Lobstering!

Monroe County boasts the largest lobster population in the state of Florida, and draws the most lobster divers.

More than 70 percent of all crawfish taken in the state come from reefs in Monroe County, despite the fact that lobster hunting is regulated more strictly here than anywhere else.

While the reefs of Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties don't draw the crowds that the Keys do, the Gold Coast has numerous lobster-rich sites, and bug hunting is taken every bit as seriously here as it is in the Keys.

The mini-season rules are looser, and because it's legal to dive at night for lobster, some dive operators offer a round-the-clock charter schedule.

From Vero Beach to Jacksonville, local bug hunters have countless secret spots, and lobster season is a cause for celebration--with shore dives and three-tank hunting trips to offshore sites.

In the Daytona area, try the shore-accessible reefs of Jaycee Beach or catch a charter to the Turtle Mound. Off Jacksonville/St. Augustine, charters hit deep offshore sites like Elton Bottom and Clayton's Holler.

The tools you'll need for Lobstering are:

Dive Flag - All divers in Florida waters must display a dive flag and stay within 100 feet of it.

Short-Handled Lobster Net and Tail Snare - Nets are used o­n sand flats while snares are best for reefs.

Tickle Stick - A thin fiberglass rod about 24 inches long used to coax lobsters out of holes without harming the reef.
 
Gloves – (For the lobster, not the reef!)

Mesh Game Bag - To hold your catch. Look for models with a convenient way to attach to your weight belt or gear, and a locking enclosure.
 
Lobster Gauge - Every diver must carry a lobster gauge and must measure the lobster under water before it's placed in the game bag.