A favorite time for many South Florida fishermen began Wednesday morning as the two day lobster mini-season kicked off.
Over a million lobsters are expected to be harvested during the 48-hour event, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation officers are getting the word out about how to enjoy it safely and legally.
"Upwards of 500,000 people are licensed to participate in the harvest of spiny lobster," said FWC Maj. Alfreido Escanio.
The bag limit is six per person, per day for Monroe County and Biscayne National Park and 12 per person, per day for the rest of Florida.
The body of the lobster, from about the eyes to the beginning of the tail, must be larger than three inches - otherwise you’ll have to toss the crustacean back.
Lobster mini-season officially began at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday morning and officials say they will be enforcing rules both in the water and on land - while also reminding boaters to stay safe.
"Make sure that your equipment is working properly," said Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Lt. Felipe Lay. "If you are using scuba equipment utilize pools, friends pool, neighbors pool, your own pool to make sure that your equipment is working properly under water."
Local
Authorities in Monroe County said they arrested a 78-year-old man for catching over the limit and possessing an undersized lobster after they found 32 lobsters in a trap.
