Sports: Captain's Corner

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Captain's Corner

By Chad Carney

The two-day Florida lobster sportsman season is July 26-27. Divers and snorkelers are preparing for the annual pilgrimage to the Keys.

Monroe County is ground zero for the giant bug hunt and party. It also is where rules are the strictest and the enforcement the most intense. If you go, be sure to take only six legal-size (3-inch carapace) non-egg-bearing bugs a day. No night diving is allowed.

Everywhere else in Florida the limit is 12 a day, and you are allowed to dive for lobsters at night. The southeast coast also is known for the prevalence of lobster. Aug. 6 is the opening of the regular lobster season, which runs through March 31. The limit becomes six a person or 24 a boat, whichever is greater. Night diving is opened up in Monroe County. You will need to add a $2.50 lobster stamp to your saltwater fishing license.

- Chad Carney teaches scuba and spearfishing. Call 727-423-7775, or visit www.mobilescuba.com