The Easiest Way to Catch Your Own Lobster!
Picture this: A plate of perfectly cooked lobster, dripping with melted butter, the meat sweet and tender. Now, picture enjoying that meal knowing you caught it yourself, fresh from the ocean, just hours before.
Sounds like a dream reserved for seasoned fisherman with expensive boats and commercial traps, right?
Wrong.
There’s a surprisingly simple, thrilling, and affordable way for almost anyone to catch their own lobster. Forget the complicated gear and deep-sea diving. We’re talking about hoop netting.
If you’re looking for a new outdoor adventure that ends with a five-star meal, you’ve come to the right place.
What is Hoop Netting for Lobster?
Hoop netting is the weekend warrior’s secret weapon for catching crustaceans. At its core, a hoop net is a baited basket that you lower to the ocean floor from a pier, jetty, or small boat. Lobsters, attracted by the scent, crawl into the net to feast on the bait. After a short wait, you pull the net up quickly, bringing the surprised lobsters along with it.
It’s active, it’s exciting, and it’s incredibly effective.
The Gear You’ll Need (It’s Simpler Than You Think)
Getting started is easy and won’t break the bank. Here’s your checklist:
- Hoop Net(s): You can buy these at most coastal bait and tackle shops. They come in two main styles: flat (like a volcano) and conical (like a cone). Both work great.
- Rope: You’ll need enough rope to comfortably reach the bottom from where you’re fishing. 100 feet is a good starting point.
- Bait Cage: A small wire or plastic cage that clips to the center of your net to hold the bait. This prevents seals and sea lions from stealing your bait in one gulp.
- Bait: Lobsters aren’t picky, but they love oily, smelly fish. Mackerel, bonito, or salmon heads are lobster candy.
- A Good Light Source: Lobsters are most active at night, so a powerful headlamp or lantern is essential.
- Thick Gloves: Lobsters have powerful claws (or spiny shells, depending on your region) and can give you a nasty pinch or cut. Protect your hands!
- Lobster Gauge: This is a non-negotiable, essential tool. It’s a small, specific measuring device to ensure your catch is of legal size.
- Fishing License (with Lobster Endorsement): Another absolute must-have. Check your local fish and wildlife department for specific requirements. Don’t even think about going without one.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Your First Lobster Haul
Ready for the thrill of the pull? Here’s how it’s done.
Step 1: Know the Rules! Before you even touch a net, check your local regulations. Know the lobster season dates, the legal size limit, the daily bag limit (how many you can keep), and any specific rules for your area. Fines are steep, and conservation is key to ensuring we can do this for years to come.
Step 2: Pick Your Spot and Bait Up Lobsters love structure. Look for areas around jetties, piers, and rocky bottoms. They hide in the rocks during the day and come out to forage at night. Once you’ve found your spot, stuff your smelliest bait into the bait cage and clip it securely to the bottom of the net.
Step 3: The Drop and the Wait Carefully lower your baited net to the ocean floor. Make sure it lands flat. Now comes the hard part: waiting. This is called the “soak time.” Let the net sit for about 20-30 minutes. This gives the scent time to travel and attract hungry lobsters.
Step 4: The Pull! This is the moment of truth. When it’s time to check your net, you need to pull the rope up as fast and steady as you can. The goal is to create a “basket” with the net walls, trapping the lobsters inside before they can scurry away. Pulling too slowly is the #1 mistake beginners make.
Step 5: Measure Immediately Get the net onto the pier or boat and grab any lobsters before they make a run for it. With your gloves on, pick them up by the body (carapace) to avoid the claws.
Immediately use your lobster gauge to measure the carapace (the main body shell).
- If it’s too small, release it immediately. Gently place it back in the water.
- If you see a female with eggs (a “berried” female), she must be returned to the water immediately, regardless of size. These are the mothers ensuring future generations of lobster.
Step 6: Keep or Release If your lobster is of legal size and not carrying eggs, congratulations! Place it in a cooler or bucket with a damp towel over it. Never put them in a bucket of fresh water.
Repeat the process, enjoy the night air, and with a little patience, you’ll have a delicious, hard-earned dinner.
More Than Just a Meal
Hoop netting for lobster is more than just a way to get food. It’s an adventure. It’s the excitement of the pull, the salty air, the camaraderie with friends, and the deep satisfaction of connecting with your food source.
So next time you see lobster on a menu and gasp at the price, remember this: you have the power to catch your own. Head to your local tackle shop, grab some gear, and get ready for one of the most rewarding experiences the ocean has to offer.