How to Catch a Hawaiian Lobster

Two species of lobster are commonly found in the Hawaiian Islands -- the spiny lobster and the slipper lobster. On occasion, the green spiny lobster and the green slipper lobster are found, but they are extremely rare. The Hawaiian lobster fishing industry was very profitable in the 1980s and 1990s, as approximately 1 million lobsters had been caught, creating a huge export market from Hawaii to the mainland United States. However, overfishing forced the closing of several areas where lobsters were caught commercially, and now, the only lobsters that can be caught legally are ones that are caught by hand by divers. With the proper rigging, catching lobsters by hand can be done.

Things You'll Need

  • Commercial license (if necessary)
  • Boat
  • Fish finder (optional)
  • Map (optional)
  • Scuba diving gear
  • Tickle stick and net (or lobster snare)
  • Heavy gloves
  • Catch bag
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Instructions

    • 1

      Learn the rules. Catching lobster in Hawaii is regulated by the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources. If you are catching lobster for commercial purposes, you need to obtain a Commercial Marine License. If you are just catching lobster for recreational or personal purposes, no license is required. There are still rules, however. Catching, taking or possessing female spiny and slipper lobsters is prohibited. According to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, the catching of lobsters in state waters is closed from May 1 until the end of August. Spiny lobsters must have a tail width of at least 3 1/4 inches. Slipper lobsters must have a tail width of at least 2 3/4 inches. You are not allowed to use a spear to catch lobsters.

    • 2

      Get the proper gear. Because lobsters in Hawaii can be caught only by hand, you have to dive for them. Get a proper scuba diving setup -- suit, mask, flippers, dive light or flashlight and air tank -- because you will be diving to the sea floor to find the lobsters. You will also need a tickle stick to flush lobsters out into the open, and a net (or lobster snare) to help capture them. Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands. Hawaiian lobsters are the spiny variety and can cut through human flesh if you grab them the wrong way. Finally, you will need a catch bag for any lobsters you find.

    • 3

      Find a good dive spot. You can ask local lobster hunters where the best places are, but they likely will keep that information to themselves. Using a fish finder or map, find locations on the ocean floor that have plenty of rocks, reefs, shipwrecks or other places where lobsters can hide. Drive your boat to a location known for lobsters and anchor nearby.

    • 4

      Dive and start hunting. You may be able to see the tips of their antennae poking from their hiding place. Use the tickle stick to poke in the rocks and crevices to force them into the open. After they come out, use the net or lobster snare to catch them. Place your lobsters in the catch bag. Remember, lobsters swim backwards, so put the lobster into the bag tail first.