Get ready for 48 hours of lobster-snaring madness this week.
The spiny lobster mini-season, also known as the sport season, begins on Wednesday and concludes on Thursday.
“The typical recreational harvest is 1.5 to 2 million pounds between the start of the two-day sport season and Labor Day,” the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission said. “During the time period 2015-2019, commercial harvest averaged over 5 million pounds, with an average annual value of over $40 million. Measured in dollars, the spiny lobster fishery is the second largest commercial fishery in Florida, behind shrimp.”
For those two days, you can bag double the daily limit allowed during the regular season everywhere in Florida except for Monroe County and Biscayne National Park. However, don’t worry if you miss out because the regular spiny lobster season follows right after.
What are spiny lobsters?
Nope, these are not aliens from another planet. Spiny lobsters have forward-pointing spines that cover their bodies and help protect them from predators, according to the Florida FWC.
Their colors can range from almost white to dark red-orange, and they have two large cream-colored spots on the top of the second segment of their tails. They grow up to 18 inches in body length and weigh up to 15 pounds.
What is the season for spiny lobster in Florida?
There are two different seasons for spiny lobster, which happen back-to-back.
The spiny lobster season is the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July. This year, that’s Wednesday, July 30 and Thursday, July 31. It’s open to Florida residents and non-residents.
For those not into the competition, the regular spiny lobster season goes from Aug. 6, 2025, through March 31, 2026.
Do you need a license to harvest lobster in Florida?
Yes, you do. You will need both a recreational saltwater fishing license and a spiny lobster permit.
What is the daily bag limit for spiny lobsters during the mini-season?
The bag limit for spiny lobsters during the regular season is six per day per person. But during this two-day mini-season (and the extra day on July 14 added this year), the bag limit is doubled to 12.
The limit is still six per person in Monroe County and Biscayne National Park.
What is the minimum size limit for spiny lobster?
The carapace length must be larger than 3 inches, measured in the water, to ensure the lobster is at least 2 years old. Possession and use of a measuring device are required at all times.
The carapace is measured beginning at the forward edge between the rostral horns, excluding any soft tissue, and proceeding along the middle to the rear edge of the carapace, the FWC said.
What are some of the rules surrounding harvesting spiny lobster?
The FWC says you cannot harvest or attempt to harvest spiny lobster using any device that will or could puncture, penetrate or crush the exoskeleton (shell) or the flesh of the lobster.
Lobster must be landed in whole condition. Separating the tail from the body is prohibited in state waters. Possession limits are enforced on and off the water, the FWC also warns.
It is a felony to damage, molest or take lobsters from traps in state or federal waters. Recreational trapping is prohibited.
Can I harvest an egg-bearing spiny lobster?
No. FWC says that the harvest or possession of egg-bearing spiny lobster, or any other egg-bearing species of lobster belonging to the families Palinuridae (spiny lobsters), Scyllaridae (slipper lobsters) or Synaxidae (furry lobsters) is prohibited.
Can I fish for spiny lobsters everywhere in Florida?
No. Harvesting lobsters is prohibited in these locations:
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Florida’s spiny lobster season is almost here. What’s the difference between sport and regular season?
Reporting by Samantha Neely and C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
