PAGE 12 - July 25, 2012
The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
Spiny2012 recreational and commercial spiny lobster seasons will open soon, be-
lobster seasons begin soon
The
ginning with the two-day spiny lobster recreational season July 25 and 26. The regular
commercial and recreational lobster season starts Aug. 6 and runs through March 31.
The special two-day season occurs on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July
each year to let recreational fishermen collect spiny lobsters before commercial lobster traps
are placed in the water. Commercial fishermen may begin putting their traps in the water
Aug. 1, & recreational and commercial fishermen may harvest lobsters starting Aug. 6.
Spiny lobsters must have a carapace length greater than 3 inches to be taken during
the open seasons, and divers must possess a measuring device and measure all lobsters in
the water.
During the two-day spiny lobster sport season, recreational divers and snorkelers
can take up to six lobsters per person daily in Monroe County and Biscayne National Park
waters and 12 lobsters per person daily in other Florida waters. You can possess no more
than the daily bag limit of lobsters when you are on the water. When you are off the water,
you can possess the daily bag limit on the first day and double the daily bag limit on the
second day. Possession limits are enforced on and off the water during the two-day sport
season.
Night diving for spiny lobsters during the two-day sport season is not allowed in
Monroe County, and all harvest of lobsters is prohibited in John Pennekamp Coral Reef
State Park during the two-day season. Lobster harvest is also prohibited at all times in
This week's feature photo is of Richard Roberts and JW Tidewell of Ocala with a mixed bag
Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, Biscayne Bay/Card Sound Spiny
of Flounder, Redfish and Sea Trout. All of the fish were caught on New Penny Gulp and Live
Lobster Sanctuary, certain areas in Pennekamp Park, and no-take areas in the Florida Keys
Shrimp,Northwest of Hodges Island. From Captains Cove.
National Marine Sanctuary.
You must have a recreational saltwater fishing license and a spiny lobster permit
Captains Cove Outfitters
to recreationally harvest spiny lobsters unless you are exempt from recreational license
requirements. Information about these licenses and permits is available online.
39 W. Hwy. 40 • Inglis, FL • (352) 447-5610
Divers and snorkelers must display a “divers-down” flag (red with a white diago-
nal stripe) while in the water. Divers-down flags displayed on vessels must be at least 20
More Than A Bait Store
inches by 24 inches, and a stiffener is required to keep the flag unfurled. Dive flags carried
on floats must be at least 12 inches by 12 inches. Divers must make reasonable efforts to
Even though we have a great bait selection!
stay within 300 feet of a divers-down flag on open waters and within 100 feet of a flag
within rivers, inlets or navigation channels. The flag must be displayed from the highest
SHIMANO Top Shelf Dealer
point of the vessel and must be visible from all directions. When divers are out of the water,
the flag must not be displayed.
Costa 580 P Dealer
BUDDY & FRED'S HARDWARE
All Our Staff are Fishermen • Local Guides Available
Established 1983
Food Ranch Plaza • 44 Hwy. 19 N. • Inglis, Florida
We have a Clean Family Friendly Atmosphere
352-447-2600 • BuddyandFredsHardware.com
Top Quality rods & reels for beginners
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-6pm • Sat. 8am-4pm • Sun. 10am-4pm
to experts. Large selection of Saltwater Tackle
H a r d w a r e • To o l s • G r i l l s / A c c e s o r i e s • P l a n t s / S e e d s / G a r d e n i n g
Kitchen • Gifts Items • Camping/RV • Elec. Fireplaces • & More!
JULY SALE ITEMS:
•Igloo & Rubbermaid Coolers
•Lodge Cast Iron Cookware
•Lupine Pet Collars & Leads
•GrassWorx Astroturf Mats
•Adams Qwik-Fold Tables
•EZ Read Rain Guage
All Sale Items
“WE BUY GOLD”
Hobb's End
Indoor Flea Market
Exceptional Jewelry • Custom Designing • Estate Buyer
SPECIALTY GEMS
Located at 7975 W. Dunnellon Rd.
Established 1985
Derosa Plaza C.R. 488 at C.R. 495
600 S.E. Highway 19 • Crystal River, FL 34429
352-564-0530
email: noelchiefland@wildblue.net
HOURS:
www.specialtygems.net
Tuesday - Friday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
352-795-5900
Saturday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm