Key West’s Mini Lobster Season Guide
Contact us ASAP if you need a mini lobster season boat rentals. They book quickly.
Key West’s mini lobster season, also known as the sport season, will take place on July 30th and 31st, the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of the month. This two-day event allows recreational divers and snorkelers to harvest spiny lobsters before the regular season begins.
Mini Lobster Season isn’t just about catching lobsters, it’s also an excellent time to enjoy everything Key West has to offer.
Lobster Mini Season Rules & Regulations:
- Dates: Wednesday, July 30th and Thursday, July 31st, 2025.
- Time: Begins at 12:01 AM on Wednesday and ends at midnight on Thursday.
- Licenses and permits: A recreational saltwater fishing license and a spiny lobster permit are required.
- Bag limits: 6 lobsters per person per day for Monroe County and Biscayne National Park. Rest of Florida: 12 lobsters per person per day.
- Size limits: Carapace must be larger than 3 inches, measured in the water. Use a measuring device at all times.
- Possession limits: Possession limits on the water are equal to the daily bag limit. Off the water, the possession limit on July 30 is equal to the daily bag limit, and on July 31, it is double the daily bag limit. Possession limits are enforced both on and off the water.
- Night diving: Prohibited in Monroe County (ONLY during sport season). Diving is defined as swimming at or below the surface of the water.
- Purpose: To provide a recreational opportunity to catch spiny lobsters before the commercial season starts in August.
- Enjoyment: Mini lobster season is not just about catching lobsters; it’s also an opportunity to enjoy the experience of the beautiful waters of the Florida Keys, spending time with friends & family, and enjoying the thrill of the catching lobsters. Whether you’re a seasoned lobster hunter or a beginner, mini lobster season promises to be an unforgettable and thrilling experience.
- Location: The mini season applies to the Florida Keys and Monroe County, where the bag limit is 6 lobsters per person per day.
- Gear: A recreational saltwater fishing license and spiny lobster permit are required, along with a measuring device to ensure lobsters meet the minimum size.
- Safety: Divers should always dive with a buddy, be aware of boat traffic, and use a dive flag. Always Safety First!
*Complete Florida Official Spiny Lobster Regulations
Pro tips for Lobster Mini Season
- Measure lobsters in the water before bringing them on board. It’s required by law.
- Never touch or anchor on coral. It damages the reef and is illegal.
- Release any spiny lobsters with eggs (called “berries”) on the underside of the tail.
- Watch for yellow buoys, they often mark no-take zones.
- Always fly a “Diver Down” flag or buoy from your boat – it’s required whenever someone is in the water. Safety first!
Hard to beat a day of Lobstering in Key West
One of the most enjoyable activities in Key West is spending a day hunting our delectable Florida Spiny Lobster, also known as Caribbean Spiny Lobster. These creatures inhabit all tropical and sub-tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea. In Key West, they can be found in abundance in the crystal-clear waters.
Need help a boat rental for Mini Lobster Season? Contact us ASAP, we have a few boats left
Key West Lobster FAQs
What is Lobstering in the Florida Keys?
Many of you may be wondering what lobstering is. Well, let me tell you, Key West lobstering charters are one of the most enjoyable boating trips you can take. Let me introduce you to the Caribbean spiny lobster. These lobsters can be found in Florida and most of the Caribbean. They are easily identifiable because they lack claws, which sets them apart from other species of lobster.
Every year, people embark on the exciting activity of lobstering these spiny creatures from their tropical homes. The allure of the delicious bounty that only a lobster can offer is irresistible. Not only are lobsters delectable, but participating in the annual tradition of catching them is an absolute blast! Florida Keys lobster charters are an experience you won’t want to miss!
How To Catch Lobsters in Key West?
Once you master the technique, catching lobsters becomes surprisingly simple! Lobster diving is a popular method during the lobster season. The process involves snorkeling and scouting the ocean floor, usually searching for rocks or other structures where a lobster might hide. Once located, you’ll equip yourself with a tickle stick and net. A tickle stick is a small rod used to coax a lobster out of hiding by tickling it. Once the lobster emerges from its hole, use your net to capture it. Before placing it in the cooler, remember to measure your lobster to ensure it meets the legal size requirements. The legal size of a Florida Spiny Lobster is at least 3 inches from its forehead to the beginning of its tail. Each person is allowed to catch 6 lobsters per day, and it’s crucial to adhere to all regulations related to lobster fishing. To ensure a enjoyable experience, always follow the rules when lobster diving in Key West and the Florida Keys.
When Is The Best Time Of Year For Florida Lobster Season
Lobster season begins with a two-day mini season or “sportsmanship weekend” at the end of July. It then reopens on August 6th for a nine-month season. The initial couple of months are the most productive, but it’s still fun the whole season.
The two days during mini season are undoubtedly the most productive couple of days of lobstering we have all year. The spots haven’t been overfished yet, and the commercial fishermen haven’t set their lobster traps in the water. The only downside of coming for mini season is that it’s a chaotic place. Everyone with a boat is rushing down to participate in the lobster slaughter. So, if you find yourself on the water for these two days, make sure to prioritize safety!
If you’re interested in booking a lobstering charter or boat rental for the two days of mini season and the first few days of opening season, be sure to book in advance because dates fill up quickly!
