Lobster Mini Season

Lobster Mini Season - Lobster Mini Season is a statewide event but it's a very very big deal in Key West. Late July in Key West means fewer tourists, fewer part-time residents, and less going on. It's HOT! For two days in July, however, the population of Key West just about doubles in size because of Lobster Mini Season. Would-be lobster catchers arrive from all over Florida to get bugs in Key West. Many also bring their boats and families. It's a madhouse scene and the lobsters, who have been relaxing and growing all summer are assaulted during Lobster Mini Season.

The Lobster Mini Season gives amateur lobsterers a chance to free dive or scuba for lobsters before the commercial trappers put their traps in. Amateurs are not allowed to use traps. From the time the sun goes up on the first day of the mini season, to midnight on the second day, anyone with a lobster permit attached to their State of Florida Fishing License may try for lobsters. Believe it or not, on the first day of lobster mini season, people are out in their boats at dawn waiting for the sun to come up so they can get some bugs.

Visitors to Key West for Lobster Mini Season will want to book hotels or whatever type of Key West accommodations, far far in advance. The town fills up to capacity during the mid-week event. An interesting note: Lobster mini season used to be held on the weekend. Because so many people descended on Key West and overran the reef looking for lobsters, the event was moved to mid-week to try and cut down on the very high numbers of folks showing up. It's still crazy and packed out there. You can't stop the lobster mini season frenzy!