What does a scuba diver need to go after lobsters?

Question

The spiny bugs are in season.  What do I need:  licenses, equipment, discerning open from protected waters, etc.

Answer 1

Depends where you are diving. My experience was in Mexico, with Cousteau. We didn't actually catch the lobsters but instead traded for them (wine and cigarettes). I wrote a University research paper on it, a book FROGMEN, and here is a blog post I wrote with a link to the Cousteau film https://blueocean.net/inside-world-jacques-cousteau-episode-2-first-seeing-calypso/

In Mexico the fishermen used traps. I understand that in the Bahamas they use a clear bucket to see the lobsters in the shallow clear water and use a bully hook to snag them and pull them aboard.

Answer 2

If in Florida you will need the following:

1. Saltwater fishing license. (you can get this from the FWC website)
2. Lobster stamp. (goes with fishing license)
3. Scuba certification card.
4. Gloves. (I recommend Kevlar dive gloves)
5. Lobster gauge.
6. Tickle stick / spear gun!

They are not hard to find or catch. Carapace must be larger than 3" (measured in the water; per FWC). Possession and use of a measuring device is required at all times. A lot of people like to use nets to assist in catching; you tickle them out of a hole and net them. I prefer to set something next to them and grab them. A spear gun works great...