Lobster season is just around the corner and the critters are everywhere on the reef. Florida's famous Mini-Season is July 27-28, during which lobsters may only be harvested by sport divers. The regular season begins Aug 6 and lasts until March 31 during which commercial fishermen are also allowed to harvest. The good news is that present indications are this will be a banner year for the lobster fishery.
Scuba shops have plenty of fresh gear in stock to equip divers for the harvest. State law requires everyone hunting for lobster to have a legal lobster gauge in their possession while diving. Experienced divers also know they need a pair of gloves and a catch bag along with them. You must be able to handle and carry a creature covered with razor-sharp edges and needle-like spines.
Tools to actually capture the tasty bugs are a bit more diverse but they may be considered as two basic types: nets or loops. Ask any group of veteran divers which they prefer and you will get a range of answers; what is certain is how strongly they believe their choice is best. Some swear by the tickle stick and net while others will not use anything but their trusty snare.
Which method is better from bringing home dinner? A host of YouTube videos show professionals looping lobsters as easily as gathering daisies in a springtime meadow. After watching how simple it seems, a new hunter drops $60 for a snare only to go all season without looping a lobster. After such frustration, that $25 net and tickle stick look inviting.
The truth is nets are easiest for beginners and loops are more efficient for veterans. We are all a bit clumsy when we first attempt to draw a lobster from its lair. A big net can cover a multitude of technical blunders and still capture the prey. Snares require a bit more finesse and are less forgiving of a flawed approach, but an experience user can bag 2-3 lobsters while his buddy is still fumbling with his net.
Much more could be written on the subject and to be certain, the topic is a rich one at any dive bar where hunters are decompressing with their favorite sudsy brew. Whichever tool you choose, you are likely to learn how elusive an entree can be. Practice builds experience and experience eventually fills the bag.