Are You Ready for Spiny Lobster Mini Season? This thrilling, lip smackin' annual tradition is next week, Wednesday July 29th and Thursday July 30th! We love our "Bugs" steamed, broiled Abaco fried, Sauteed, Grilled, Chilled...let us count the ways!
Just thinking about it makes me hungry. Let's get ready to participate by reviewing these top 10 "rules" of Bug hunting so that we have them fresh in our minds. (Please Note: There rules are specifically for Palm Beach County. The Keys and other areas have different rules therefore, please do your research.)
1. You MUST have a valid fishing license and crayfish permit with you unless you are under 16 or are a Florida resident over 65. (See last week's blog for details on where to get a license.)
2. You MUST have a measuring device. "Bugs" are to be measured under water and then brought on board whole. The carapace or head section must be at least three inches long. Measure between the horns at the front of the lobster to the rear edge of the carapace.
3. Taking ANY egg-bearing or undersize lobsters are a big no-no! Release them immediately. Can you say BIG FINES???
4. Spearing or gigging lobsters is illegal.
5. The bag limit in Palm Beach County is 12 per person.
6. Boats with divers - fly your dive flag from the highest point on the boat. Divers who will be swimming away from their boats should be pulling a float-mounted dive flag and have a whistle.
7. Please be sure all your dive equipment as well as your vessel is in good shape and working properly.
8. Stay at least 300 feet away from dive flags in open water and 100 feet the more confined areas such as rivers, inlets and navigation channels.
9. Always approach another vessel cautiously and at idle speed. (Even if you know them!)
10. Please report problems on the water by calling The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission at (888) 404-3922. In the event of a life-threatening emergency, call the Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16.
Of course safety when boating is the top priority. Therefore, we urge you to be safe, have fun, mind the rules and Bon appétit!
The Old Port Cove Holdings, Inc. Crew
www.opch.com
P.S. Wanna share???
