Tips to Catch Lobsters

Here are some simple but interesting tips for your lobster hunting adventures (assuming you are scuba diving):
• Before you head out on your planned direction (against the current probably), take a look around underneath the boat first. You can do this while you double check your boat anchor is secure and it will not come loose. You will be amaze! For some reason 40% of the time you will find lobsters right underneath the boat where you anchored.
• Depending how comfortable you are under water, it is a good idea to carry a net with you. A lot of the time you will see a lobster out in the open (especially at night since they are night creatures) and it is much easier to use your net then. You will also save precious air by avoiding chasing the lobster all over the reef with your tickle stick!
• There are two ways you can look for lobsters: 1) by swimming close to the bottom looking to lobster antennas. The good thing about this that will cover a lot more reef but you will only a find few lobster. 2) I call this method “looking for my penny”. Swim close to the bottom and check underneath every rock, ledge, and anything that a lobster can hide under. You will cover less ground but you increase the chance of finding lobsters. One word of caution, lobster sometimes shares their homes with other marine life such as eels. So, take a second to look before you stick your head inside a whole!
• When you see a lobster.. DON’T PANIC!!! Think what is the best approach to catch the lobster before you act. Have your buddy go on the other side of the rock just in case.
• Have fun and tickle the lobster rather than force it out. This is why is called a tickle stick. If you tickle the lobster on the right side, she will move to the left. If you tickle her by the back she will move to the front (you get the point). So, tickle her to a perfect position before you attempt to loop her.
• Avoid touching the tentacles when you are tickling the lobster since they will move back into their whole.
• Remember to always measure the lobster underwater, check for eggs (especially during mini season), and take care of the reefs.
• Last but not least.. If you see a bottle or any other garbage, pick it up and place it inside on your lobster bag. It will not cost you anything but it is priceless for the reefs and marine life. Help protect the reefs.
• Also, make sure you have you lobster permit.
Have fun