Lobsters

[Big Cat]

I am going to Guana this saturday for a week and would like some information on catching lobsters. Is a Hawaiian Sling the best way to do this? What are the laws for their use?

[Patti Puzo]

I'm not sure about the lobsters, but I bet some of our forum members will be along shortly to help you out. In the meantime, WELCOME!:)

[HALF-A-HAMIAN]

You got it, Big Cat, Hawaiian sling, pole spear, or short gaf to hook them out from under a ledge. Make sure you have no scuba or hooka equipment, and non-Bahamians are prohibited from taking conch. Rental boats include permission for fishing/spearing. If you're coming in your own boat, have customs add an endorsement for spearing. All spearing is also to be done 200' from shore.

[SamFamAustin]

Hey Half, tell 'em how the manly men (and our female counterparts) free dive in shallow water within 200 feet of the shoreline and just swoop them up by hand! Just grab an antler (those two antenna thangs) and hold them at arm's length and come on up to put them in a box or empty cooler.

Woo, they'll try to kick the tail and raise a commotion but they don't have claws to nab ya - and the Lord gave us a nice handle to grab them too! Tickle sticks and small gaffs are not considered cheating but ... how long can you stay under on one breath?

One last thing. Catching them live is nice because if they're short or turn out to be females with eggs (which are prohibited), you can simply grab them by the antler and hoist the critter overboard and let 'em swim away. Have fun! /sammie ;)

[Big Cat]

What is the size limit? Also where is the best place to get a sling and how much should I expect to pay?

[SamFamAustin]

Minimum size limits are 3-3/8 inch carapace length or six inches tail length. Egg-bearing female crawfish are protected.

Not sure about the slings but like fishing rods, most bring our own stuff over.

[HALF-A-HAMIAN]

Sometimes we'd float an old wash tub out to put the fish in, and when done, stash the tub and string the fish up on top string (palmetto) or on the spear to tote them back home. Of course at Cherokee, you could still stand bottom most places almost a quarter mile out!

[Patti Puzo]

Hey Half, tell 'em how the manly men (and our female counterparts) free dive in shallow water within 200 feet of the shoreline and just swoop them up by hand! Just grab an antler (those two antenna thangs) and hold them at arm's length and come on up to put them in a box or empty cooler.



If I am not mistaken, I think CR does this on a regular basis. Perhaps he will add to the thread soon.

[CR]

If you are going to be grabbing them by the whips - you best have good gloves or you will get cut up.

We use a short gaff, or pole spear to take Crawfish. The hook is easier if they are not too far under the ledge, if too far under we use a pole spear.

You can buy spears about anywhere in Marsh Harbor, I usually buy from Royce at National Marine.

R.

[Jacaranda]

Don't want to be a 'nitpicker', pick on tourists and visitors, but I understand that the regs state.......'no spearfishing' within 200 YARDS or 600 FEET of the shoreline.......it creates a lot of hostility in our area when people, locals or visitors are spearing right in front of the houses and eating the pet fish with names.......:confused:

[SamFamAustin]

No problem, got to have the facts right ... obviously I buy crawfish and don't catch 'em!

[HALF-A-HAMIAN]

My bad, I meant 200 yards, but had a brain fart!

[SamFamAustin]

Having a "senior moment" and fessing up to it means you're a real human, Half. I had about three brain farts already today!

Me, I can fly in planes and don't mind snorkeling but anything below 12 feet and my eardrums want to burst. I have tried every method to equalize the pressure, short of surgery which ain't going to happen. So I literally know nothing about diving, underwater photography, and catching crawdads ... unless you're talking a trap with a float line or a bully net - and I have no idea if those are even legal devices.

Anybody know? We used to make a hoop net around a metal circle and tie three lines on it ... put the bait in the middle and wait for a booger to walk in and then haul up. /sammie

[HALF-A-HAMIAN]

Yeah Sammie, folks used to put down fish and crawfish traps like that, and a few still do, but unless they're in a direct line of sight of your home, someone is bound to rob you blind. Nowdays, no floats, they have to rely on GPS coordinates in a semi-camaflaged location to have any success. Sadly, it's the decline in morals in some locations, and greed in the rest.