The 2017 Florida Lobster Season opens with the July 26 & 27 mini-season, commencing the “bug fever” ritual for thousands, but it’s the sweet, succulent fresh crustacean that becomes the ultimate reward.
There are some who will debate whether the taste of Florida lobster rivals the touted reputation of New England lobster, but few can argue that fresh lobster is the best – no matter where it comes from. The tasty sweet meat freshly caught from the aqua blue shimmering water is one of Florida’s most delightful seafood treats.
And that is why Florida lobster season, and especially the two-day sport season, has become an annual ritual for thousands who live here or are visiting. It is commonly referred to as catching “bug fever”, an addictive and enjoyable Florida sport.
Season Begins
This week the frenzy of Florida Spiny Lobster Season begins with the July 26 & 27 two-day mini-season. According to Tom Matthews, Researcher and Scientist with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), “This two-day event draws 38,000 recreational divers” who will begin the hunt for the unsuspecting lobsters (after a four-month seasonal break). The mini-season precedes regular lobster season, which begins August 6 and runs through March 31, 2018.
