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© St. Petersburg Times, published July 13, 2002
When storms keep you from venturing far from shore, try scouting for lobster holes. The sportsman spiny lobster season is July 24-25, giving recreational catchers a head start before the commercial season opens Aug.6.
Divers in Florida other than in Monroe County can take up to 12 each of the two days. Gulf divers are fortunate if they get that many for the season, which extends through March 31. Gulf lobsters make up for scarcity with size, averaging 5 pounds and getting up to about 11.
Popular sites include ledges in 45-65 feet, about 240 or 270 degrees west of John's Pass. Start scouting GPS numbers in mid July; any earlier and they may migrate or fall prey to goliath groupers, groupers, nurse sharks or large octopus.
Even with scouted sites there is a slim chance you will find spiny lobsters. Shovel-nose lobsters, though much smaller, are more plentiful and tastier. Shovel nose or slipper lobsters have no size, quantity or season limits as long as they are not egg-bearing.
Heavy gloves, a tickle stick and a net or a bug snare will help you catch lobsters, then you need to gauge them before storing them in a mesh bag. For complete regulations, pick up a free copy of the Bug Hunters Bible inside the July issue of Florida Scuba News.
-- Chad Carney teaches scuba & spearfishing and runs charters out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 423-7775 or e-mail info@mobilescuba.com.