Lobstering in the Florida Keys: A Marathon Adventure

Ahoy, adventure-seekers! Are you ready to embark on a thrilling experience in the Florida Keys? Look no further than lobstering in Marathon, where the waters are teeming with these delicious crustaceans. In this post, we’ll dive into the best times of year, favorite spots to hunt, ways to hunt, and how to clean and cook your catch. So, grab your gear and get ready to reel in some tasty lobsters!

Best Times of Year:

In Marathon, the lobster season typically runs from August 6th to March 31st. There’s an addition sport (mini) season that takes place on the last consecutive Wednesday & Thursday in July. We’ve found that lobstering in Marathon is plentiful, though the peak season is usually from October to February when the waters are cooler, making it easier to spot these crustaceans. Be sure to check the official Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website for any changes in regulations before heading out.

Favorite Spots to Hunt:

Marathon boasts the largest lobster population in the state and draws the most lobster divers. More than 70% of all crawfish taken in the state come from reefs here in Monroe County. Most of our Lobster Spots are located on the Gulf (Bay) side of Marathon. This is due to the superb Lobstering in that area and the abundant natural Lobster Habitat found in the area including; Duck Key, Long Key, Conch Key, and Lower Matecumbe Key.

Ways to Hunt:

There are two main methods for catching lobsters in Marathon. 

Bully-netting:  is using a circular frame attached at a right angle to the end of a pole and supporting a conical bag of webbing. Possession of bully nets is prohibited in Everglades National Park (Florida Bay).

Hoop-netting: is using a frame, circular or otherwise, supporting a shallow bag of webbing and suspended by a line and bridles.

The Tools You’ll Need:

• Dive Flag – All divers in Florida waters must display a dive flag and stay within 300 feet of open water.
• Short-Handled Lobster Net and Tail Snare – Nets are used on sand flats while snares are best for reefs.
• Tickle Stick – A thin fiberglass rod about 24 inches long used to coax lobsters out of holes without harming the reef.
• Gloves – For the lobster, not the reef.
• Mesh Game Bag – To hold your catch. Look for models with a convenient way to attach to your weight belt or gear, and a locking enclosure.
• Lobster Gauge – Every diver must carry a lobster gauge and must measure the lobster under water before it’s placed in the game bag.

Cleaning and Cooking:

Once you’ve caught your lobsters, it’s time to clean and cook them! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Twist and pull: Twist off the tail shell and gently pull out the meat.
2. Rinse and remove veins: Rinse the meat under cold water and remove any dark veins.
3. Cooking methods: You can steam, boil, bake, or grill your lobsters.

Here’s a super simple, yet delicious recipe…

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Place the lobsters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.

Tips and Reminders:

• Always check local regulations before heading out.
• Be respectful of other divers and fishermen.
• Handle lobsters gently to avoid injury or damage.
• Don’t forget sunscreen and rash guards/swimshirts!
• Consider hiring a local guide if you’re new to lobstering.

These areas are closed to harvesting lobsters in both the sport and regular seasons:

Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, and Biscayne Bay/Card Sound Lobster Sanctuary
No-take areas within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Coral Reef Protection Areas within Biscayne National Park

Friendly Reminders…..
You can’t trap them. You can’t injure them in the process of catching them — no spearing or gigging, careful with the snares — since they must be measured before being kept.

Lobsters must be kept in whole condition on the water. Separating the tail from the body is prohibited in Florida waters.

Please mind the coral while chasing lobsters — don’t damage it.

This handy printable spiny lobster brochure for Monroe County provides additional useful lobster harvesting tips and restrictions you should be aware of. It’s also advisable to check with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission for any updates or changes to these important lobster fishing regulations.

The FWC Marathon office can be reached at 305-289-2320.