Spearfishing: Lobster Season In California!

California spiny lobster, photo courtesy of wildlife.ca.gov.

 

The California Spiny Lobster

Lobster season in California officially began October 1st and continues up until March 22nd of 2017. As a spearo, it is important to understand the rules and regulations of hunting lobster.

California Spiny Lobster Regulations:

 

All regulations gathered from the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife.

• “All individuals, including persons under the age of 16, must have a Spiny Lobster Report Card in their immediate possession while taking or attempting to take spiny lobster. Regulations require that prior to beginning lobster fishing, the cardholder must record the month, day, location and gear code on the first available line on the report card. When the cardholder moves to another location, switches gear, or finishes fishing for the day, he or she must immediately record on the card the number of lobster kept for that location using a particular gear type. New lines on the card must be used when changing locations, days, or gear types.” – California Ocean Recreational Fishing Regulations

 

• “No more than five hoop nets may be possessed by one person when taking spiny lobster. No more than 10 hoop nets may be possessed per vessel when taking spiny lobster. Hoop netters are required to raise the hoop net to the surface and inspect the contents of the hoop net at least every 2 hours. See Section 29.80, 29.90, and 29.91 in the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet for complete regulations pertaining to California spiny lobster.” – California Ocean Recreational Fishing Regulations

 

History:

 

• “California spiny lobster, Panulirus interruptus, have been fished in southern California since at least 1872. The commercial fishery originated in Santa Barbara County and expanded as the number of fishermen increased. By 1900, the fishery encompassed the entire Southern California Bight (SCB) and most of the offshore islands. Today’s lobster population is the product of a century of commercial fishing with few areas historically off limits to fishermen.” – California Department of fish and Wildlife

Spiny Lobster Report Card:

 

All individuals must have this in their possession when lobster hunting!

 

 

 

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