Expert Guided Lobster Diving Adventures in Long Key Waters
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Threehour guided lobster trip departing at 8:00 PM nightly.Private inshore adventure aboard 17foot Mako for three guests.Seasonal availability with licenses, gear, and guidance included.
Ready to ditch the rod and reel for something completely different? Captain Angel's nighttime lobster trip in Long Key puts you right in the action for some of the most rewarding hands-on fishing you'll find in the Keys. This isn't your typical casting and waiting – you're getting in the water, working the reefs, and bringing home dinner the old-fashioned way. With just three spots available per trip, you'll get personalized attention while learning the tricks that locals have used for generations to score these tasty crustaceans.
This top-rated evening adventure kicks off at 8:00 PM when the lobsters start moving around the reef structures. Captain Angel runs a nimble 17-foot Mako that gets you into the shallow rocky areas and patch reefs where Florida spiny lobsters love to hang out. You'll spend three hours working different spots, learning to read the bottom structure and spotting those telltale antennae poking out from ledges and crevices. The boat's shallow draft means access to prime hunting grounds that bigger vessels can't reach, giving you a real advantage on productive bottom. Each guest can legally harvest up to six lobsters that measure at least three inches from the eye socket to the back of the shell – Captain Angel will show you exactly how to measure and handle them properly.
All your lobster hunting gear comes included, so you don't need to worry about sourcing snorkels, masks, or tickle sticks. Captain Angel provides everything from dive lights to measuring gauges, plus he'll walk you through proper technique before you hit the water. Lobstering is all about patience and knowing where to look – these guys tuck themselves under ledges, in holes, and around coral heads during the day, then venture out at night to feed. You'll learn to use the tickle stick to coax them out while positioning your net to make the grab. The key is smooth, deliberate movements and knowing how to approach without spooking your target. Captain Angel has been working these waters for years and knows exactly which spots produce consistently, whether it's rocky outcrops, artificial reefs, or natural coral formations.
Florida spiny lobsters are completely different beasts from their Maine cousins – no big claws here, just pure tail meat that's sweet as candy when cooked fresh. These guys can live up to 15 years and grow to impressive sizes, with mature adults often reaching two to three pounds. They're most active at night when they emerge from their hiding spots to forage for crabs, snails, and other bottom dwellers. During the day, they cluster in groups under ledges and in caves, which makes them easier to spot once you know what to look for. The legal season runs from August through March, with a special two-day sport season in late July that gets everyone fired up for the official opener. What makes targeting them so satisfying is the combination of skill, stealth, and that instant gratification when you successfully net a keeper-sized bug.
Captain Angel's lobster trips are only available during the legal seasons – July 25-26 for the sport season mini-season and August 6 through March 31 for the regular season. With just three guests per trip and limited dates, these customer-favorite excursions fill up fast, especially during the peak fall months when the lobsters are most active. Your license, all gear, and expert instruction are included in the trip price, so you just need to bring yourself and maybe a cooler for your fresh catch. Whether you're a family looking for something different or a group of friends wanting to try authentic Keys-style harvesting, this hands-on approach beats any restaurant meal you'll find. Book now to secure your spot for what many guests call their best trip in the Keys – just don't blame us when you get hooked on lobster hunting and start planning your next visit before you even get back to the dock.
This 17' Mako is your ticket to prime lobster hunting grounds around Long Key. Built in 2018 with a dependable 60HP Mercury outboard, she's perfectly sized for up to three anglers who want to get into the shallow reefs and rocky bottom structure where spiny lobsters love to hide. Her shallow draft lets Captain Angel tuck into spots where bigger boats can't reach, giving you access to productive ledges and coral heads. The stable platform makes it easy to work your snares and measure your catch while staying comfortable on the water. With plenty of storage for your gear and a live well to keep your lobsters fresh, this Mako handles the backcountry waters of the Keys with ease. She runs smooth and quiet, perfect for those evening departures when the lobsters start moving. Whether you're new to lobstering or looking to fill your bag, this boat puts you right where the action is.
Long Key, FL