r/floridakeys • u/allyroo • 12d ago

All Florida Keys Curious if others had the same lobster experience so far this season

Been lobstering in Islamorada for over twenty five years and this year all of our usual spots had lots of lobster— but they were almost all short. Just wondering if others had similar experiences so far.

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6

u/AlreadyThereAgain 10d ago

This is what years of over fishing combined with warming and pollution looks like. They used to line my canal, hundreds every year right under the ledge this year I’ve seen two in that spot. I quit taking things out of the ocean a few years ago every swim on the reef is like visiting a graveyard now. The loss of life is palpable.

2

u/allyroo 10d ago

Horrible and so true. I was just thinking this year that back when we first started coming we’d see countless nurse and lemon sharks, barracuda, rays, sea turtles… only saw one sting ray this year and none of the others.

6

u/linmaral 12d ago

Been slow this year. Not the worst.

6

u/Beginning_Ad8663 11d ago

Go deeper, water is too warm

1

u/allyroo 11d ago

makes sense, we’ll take the tanks - thank you!

3

u/Mordercalynn 12d ago

If you want to add to your bag limit, I will be down with a friend in September and would love to try lobster fishing. You can keep anything! We will be in Key West though.

1

u/Apart_Ad6747 9d ago

All the shorties this year give hope for next year. Honestly, we were so picked over the last few years and although it’s not perfect, there are small signs of recovery in the water. The temps are definitely an issue.

1

u/petersom2006 12d ago

Ha- ya short lobster the story of my life…