Lobster Mini Season 2008

Our trip began at 1:00 a.m. After scoping out the Coconut Grove ramp around 11:30p.m. and finding every space taken by the bully netters...we decided it was in our best interest to beat the morning ramp crowds and drop the completely rewired Maverick in the water as soon as possible. We were back at the house just after midnight, loaded up with gear, provisions, and plenty of water before heading down to launch the boat. To our surprise, after arriving back at the ramp, we were greeted by a prime parking space left behind by an opt-out bully netter. We launched the boat in record time, fired up the navigation lights, and headed for the channel.

We raced into the darkness, clear across Biscayne Bay towards Sand Key, as our plan was to anchor up over night just inside of Sand Cut, and then cruise out the channel in the morning to the primo lobster grounds. The bioluminescent algae swirling around the hull as the current pushed by was the omen we were hoping for as we prepared for sunrise. Somewhere between a couple swigs of fine rum, plenty of classic rock on the radio, and a few renegade bully netters, Walt treated us to an outstanding evening snack of imported Kippered Herring.

mmmmm....KABAR

It was about 4:30a.m. when the boats began to cruise by. One jackass came within 20 yards of our boat while we slept...his engine noise woke me up...good thing too, as the wake he pushed rocked us so hard Walt almost slid overboard while sleeping!

The traffic became so intense as we neared dawn that we gave up on sleeping, enjoyed our breakfast, and prepared for a day of free diving. I knew better than to drive around aimlessly looking for congregations of boats hovering over a reef, so I relied on a tride and true technique I learned from a good friend down in the keys. Needless to say...it worked!!!

We spent the remainder of the morning dragging around in search of new "real estate". Who's scared of a little prop wash?

We found most of our bugs on the ledges east of Elliott Key, but the big payoff came when we came across a pristine reef just to the north east of triumph. These elaborate healthy corals were LOADED with sizeable lobsters...we proceeded to exhaust ourselves to the point at which we physically couldn't dive anymore.

Total Lobsters Caught = 64
Total Lobsters Kept = 29

I can't stress enough what a tremendously outstanding decision it was to play this adventure by the book. As we puttered up to the ramp, FWC was waiting. As soon as we put the boat on the trailer, our local ranger was kind enough to come up and ask how we did. He even gave us a little quiz to make sure we were aware of the laws. Too bad for him he didn't get to write us a ticket!

All in all, i'd say this was certainly one of the best Mini Season's yet! Great weather, great friends, and great lobstering! Can't argue with that!

Not to mention a delicious lobster dinner! Stay tuned for more lobster reports from Miami, Florida and plenty of Biscayne Bay Bonefishing now that the Maverick is back in action.

Tight Lines Amigos.

C.