Florida & Georgia - lobstering in Fort lauderdale

We will be in Key west this year for the start of regular lob season. But I was thinking of trying something a little closer for mini season. I was wondering for those of you who lobster in that area how deep do you usually go to find them? Could I find good bottom in say less than 35 ft of water, or would I just be pulling up shorts? Im not asking for spots I am experienced at finding them if I can find good bottom, just wondering if the good bottom is to deep, I use the hooka rig and freedive.so any deeper and im out. I usually go to the keys but Lauderdale is only 3 hrs for me. Thanks guys.

Ive had better luck bully netting in Biscayne bay.

Directly off Oakland Pk. Blvd., in about 25', is an area called Oakland Ridges. It's a large area with a "swiss cheese" botttom and flat rocks. But there is plenty of lobster areas in 20'-30'. BTW, the mini season limit here is 12 bugs per diver, per day. :thumbsup: Good luck

Perfect, I think im going to give it a shot. The in laws live in Ft. Lauderdale and thats a way for my wife to see the family and me to get on the water. I really just need to get dive certified so I can go after the big bugs in 55-75 ft of water

Perfect, I think im going to give it a shot. The in laws live in Ft. Lauderdale and thats a way for my wife to see the family and me to get on the water. I really just need to get dive certified so I can go after the big bugs in 55-75 ft of water

The issue you have diving here is that where all the reefs and wrecks are is about like i-95 with boat traffic even on off days. Lots of divers, lots of fisherman, lots of jet skis.....lots of SUPs, lots of kayaks.

The issue you have diving here is that where all the reefs and wrecks are is about like i-95 with boat traffic even on off days. Lots of divers, lots of fisherman, lots of jet skis.....lots of SUPs, lots of kayaks.

He's right about that.............. I'll never forget the day I saw some asshole on a jetski doing the slalom thing aroung two dive flags :o The divers were on the Pompano ledge (about 15') where the mooring balls are, and it made the perfect slalom course with the balls and flags. ;?

Lol sounds like Key west during mini season, did that a few years and said nope I dont like getting a haircut from a prop. we do always keep someone driving the boat, in circles around us though and that does help. thanks for all the info guys

We will be in Key west this year for the start of regular lob season. But I was thinking of trying something a little closer for mini season. I was wondering for those of you who lobster in that area how deep do you usually go to find them? Could I find good bottom in say less than 35 ft of water, or would I just be pulling up shorts? Im not asking for spots I am experienced at finding them if I can find good bottom, just wondering if the good bottom is to deep, I use the hooka rig and freedive.so any deeper and im out. I usually go to the keys but Lauderdale is only 3 hrs for me. Thanks guys.


Save your money and skip mini season (In Ft Laud for sure!) and Key West and do a Bahamas trip.