Are there lobsters in Southern California?

The California spiny lobster (Panulirus interruptus) is a species of spiny lobster found in the eastern Pacific Ocean from Monterey Bay, California, to the Gulf of Tehuantepec, Mexico.

Where can I dive for lobster in Los Angeles?

Prime lobster spots in Orange County include Crystal and Moss coves in Laguna Beach, the jetty off Newport Beach, the Los Angeles/Long Beach breakwater, San Clemente and Santa Catalina islands, and the Channel Islands.

How do you catch lobster in Southern California?

Bait and Tackle: Spiny lobsters are most commonly taken by using hoop nets. Bait varies but fish scraps are probably the most prevalent bait used to catch them (and cans of cat food are favored by some of the people on the Pier Fishing in California Message Board).

Can you catch lobsters in California?

Under California law, spiny lobster may only be taken by hand or by hoop net. In addition, if you are a sport fisherman, you may not use a trap to capture or take a lobster. Finally, if you capture a lobster “incidentally” on a hook and line while fishing, it must immediately be returned to sea.

Is it lobster season in California?

California’s recreational spiny lobster season is set to kick off Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at 6 a.m., continuing through March 16, 2022. “Typically, about 33,000 report cards are purchased each season, but nearly 46,000 were purchased this last season. Over half of those were new lobster hunters.”

Where are lobsters found?

American lobsters are found in the northwest Atlantic Ocean from Labrador to Cape Hatteras. They’re most abundant in coastal waters from Maine through New Jersey, and are also common offshore to depths of 2,300 feet from Maine through North Carolina.

Can you dive for lobsters in California?

You must carry a measuring device with you in and measure them in the water. The limit is seven lobster per day and you must have a valid California fishing license. For sport divers, lobster can be taken only by hand. Lobsters like just about any rocky environment that gives them adequate cover in the day time.

Can you lobster dive in La Jolla?

La Jolla Water Sports Lobster Diving tour provides your lobster gauge, wetsuit, gloves, dive bag, booties, hood, snorkel gear and a flashlight! You’ll need to catch them with your hands as spear fishing lobster is highly illegal and not nearly as much fun. Each diver can catch up to 7 lobsters of legal size.

What is the best bait to catch lobster?

Salted Herring
Salted Herring is the prefered bait fish used by lobstermen to lure and trap lobsters. When there is a Herring shortage, bait prices increase, impacting the lobstermen’s bottom line. Bluefish, Cod, Mackerel, and Menhaden (known as Pogeys) are also used as bait.

How do you fish for lobster?

Dive or snorkel to catch lobsters by hand. Take a tickle stick and net and dive in, combing the rocky areas, coral, and ledges for lobster antennae. When you spot one, take your tickle stick and guide the lobster out of its hiding spot with a sweeping motion. Then, use your hands and the net to catch the lobster.

Where can I fish for lobster in California?

Primarily a temperate water species they are primarily found in Southern California. Consistently good locations for lobster hunting include Talcott Shoal at Santa Rosa Island, Santa Barbara Island, most of Catalina Island, San Nicolas Island, Cortes Bank, Palos Verdes, and Point Loma.

How many lobsters are you allowed to catch California?

Seven lobsters
Recreational Bag Limit: Seven lobsters per person. Minimum Legal Size Limit: Three and one-fourth inches, measured in a straight line on the midline of the back from the rear edge of the eye socket to the rear edge of the body shell (3 ¼ inch carapace).

Can You scuba dive for spiny lobsters in California?

If you want to bring a California spiny lobster to your table, you’ll need to either strap on a scuba tank (make sure you’re PADI certified first) or go at it freediving. If you scuba for spiny lobsters you’ll be able to go into deeper water for longer and typically land bigger bugs.

What’s the best way to catch a California lobster?

The two most common ways to bring a California spiny lobster home is to hoop net them or grab them by hand while freediving or scuba diving. When you’re getting started going after California spiny lobsters, you’ll likely come home empty-handed.

How big do spiny lobsters get in California?

I have friends who like to dive 60+ feet and they have brought home some huge spiny lobsters. However, the largest California spiny lobster I brought home was in around 15 feet so it just depends on where the bugs are at the time of your dive.

When is spiny lobster season in Baja California?

In order to grab the spiny lobster you’ll need to wait for the season to open up. California spiny lobster season starts the first Wednesday in October and lasts until the first Wednesday after the 15th of March. You’ll find these spiny lobsters in the Gulf of California, and along the Baja California peninsula.