Fishermen interested in catching lobsters and lobsters need to change their fishing style depending on the type of animal they intend to catch. Lobsters and lobsters are animals of the same family. The former generally live in the coastal areas of colder regions, for example along the northeastern coast of the United States and Canada. Lobsters, on the other hand, are found in warmer waters, such as those of the Mediterranean Sea, but also in the Caribbean, in the Gulf of Mexico, in the Florida Keys area and in California. Spearfishing or ring nets are used to catch lobsters, while traps are used to catch lobsters.
Steps
Step 1. Decide where to go fishing
The location you choose will influence your fishing strategy as it will determine the type of animal in the area and the fishing regulations to follow.
Step 2. Find out which season is suitable for your area
In the American Northeast it runs from June to October, while in the Gulf of Mexico and California it runs from August to March. In the Mediterranean, the best period is generally between May and September.
Step 3. Apply for a fishing license
- Find the office where to apply for the license. In some countries you can buy them in specialized fishing shops or in ports.
- Fill out the form and pay your taxes. Some agencies also require that you have to pass a test to obtain the license.
Step 4. Learn the rules for lobster fishing
- Make a note of the number of lobsters you can catch per day.
- Check the time limits. In some areas it is forbidden to fish at night. Generally fishing is done at sunrise and sunset.
- Determine the number of lobster traps you can use. There are also rules for the number of traps you have on board the boat you use to go fishing.
- Mark the areas that are outside the fishing area on a map. Check where the marine reserves and other protected areas are before you take the boat and go fishing.
- Learn the limits of size. In some areas, anyone caught fishing for animals smaller or larger than a certain limit is subject to penalties.
Step 5. Learn where lobsters and lobsters are hiding
They typically hide during the day and hunt at night.
- Lobster are found in coastal waters from 4 to 50 meters, in rocky areas, especially where there are protrusions or crevices.
- Check the rocky areas to find them.
Step 6. Collect your catch gear
- Make sure you have a lobster trap, sturdy gloves, a tool to measure them and a bag to collect them.
- If you are looking for lobsters, bring sturdy gloves that can be used underwater, a stick, a net, a tool to measure their size and a bag to collect them, and even snorkeling or diving equipment or a ring net.
Step 7. Find a boat
Boats can be found for hire, but you could always have one of your own.
Follow the licensing arrangements. In some areas it is required that the license number be visible on the boat
Step 8. Take the boat close to the coast
Choose an area where the environment is rocky.
Step 9. Prepare the trap
Typically lobster traps have 2 compartments. The first compartment has 2 burrow openings and an area where the bait is placed. The lobster enters one of the burrows to eat the bait and then enters a third opening that leads to the second compartment of the trap.
- Put the bait in the designated area. Do not use offal, use dead fish.
- Make sure the trap is up to standard. Lobster traps should have an exit hole that smaller lobsters can escape from. Check that it also has a biodegradable escape panel. It is a part of the trap that will disintegrate if you lose it. This is to allow any lobsters to free themselves and therefore to survive.
Step 10. Attach tags to the trap
You may need to write the license number on the labels.
Step 11. Hook a buoy to the trap
Label the buoy well with your name or initials and license number with permanent paint or marker.
Step 12. Drop the trap
Step 13. Prepare and place the other traps
Step 14. Check for traps later in the day
Step 15. Use the measuring device to check the size of the captured lobsters
A lobster measurer is a plastic or metal instrument that measures the animal's carapace.
- Put on gloves.
- Read tips on how to measure lobsters before you start fishing. Some say it should be measured just behind the eyes of the animal, others say in the central part of the lobster's body.
- Place the sizer on the front of the lobster. Read the measurement where the carapace meets the tail.
- Please refer to your local regulations to find out if it is above or below the allowable size.
Step 16. Place the measured lobsters in the bag
Close well to prevent them from coming out.
Method 1 of 1: Fishing Lobsters
Step 1. Decide whether to go spearfishing or use a ring net
Check that the area is allowed to use ring nets to fish for lobsters.
- Ring nets are made with 2 metal rings and a collapsible metal mesh between them.
- You can dive or snorkel to look for lobsters, either near the coast or from a boat.
Step 2. Use a ring network
- Go to where you want to throw the net. Generally they throw themselves from boats but there are those who throw them using surfboards.
- Make sure you wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Put a scented or oily bait in the bag at the bottom of the net. Good baits are anchovies, sardines, mackerel or even chicken or a pierced can of cat food.
- Hold the top of the net firmly and lower it into the water, all the way down.
- Hook a buoy to the net to know its position.
- Wait 10 to 15 minutes to give the lobster time to enter the net.
- Pull up slowly. Check for lobsters in the net.
Step 3. Snorkel or dive for lobsters
- Put on your snorkeling or diving equipment and be sure to wear protective gloves.
- Choose a place to look for lobsters.
- Check the spots under the rocks, between the corals and ledges, and look for the lobster antennae. Remember that most hide during the day.
- Take out the stick. The stick is thin and serves to flush it out safely.
- Insert the stick into the opening where you saw the lobster. Use a brush motion to induce the animal to move.
- Grab the lobster with your hands or use a net.
Step 4. Measure it to find out if it is the right size
- Take out the meter and place it on the carapace. Measure the length from front to tail.
- Release the lobster if it is not the size allowed.
Step 5. Put it in the bag
Advice
- If you find a group of lobsters, catch the smallest specimen first. Measure it; if it's the right size, keep catching the others knowing they should be big enough to fit within the limits.
- Square-shaped nets are ideal for catching lobsters when diving. Since you will be making a brush motion on the bottom, the square shape will make it easier to catch. The round shape, on the other hand, can allow the escape from one of the sides.
Warnings
- Don't put your hands in crevices and crevices, especially if you see that a lobster has one antenna pointed at you and another inside the hole. This may indicate that it has spotted another predator inside and you may be bitten.
- Release any females that have eggs attached under their tails or legs. The eggs are yellow, brown or orange and look like berries. In many areas it is forbidden to catch lobsters with eggs and you are subject to penalties even if you remove them.
- Watch out for cavities when diving. You need to have special training and a certificate before attempting to dive into cavities, it can be very dangerous.
