9 Tips for a Successful Spiny Lobster Season in San Diego
Al Mier Y Teran Sep 17, 2024
Spiny lobster season is an exciting time for divers in San Diego, and whether you're diving for the first time or are a seasoned lobster hunter, there's always something new to learn. From gear tips to sneaky lobster habits, here's everything you need to know to make the most of the 2024/2025 season.
1. Mark Your Calendar: Season Dates
The spiny lobster season for 2024/2025 opens on September 27, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. and runs until March 19, 2025. Plan your dives accordingly, especially for the first few weeks, which are typically the most active.
2. Get Your License and Report Card
Before heading out, you need a California fishing license and a spiny lobster report card. You can easily pick these up online through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, or at selective porting goods stores, or at local bait and tackle shops. Don’t risk a fine—ensure you have both documents handy.
3. Know Your Lobster: Behavior and Habitat
Lobsters like to hide! They’re nocturnal creatures, meaning they’re most active at night and love to tuck themselves away during the day. Spiny lobsters can be found in rocky reefs, kelp forests, and crevices. They usually hide under ledges or inside holes, so always look deep within cracks and strategically spot their long antennae with your flashlight.
- Pro Tip: When you spot a lobster, don’t rush. They’re quick swimmers, and sudden movements will spook them. Move slowly and methodically to avoid scattering them before you even get close.
4. Size Matters: Keep It Legal
Only lobsters that measure 3 1/4 inches or larger across the carapace (shell) are legal to keep. Bring a lobster gauge with you on every dive and always measure underwater before putting them in your bag. If they’re undersized, release them carefully back into their crevice to avoid injuring them. Fines for keeping undersized lobsters can be steep, and it’s essential to help maintain the health of the population for future seasons.
- Pro Tip: Practice measuring lobsters before the season starts so you can quickly and confidently gauge their size underwater.
5. Gear Essentials for Skin and Scuba Diving
Whether you're skin diving (free diving) or scuba diving, the right gear makes all the difference in lobster hunting. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A solid dive light: Lobsters are nocturnal, so a reliable, bright dive light is a must for spotting them in dark crevices. Bring a backup light just in case.
- A lobster gauge: As mentioned, you’ll need this to measure the carapace size underwater.
- Thick gloves: Spiny lobsters are called "spiny" for a reason. Protect your hands with durable gloves that can withstand their sharp spines and rough environments.
- A catch bag: A sturdy catch bag with a secure closure will keep your lobsters safe while you continue hunting. Make sure it’s easy to open and close with one hand.
- A dive buddy: Always dive with a buddy for safety, especially when night diving. Plus, your buddy can help spot lobsters you might have missed!
- Pro Tip for Skin Divers: Try to remain as quiet and controlled as possible when approaching lobsters. Without the aid of scuba gear, you're more dependent on stealth, so limit splashing and sudden movements.
6. Master Your Technique: Lobster Catching Tricks
Catching lobsters requires a bit of finesse. Here are some key techniques to keep in mind:
- Approach from behind: Lobsters propel themselves backward when escaping. If you approach from behind, you’ll have a better chance of grabbing them before they scoot away.
- Use both hands: If you see the lobster, position one hand behind the tail and the other in front of its face. This technique can help cut off its escape route.
- Be patient: Don’t chase a lobster if it’s spooked. They’re fast swimmers, and once they take off, you’re better off finding another. Relax, scan the area again, and you’ll likely find another hiding nearby.
- Secure your catch immediately: Once you’ve grabbed a lobster, quickly secure it in your catch bag to avoid losing it as you continue your dive.
7. Night Diving for Lobsters
Lobster hunting is all about night diving. After dark, lobsters leave their hiding spots to search for food, making them easier to spot and catch. Night diving adds an exciting (and sometimes eerie) element to lobster season. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Plan your entry/exit strategy: Dive spots can look a lot different at night, so scout out your entry and exit points before it gets dark. Mark your entry point with a dive flag or light to avoid confusion when you surface.
- Use your dive light sparingly: Too much light can scare lobsters back into hiding. Sweep your light slowly across the reef, looking for the tell-tale movement of their antennae.
- Stay calm: Night diving can feel disorienting at first, but take your time, move slowly, and enjoy the thrill of hunting lobsters under the stars.
8. Stick to the Daily Bag Limit
California’s daily bag limit for spiny lobsters is 7 per person. Stick to the limit, and you’ll help maintain a sustainable lobster population for future generations.
- Pro Tip: Keep track of your catches on your report card and make sure it’s accurate. Don’t forget to return your completed report card to the CDFW at the end of the season!
9. Join Our October Photo Contest!
For the entire month of October, we’re running a Lobster Fishing Photo Contest. Show us your best lobster catches or your awesome lobster hunting setup!
To enter:
- Post your photo on Instagram using #OElobsters.
- Tag us @oceanenterprises
- The winner will be announced on November 1st, and trust us—you’ll want to get in on this!
