Get Ready for Lobster Mini Season

It's almost here. The 2008 Lobster Mini Season for the Florida Keys is set for July 30 and 31. Each year the Keys get flooded with visitors who have lobster on their minds.

If you are planning a trip this year, please be considerate and follow the rules. We are seeing fewer lobster over the last few years. If people will follow the rules and act like responsible adults we will have far less trouble and it will be more enjoyable for everyone.

There are bag limits of six lobster per person per day here in Monroe County. In other areas you can see the bag limits on the Florida Fish and Wildlife site. This can be a lot of fun but it is wise to exercise caution. You will want to arrive in the Keys a few days early and check out the Lobster Rodeo and Dive Safety Expo July 27 at Knights Key in Marathon. It is scheduled from 11 to 4 and is intended to give safety advice as well as tips for divers hoping to catch some lobster.

During the 2005 and 2006 mini seasons there were seven dive-related deaths. This Expo is put together to educate divers who may be a bit rusty and prevent future catastrophe. Definitely make some time to stop by this free event before you hit the water. You may be surprised at how much you don't remember. And the tips you learn will improve your chances of bringing home a tasty dinner.

It is important to use some common sense as well. I distinctly remember a man writing in to the paper to complain that the police ruined his weekend by harassing him. In truth, his toddler was alone roaming around a parking lot. No one knew where he belonged but he was obviously unsupervised and unsafe. I guess Dad felt that his fishing was more important than the safety of his child.

Overall, our visitors are wonderful people and we love to get to know folks from all over the country--and even all over the world. So plan your visit now, I know it won't be your last.