Lobsters in Virgin Islands - help me get one!

[Hoosierdoc]

Planning to back in June. We’ll leave out of St Thomas and spend a few days around St John then hit BVIs.

Can anyone share good locations to find lobster in 15’ of water or so? Last trip my goal was a Mahi mahi, this time i’d Like to bring up a lobster. Mmm... lobster....

[boatman61]

Any beach with a tourist hotel..
You'll know which when you hear the local boys heading out yelling " Ey Mon.. Lobsters on South Beach".

[Hoosierdoc]

YeH, I just need to find their cage in 2’ of water

[Saleen411]

Think you have to be a local to catch lobsters and conchs in the BVIs, mon.

[Hoosierdoc]

Originally Posted by Saleen411

Think you have to be a local to catch lobsters and conchs in the BVIs, mon.

Well that sucks, but we’ll have several days in US waters too

[singlespeed]

Check the park rules as they seem to change every season, but you used to be allowed to catch a limited amount of lobsters daily in St. John's, in selected areas. The Hurricane Hole on the southeast corner of the island was a good spot. Especially at night, among the rocks making up the scree slope dropping into the water. Snorkelling at night is way more productive, as the lobster's eyes shine night red and they are out of their lairs feeding.

[Whosails]

No lobsters in the Virgin Islands. They are crayfish. No large claws.

[gonesail]

Originally Posted by Hoosierdoc

Can anyone share good locations to find lobster in 15’ of water or so? Last trip my goal was a Mahi mahi, this time i’d Like to bring up a lobster. Mmm... lobster....

check out the rocky bottoms with lots of hiding places. look for the antennae. be sure to get some good gloves and hold on tight if you find a big one. watch out for the morays and urchins.

[jmschmidt]

In the BVI you must have a fishing license for everyone on your boat and for the boat itself, even if you only have one fishing line on board. Their logic is we don't know who caught that one fish you have so everyone must have a license. Not cheap either.

Don't know about lobster fishing but I imagine they are just as tough, maybe more so. I think it is the off-season for lobster now. Was in Oct. last year when we were there.

Ocean resources are rightfully for the people of the BVI, which is somewhat of subsistence level economy for many of the folks, especially after the hurricanes. Plenty of frozen lobsters and fish in restaurants. Enjoy.

[Splash of Lime]

Same thing in Mexico. One fishing pole om board every one on board has to have a fish license.
Capt Chuck

[jim King]

Lobster season in BVI is Nov through June.
More regulations:
Cannot take any LOBSTER less than one
pound in weight or which has a
carapace or head of less than 3 ½
inches. Neither should lobsters
bearing eggs be harvested.
Lobsters should immediately be
returned to the sea. Lobsters
should not be harvested with spear
guns or hooks.

It is just about impossible to grab them by the antenna. You will just end up with a hand full of useless antenna. Best method is with a snare. You can check U-tube videos on how to use and make a snare. Also necessary is a tickle stick. They do come out of their holes at night. Get a good dive light you can wear on your head. Available on e-Bay for less than $10 (Underwater Headlamp Head Light 50M XM-L T6 LED Diving Flashlight Torch 18650 AAA
Best place to catch lobster in BVI is around Anegoda.
cheers,
Jim

[SVPP]

Mmm lobster...