How to Catch California Lobster

The California spiny lobster can be found from Monterey Bay, California to Manzanillo, Mexico. At the northwestern end of the Gulf of California, another small isolated population can be found. The best place to find lobster in California is between Point Conception, California and Magdalena Bay, Mexico. Adult lobsters usually live in rocky crevices from shallow water to depths of about 240 feet. Commercial and recreational divers search for lobster along California's coast every year during lobster season.

Things You'll Need

  • Fishing license
  • Diving gear
  • Mesh bag
  • Gloves
  • Net
  • Measuring gauge
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Instructions

  1. Catching California Spiny Lobster

    • 1

      Buy a license. Anyone over the age of 16 who plans to take any fish, shellfish, reptile, or amphibian will need to purchase a license from the California Department of Fish and Game. Short-term sport fishing licenses are available in the increments of one, two or 10 days. Annual or lifetime licenses can also be purchased with varying fees depending on residency status and age. The minimum fine in California for fishing without a license is $250.

    • 2

      Determine when to go. In order to protect dwindling numbers of lobster, legislation has been enacted to institute a closed season. Lobster season runs from the Saturday before the first Wednesday in October until the first Wednesday after the 15th of March. Be sure to plan your trip accordingly.

    • 3

      Rent or purchase gear. Spiny lobsters are usually found near the shoreline or in slightly deeper water, so the best way to find them is by snorkeling or scuba diving. Other necessary gear can be found at most tackle stores on the California coast.

    • 4

      Dive for lobster. The best places to look are in crevices and caverns of coral reefs, where lobsters often make their homes. Spiny lobsters stay inside the crevices during daylight hours to avoid predators and come out after dark to search for food. You will see a pair of antennae emerging from the crevice, but will seldom see a whole lobster. If you see one pair of antennae, there are usually more lobster nearby. Recommended places to dive are South Casa Cove, California and the Point Loma Kelp Beds. Wear gloves to protect your hands from the lobster's spines, and use a net to assist in catching the lobster.

    • 5

      Measure the lobster. Use a measuring gauge to ensure the lobster is large enough to keep. In order to keep a lobster, it must have a carapace length of 3 1/4 inches measured from the rear edge of the eye socket to the rear edge of the body shell. This size limit guarantees the existence of several ages of younger lobsters, even if all those of legal size are caught every season. Once the lobster has been caught and measured, place the lobster in a mesh bag.