If you're craving an underwater adventure that's equal parts excitement and reward, lobstering in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea (LBTS), Florida, is your ticket to happiness. Picture this: crystal-clear waters teeming with spiny lobsters (affectionately called "bugs" by locals), vibrant coral reefs just a short swim from the shore, and the satisfaction of hauling in your own fresh catch for a seaside feast.
In this post, we'll break down the do's and don'ts, share rules, highlight the best spots, explain how lobstering differs from fishing, and drop five pro tips to maximize your haul. Plus, we'll show you why teaming up with us at Gold Coast Scuba makes it all even better. Let's plunge in!
First Things First: The Rules and Requirements for Lobstering in Florida
Florida's spiny lobster season is a highlight for divers and snorkelers alike, but it's tightly regulated to protect our marine ecosystems. The 2025-2026 regular season runs from August 6 to March 31, giving you plenty of time to get out there. There's also a fun two-day mini-season held at the end of every July for recreational folks to get a head start before the commercial crowd jumps in. It's a really fun time if you haven't participated in mini-season before! Grab savings on gear at Gold Coast Scuba who hosts annual specials just for mini-season.
To go lobstering legally, you'll need:
- A Florida saltwater fishing license (available online or at local shops—residents and non-residents alike).
- A spiny lobster permit (it's an add-on stamp to your fishing license).
- Measuring gear: Lobsters must have a carapace (that's the main body shell) longer than 3 inches. Anything smaller goes back!
- Bag limits: In Broward County, it's 12 lobsters per person per day during the regular season, but drops to 6 during mini-season in some areas like the Keys—always double-check for your spot.
- No-no's: You can't harvest egg-bearing females (those with orange eggs under their tails) or use any gear that punctures, like spears or hooks. Stick to humane methods like a tickle stick (to coax them out) and a net.
Lobstering vs. Fishing: What's the Big Difference?
Now, you might be thinking, "Isn't lobstering just fancy fishing?" Not quite! While both fall under Florida's recreational saltwater pursuits, they're like cousins with their own vibes. Fishing typically involves rods, reels, bait, and lines to snag fish from a boat, pier, or shore—think reeling in snapper or grouper with hooks and lures. It's often more passive, and your basic saltwater fishing license covers most of it.
Lobstering, on the other hand, is an active, immersive hunt for spiny lobsters, those clawless crustaceans hiding in reefs and ledges. It requires diving or snorkeling gear, and you're physically in the water chasing them with non-lethal tools like tickle sticks and nets—no hooks allowed! You'll need that extra lobster permit on top of your fishing license, and the seasons are shorter and more specific (no year-round action like some fishing). Plus, lobstering bag limits and size rules are lobster-exclusive, focusing on sustainability for these bottom-dwellers. It's more of an adventure sport than a chill cast-and-wait—perfect for adrenaline junkies who love getting wet!
Prime Spots for Lobstering in and around LBTS: Where the Bugs Hide
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is Florida's Beach Diving Capital for a reason—no boat? No problem! Our nearshore reefs are accessible right from the sand, making it ideal for shore-based hunts.
Here are some top spots to target:
- Steve's Twin Ledges: Just south of the Fisher Family Pier, this area's rocky ledges and crevices are lobster hotspots, especially during mini-season. Expect clear viz and easy access.
- Third Reef off Fort Lauderdale: A bit south of LBTS proper, but worth the short drive or boat ride. It's buzzing with marine life, including plenty of bugs under the coral overhangs.
- Pompano Dropoff and Ledges: Nearby in Pompano Beach, these sites feature small caves and drop-offs where lobsters love to chill. Great for free divers!
- LBTS Shore Reef: Swim out from Anglin's Pier—our local reefs in 10-30 feet of water are teeming with lobsters, and you can often spot them without going far.
Pro Tip: Gold Coast Scuba has rental sea bikes that you can swim out to the reef with! It has space for your gear and catch.
The Do's and Don'ts: Play Smart, Dive Safe
Lobstering is thrilling, but one wrong move can spoil the fun (or worse). Here's your guide for what to look out for:
Do's:
- Do get geared up properly: Invest in quality gloves, a sturdy net, tickle stick, and a dive flag for visibility. At Gold Coast Scuba, we've got top-notch lobster hunting gear —come by our shop at 259 Commercial Blvd for the best selection!
- Do measure every catch* Use a gauge to check that 3-inch carapace minimum on the spot.
- Do respect the reef: Tread lightly (or fin gently) to avoid damaging coral—our oceans thank you.
- Do go with a guide: Especially if you're new. Join one of our guided lobster tours at Gold Coast Scuba for expert tips and safe spots.
- Do check weather and tides: Calm seas and low tide make for easier hunting.
Don'ts:
- Don't use illegal gear: Spears, gigs, or anything pokey is a big no—stick to nets and sticks or face fines.
- Don't take pregnant lobsters: Release any lobsters back that have eggs to keep populations healthy.
- Don't exceed limits: Overbagging isn't just illegal; it's unsustainable.
- Don't dive alone: Always buddy up, and if conditions turn iffy, call it a day.
- Don't forget sun protection: Florida sun is no joke—slather on reef-safe sunscreen.
Top 5 Tips to Score the Best Catch
Ready to level up? Here are our top five tips from years of diving these waters:
1. Lobsters can detect movement by seeing your shadow, so to increase your changes of a catch, practice a shadow swim approach: position yourself so your shadow doesn’t fall directly over the lobster’s hiding spot, as this can spook them. Swim low and parallel to the reef, using slow, deliberate movements to blend with the natural sway of the water.
2. Look in the shadows: Check under ledges, in holes, and around wrecks—lobsters are hiding where predators can't reach.
3. Master the tickle technique: Gently prod with your stick to flush them into your net. Practice makes perfect—our Gold Coast Scuba instructors can show you how on a guided tour.
4. Time it with tides: Low tide exposes more structure; pair it with clear weather for max visibility.
5. Gear up like a pro: quality fins, mask, and a lobster bag make all the difference.
Ready to Bag Your Bugs? Join Gold Coast Scuba Today!
Lobstering in LBTS isn't just a hobby—it's a rush that'll have you hooked (pun intended). Book a guided shore or boat dive tour with us for hassle-free access to prime spots, expert guidance, and all the gear you need.
New to diving? Our PADI-certified classes will get you certified in no time. Or just pop in for rentals, a boat ticket to offshore reefs, a guided tour or group excursion, or that must-have lobster kit. Visit us at goldcoastscuba.net or stop by our shop in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea—we're here to make your underwater escapades unforgettable!
What are you waiting for? The bugs are calling. Dive safe, catch big, and see you under the waves!
