10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MINI SEASON

by Capt. "Tropical Mike" Hall

1. Bag limit is six legal size lobsters per licensed person in the boat that is capable of capturing the lobsters themselves. (Your toddler does not count as one of these licensed people even though they do not need a license when they are under 16.) 
   
   
2. You need a lobster tag in addition to your saltwater license to harvest lobster. (You can get one immediately by phone at FWC 888.347.4356)
   
3. Gear such as spears, hooks, wire snares and any device which could puncture penetrate or crush the shell of the lobster is prohibited.
   
   
4. Slow to idle speed within 300 feet of a dive flag.
   
   
5. Do not cruise with your dive flag displayed.
   
   
6. Always measure lobster in the water before bringing on boat.
   
   
7. Each harvester must have a gauge for measuring lobster while harvesting in the water.
   
   
8. All lobster must remain in whole condition while at sea.
   
   
9. Diving for lobster is not permitted at night.
   
   
10. Islamorada, City of Key Colony Beach, City of Marathon and all of unincorporated Monroe County are subject to the following regulations:

• No diving or snorkeling within 300 feet of improved residential or commercial shoreline
• No diving or snorkeling in any manmade or private canal
• No diving or snorkeling in any public or private marina

1. Each harvester must have a lobster gauge with them while they are in the water lobstering so that the lobster can the measured while still in the water and released unharmed if undersized. 
   
   
2. The lobster's carapice must be larger than three (3") inches.
   
   
3. Do not clean them at sea. Lobster must be kept whole until you are back on land.
   
   
4. The tails, once seperated from the body must be greater than 5-1/2 inches. 

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