Diving Key West Lobsters DIVE FLAG and Other Lobster Tips

July 20, 2012 by

Ok Kids Pop quiz…. Here is some helpful information about Lobstering this mini season that may help you, keep you alive and out of jail….

I have been in the diving industry since 1978 when I got certified. My parents treated me like a slave to catch lobster here in the Keys since I was 12 (1980) I have seen the changes to the reefs and areas I used to lobster. People are not careful…. In my career as a captain (since 1986) and time in the Coast Guard I have seen what can happen when dive flags are not used or misused.. This lobster mini season can be fun. So enjoy and don’t be STUPID..

This Is A Dive Flag….

OK here we go…
Whats the dumbest thing you can do right before you get in the water to dive for lobsters here in Key West?
Forget Your Dive Flag…..

Yes.. thats about the dumbest thing you will do all day.. That one little thing can start a trickle effect of EPIC proportions.. DONT FORGET TO BRING IT! more importantly DONT FORGET TO USE IT.

DIVE FLAG, DIVE FLAG, DIVE FLAG

Here at Dream Catcher Charters we intentionally DO NOT. get underway for any charters during the Florida Keys Lobster mini season. Why? [Read more...]

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Grouper Season Opens May 1st

April 14, 2012 by

Red Grouper Caught on Buck tail Jig Off Key West with Capt. Steven Lamp

The Atlantic grouper season opens May 1st. For Key West anglers that means food for the table and fun fishing.

In the last few days I have been running my 32 ft Yellowfin out to the west in search of mutton snappers as I have mentioned in my previous reports. Yesterday I got mugged by red grouper. Sizes from 1 – 18 lbs were the spread, but the kicker is we caught and released over 30 red grouper that were over 24 inches. That was without targeting them. We could not seem to get a bait to the Muttons.

I will be spreading my schedule out to run grouper trips in May and June. Its a full day trip and we can really catch a good number of fine eating grouper. Mix that in with some permit on the wrecks on the way out and some fat Mutton snappers along the way to add some color to our grouper box.

I have been fishing in 40 – 80 ft of water for the fish we have been catching but some days we can go to the 150 – 200 ft range for some bigger fish.

A fun day of fishing for 4 persons or less and everyone can get in on the action.

This trip is a great deal at $750.00 plus fuel expenses.. I can show you a good mess of fish on 50 gallons of fuel and increase the average sizes of the fish on 75 gallons of fuel.

Currently I have May 1st, 7th  and 10th still open to get out there and have some fun.

Call my office and book your date this is a very popular trip.. 1-888-362-3474

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Protected: Florida Keys Lobster Mini Season Regulations and Information

March 22, 2011 by

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Key West Snapper Regulations Gulf And Atlantic Recreational

March 22, 2011 by

Mutton Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, and Mangrove Snapper (aka Grey Snapper) are all included in the ten snapper limit per person in both Atlantic and Gulf waters. Mutton Snapper are one of the larger snapper species, and to take these fish they must measure at least 16″ to the tail. Mangrove and Yellowtail Snapper each must measure at least 12″ total length to keep. As their name suggests, Mangrove Snapper are found mainly in inshore waters, around structure and mangroves. Yellowtails are primarily found at the reef in large numbers and are a lot of fun to catch. All of these species are excellent table fare. Currently there is no closed season for any of these snapper species, but like their cousin the Red Snapper, if their numbers seem to dwindle, a season will surely be imposed.

So, do your fishing responsibly and only keep as much as you plan on eating for a night or two, and practice catch and release as much as possible to ensure these fish will be available to us in the future for both food and sport.

These are the same regulations that we follow on everyone of our charters here at Dream Catcher Charters.

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