More lobster advice for locals

The local lobster pursuit is in full swing. Just prior to the September 30 opener, over 100 recreational anglers attended a pre-season seminar given by lobster hoop trap expert, Jimmie Salazar.

Salazar said the bugs should be in plentiful supply both now and at the end of the season on March 21, 2018.

This year finds a change in Department of Fish and Wildlife regs. On one’s fishing license, and additionally the required lobster card ($9.46 at any DFW license retailer), anglers will find a “Go ID” number. That number must be written on any floats used above the cages. DFW hopes this will stop poaching of other angler’s and diver’s traps, and avoid numerous fights that have occurred over the years.

New regs also require drop nets to be in the water fro a maximum of only two hours. Any longer than that, Salazar advised, the lobsters usually find a way out.

Salazar suggested going out right at sunset. Lobsters are nocturnal and hungry by sundown. He also showed the audience how to measure the required 3.5-inch body to keep from taking juvenile lobsters.

For us North County bug catchers that don’t have a boat, there are keepable-sized lobsters off the Oceanside Pier, long.rumored to only produce shorts.

At the free seminar held at the Lobster Port Trap Company in Oceanside, recreational anglers were reminded that one’s lobster card must be sent in to DFW at the end of the season, even if no lobsters were caught.