This was the first year we’ve had a three-day lobster mini-season in the Florida Keys. In late June, Gov. Ron DeSantis visited Dockside Bar and Grill in Marathon and announced that we would have an extra day on July 14 before our regular mini-season dates, which are always the last Wednesday and Thursday of July.
The regular lobster season started on Aug. 6, but lobster mini-season was created years ago to give local recreational divers a chance to get the “pick of the litter” prior to the commercial fishermen harvesting mass amounts of lobster from their traps. It also, in theory, cut down on conflicts between recreational and commercial fishermen targeting the same areas.
Our governor’s announcement was met with controversy and excitement. Obviously, the commercial lobster anglers did not like the decision because there was less lobster for them to harvest on the opening day of the regular season, and many Florida Keys residents did not like the decision because of all the extra traffic, drunken chaos and partying. I also understand the scientific and conservation community was upset about the decision because July 14 was still inside the last part of the lobster breeding season.
Since the added day was for Florida residents only, some residents outside the Keys were very excited about the announcement. Certain captains, restaurateurs, hotel/motel owners and vacation rental homeowners were excited about the extra day of business and considered it a well-needed shot in the arm during a record-slow economy.
Whether there’s a two-day mini-season or a three-day mini-season, Mother Nature always determines how many lobsters will be harvested on mini-season days. For example, last year, both days of the mini-season were met with thunderstorms, high winds, high seas and murky water. Not many lobsters were harvested.
The commercial lobster fishermen crossed their fingers and prayed for bad weather during the mini-season last year, and their wish came true. I’m told last year’s opening week of the regular season was a big hit for the commercial lobster fishermen, and they had a big harvest.
This year, although some areas still experienced high winds and rough seas, especially in the Atlantic, conditions in the Gulf were better in some places. For us, this year’s mini-season harvest was great.
Commercial lobster fishermen may face a challenge during their opening week, thanks to a curveball from Mother Nature. On Aug. 1, tropical storm Debby blew through, potentially delaying some lobstermen from setting all of their traps and forcing some to relocate traps moved by, or lost in, the storm.
Our Ana Banana lobster charters were limited out during the days of mini-season, and due to the beautiful weather, we were able to limit out early and catch fish in the afternoon. We went 25 miles northwest to Content Key from our home port at Pancho’s Fuel Dock in Marathon. We got there each mini-season day at sunup. Even though we were there early, we were met with a regatta of hundreds of boats, stretching several miles.
We snorkeled in four to six feet of water and caught some of the best quality lobster we’ve ever caught. Many people who dove near Content Key had the same story that we did; however, I’m told that many people who stuck around Marathon and Grassy Key had a much tougher time gathering their limit. Even some local bully netters had a tough time during mini-season nights.
Content Key just happened to be where the lobster migration was at that time, I guess. I’m told it’s expected to be a good lobster season for commercial and recreational fishermen. Overall, in my opinion, and the opinion of many others I’ve spoken with, the quality and quantity of lobster is above average this year.
Remember, Ana Banana Fishing Company does lobster diving charters all season long. August, September and October are great months to book your lobster charter or bully net lobster charter.
To book a charter with Ana Banana, call or text Capt. Joel at 813-267-4401 or Capt. Jojo at 305-879-0564, or visit anabananafishing.com.
