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 In Florida, during the regular season which is August through March, the limit is 6 per person or 24 per boat, whichever is greater. The limit during the mini-season in July is 12 except in the Keys, where the limit is 6.
 Besides having a catch limit, the lobster also have to be a certain size. Lobsters are measured by the lenght of their carapace- the main body of the lobster. The carapace must be at least 3 inches in lenght. You must have a measuring stick on you at all times when you are hunting for lobster. You must also not harm the lobster while you are underwater. This includes lobsters that are already caught that you're going to keep. Lobsters with a carapace under 3 inches must be released unharmed.
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How do we cook him?
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| I like broiled lobster tails smothered in butter, but there are a lot more ways to cook them! Bruce's Tips from the South Florida Spearfishing Club page has an excellent section on different ways cook lobster.
Before you cook the lobster, you will need to clean them. If you only want the tail and want to seperate it from the body, fold the end of the tail under the lobster and twist it while holding the body of the lobster stationary. With a good twist, it will seperate off the lobster. When this is done, break off the one of the spines, and stick it into the vent at the base of the tail. Put it in about two inches, and twist it a half turn and pull it out. This is the lobsters colon, and it should come out with all the stuff attached to the antenna.
Lobsters will stay alive out of the water for up to a day if they are kept in a cool, moist place. Fresh water will kill them, so if you put them in a cooler, make sure they are on top of the ice, and that you drain off the melting water. Putting layers of seaweed below and an on top of them will also help. Lobster tails will stay good in the fridge for about a week, and if frozen in water and put in the freezer, should last for months!
Good Luck and Happy Lobstering!
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