Guided Lobster Trip in Long Key, Florida
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 3-hour evening lobster hunting trip for three guestsExpert guidance on safe harvesting techniques in reef areasAll licenses and gear included with Captain Angel
Captain Angel's 3-hour lobster adventure takes you into the prime hunting grounds around Long Key, where Florida's sweetest spiny lobsters hide in the reef structure and rocky bottom. This isn't your typical fishing charter – it's a hands-on lobster harvesting experience that gets you diving into crystal-clear waters at night when these crustaceans are most active. Departing at 8:00 PM aboard a nimble 17' Mako, you'll work the shallows and reef edges where lobsters come out to feed under the cover of darkness. With room for up to three guests, this private trip gives you personalized attention and plenty of space to work.
Your evening starts as the sun sets and the water begins to cool – prime time for lobster activity. Captain Angel knows these waters like the back of his hand, running to productive spots where the bottom structure creates perfect lobster habitat. You'll anchor up over reef patches and rocky areas, then slip into the water with provided snorkel gear and dive lights. The water around Long Key stays warm year-round, making night diving comfortable even in the cooler months. Captain Angel will show you how to spot lobster antennae poking out from their hiding spots and demonstrate proper harvesting techniques that keep you safe and legal. The limit is six lobsters per person, each measuring at least three inches from the eye socket to the back of the carapace. Don't worry about measuring – Captain Angel carries gauges and knows exactly what's legal size.
All your lobster hunting gear comes included, from snorkel equipment to dive lights and tickle sticks. The tickle stick is your primary tool – a long rod that helps coax lobsters out of their holes without damaging them or putting your hands in risky spots. Captain Angel also provides nets and gloves, plus all the measuring gauges needed to ensure every lobster meets Florida's size requirements. The 17' Mako gives you a stable platform with easy water entry, and the shallow draft lets Captain Angel get you right up on the reef structure where the biggest bugs hide. You'll learn to read the bottom, spotting the coral heads and rock piles that lobsters call home. The technique involves patience and finesse – lobsters are quick to retreat deeper into their holes if you rush the approach.
Florida spiny lobsters are the prize of these waters, and Long Key sits right in the heart of their prime habitat. These aren't the clawed lobsters you might know from up north – spiny lobsters are all tail meat, sweet and firm when cooked fresh. They're most active from late evening through early morning, which is why this trip runs at night. During the day, they hide deep in coral crevices and rock holes, but as darkness falls, they venture out to feed on small fish, crabs, and marine worms. The biggest lobsters often stay deeper in the structure, requiring more skill to coax out safely. Spiny lobsters can live over 20 years and grow quite large – the real trophies might measure 8 inches or more. What makes them so exciting to hunt is their wariness and speed. One wrong move and they'll rocket backward into their hole, antennae whipping and tail flapping. Successfully harvesting a nice lobster requires reading their body language and moving with patience and precision.
The season runs from August through March, with the best action typically happening in the early months when lobsters are more active and haven't been pressured by other hunters. By late season, the survivors have learned to be extra cautious, making each successful harvest that much more rewarding. The waters around Long Key hold healthy populations because of the diverse reef structure and relatively light pressure compared to more heavily fished areas closer to shore.
This top-rated lobster adventure books up fast, especially during the peak early season weeks when the bugs are most active. Captain Angel's local knowledge and personalized approach make this trip a customer favorite among both first-time lobster hunters and seasoned veterans. You'll head home with fresh lobster tails and the skills to hunt them yourself – plus stories about your night adventure on the reef. The trip includes everything you need except your Florida lobster license, which you can purchase online before your trip. With only three spots available and limited seasonal dates, don't wait to secure your evening on the water. Book now and get ready for some of the best lobster hunting Florida has to offer, right in the heart of the Keys' most productive waters.
This 17' Mako is your ticket to the best lobster 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 serious about bug hunting. The shallow draft lets Captain Angel slip into those productive reef areas and rocky bottom spots where spiny lobsters love to hide. Her stable platform makes it easy to work the snare and measure your catch, while the compact design means you'll spend more time hunting and less time running between spots. Perfect for small groups who want to focus on filling their limit of six bugs per person in the productive evening hours when these crustaceans are most active.
Long Key, FL