Got Tail- PART 2- Florida Lobstering

Part 2 getting some tail. Quite a few methods for lobstering are commonly used.


1) tickle stick and net
In this method you simply find a bug, usually under a ledge or rock, using your tickle stick (which is generally any type stick, often transparent), to tickle the bugs tail with, forcing him to exit the hole- at this point you tap him gently on the horns to get him to crawl back into your net, which was prepositioned when he crawled outta the hole






2) Snare or loop
this is similar to a tickle stick but it has a loop of heavy nylon or coated cable that wraps tight around a lobsters tail, same process as above, first use the device as a tickle stick, once the bug is outta the hole, loop his tail and pull taught. Quite a few variations of the loop have been invented the latest is an automatic trigger release type that seems pretty cool, I have yet to try one.




3) Bull netting
This method is the number one method for night time lobstering, while on the boat with high output lights you search for bugs, usually on the flats or grass beds, when one is spotted you place the net over it and in its attempt to high tail out he gets all tangled in the net, at which point you quickly snap him onto the boat, A lot of guys swear this is the number one method for getting big bugs, prime time is 12-5am after that the bugs start to hole up

4)Mano a Mano
Heavy gloves and a quick hand is all thats needed, hence the least expensive of all the methods, but a low percent success ratio. I know a few guys that fetch their limit every time with this simplest of methods nonetheless.




Where to find them-
Florida Spiny lobsters havwe a lot of different habitats, alot of divers look for them in reef structure that has lots of rocks and holes, sure the frequent this type structure, but you can also find them on small ledges, with a sandy bottom. Often bugs are on grass ledges, that is those thick ledges of sea grass that end abruptly where the sand starts, Then their is the tires, steel plats, cynder blocks and even submerged pipes that are often loaded with bugs....one thing is for sure bugs like structure, so find the structure and you'll find the bugs!




No doubt Florida has some great tail....enjoy it and DIVE SAFE ;)








Till next spearfishing report, tight bands, straight shafts, and smooooooooth triggers!

Tone

http://www.settingsteelspeargear.com