Catching Caribbean Spiny Lobsters In Belize: A Guide

Lobster hunting in Belize is a popular activity for tourists and locals alike, with lobster being a key part of the Belizean economy and culture. The Caribbean Spiny Lobster is a delicacy in Belize, with a fishing season that typically runs from June or July to February. There are two main ways to catch lobsters in Belize: free diving with a hook stick, or using a lobster trap. Free diving for lobsters requires skill and experience, as spiny lobsters tend to be found in rocky areas and are surprisingly fast swimmers. Lobster traps are hand-built and placed in sandy, shallow areas. Once a few lobsters have been caught, a free diver will retrieve the trap by pulling it up with a line. Lobster shades, similar to traps but without bait, are also used to catch lobsters during the day, as lobsters seek shade.

Free diving with a hook-stick

Freediving with a hook-stick is a popular method for catching lobsters in Belize. This traditional technique involves taking a deep breath and diving to the seafloor to quickly hook lobsters with a long stick with a hook at the end. Spiny lobsters, which are commonly found in Belize, tend to inhabit rocky areas, so it's a skill perfected over time. Here are some tips for freediving with a hook-stick in Belize:

• Gear up appropriately: Ensure you have the necessary gear, including a mask, fins, weight belt, snorkel, and gloves. Gloves are essential to protect your hands from the spiny lobster's sharp spines.
• Opt for a streamlined approach: Consider taking only the essential gear to increase your stealth and manoeuvrability underwater. The less gear you have, the more streamlined your movement will be, making it easier to chase lobsters if they spot you.
• Understand lobster behaviour: Spiny lobsters are communal creatures, so if you spot one, there are likely more nearby. They tend to hide in rocky areas, caves, cracks, and ledges, especially those overhanging sand. During the day, they may be found in shallow caves or deep cracks, while at night, they may be out in the open, moving through sand channels or clinging to structures.
• Be mindful of their antennae: While lobsters have poor eyesight, they have extremely sensitive antennae. Avoid brushing their antennae when trying to capture them, as this will alert them to your presence.
• Be precise with your hook: When using the hook-stick, aim for the body, tail, or the base of the antennae. Grabbing their legs or antennae may result in them breaking off, and the lobster will escape.
• Teamwork makes the dream work: Consider team hunting with buddies. Having more eyes in the water can help cover more ground and increase your chances of spotting lobsters.
• Be mindful of safety: Always prioritise safety when freediving. Ensure you have the necessary training and are comfortable with your gear. When hunting in caves or cracks, be cautious of other marine life that may share the habitat, such as moray eels or sharks.
• Follow regulations: Familiarise yourself with Belize's fisheries regulations before heading out. There are minimum size requirements for lobsters, including a carapace length of 3-3.25 inches and a minimum tail weight of 4-4.5 ounces.

Using a lobster trap

Lobster traps, also called lobster pots, are an effective way to catch lobsters in Belize. The traps are simple in design and have been used for over 200 years, with only minor changes to the materials used. Here is a step-by-step guide on using a lobster trap:

Preparing the Trap:

• Bait the Trap: Start by preparing the bait. Salted herring or haddock can be used, with herring being the preferred choice. Place the bait in a small mesh bag, known as a bait bag, which has 1/8-inch holes.
• Set Up the Trap: Place the bait bag inside the lobster trap. The trap is designed with a funnel-like entrance that leads to the "kitchen," where the lobster will be lured by the bait. Once inside, the lobster will find it difficult to escape due to the funnel design.
• Weight and Sink the Trap: Attach the trap to a trap trawl, and weigh it down with three to four bricks. This will ensure it sinks to the bottom of the ocean, where lobsters are typically found.
• Mark the Location: The trap trawl is a series of traps connected to floating buoys. Each buoy is often colour-coded and numbered to indicate the owner of the traps. This helps identify and locate your trap later.

Checking the Trap:

• Retrieve the Trap: After a day or two, return to the location of your trap. Pull it up out of the water, either manually or using a pulley system on your boat.
• Open and Inspect: Open the trap and carefully reach inside to retrieve any lobsters. Measure each lobster to ensure they meet the legal size requirements. In Belize, the minimum carapace length is 3-3.25 inches, and the minimum tail weight is 4-4.5 ounces.
• Release Undersized Lobsters: Any lobsters that do not meet the size regulations must be returned to the ocean. This practice helps ensure the sustainability of the lobster population.
• Reset the Trap: Before resetting the trap, replace the bait bag with a fresh one. Then, lower the trap back into the water and mark its location using the buoy.

Lobster shades

To construct a lobster shade, you will need to build a structure that provides shade and shelter for the lobsters. This can be done by using natural materials such as wood or bamboo to create a small enclosure with a shaded interior. The enclosure should have an opening that allows lobsters to enter but is difficult for them to find their way out.

When placing your lobster shades, consider the habitat preferences of spiny lobsters. These lobsters tend to favour rocky areas, so placing your shades among rocks or near rocky structures in the water can increase your chances of success. Additionally, you may want to place multiple shades in different locations to increase the likelihood of trapping lobsters.

It is important to check your lobster shades regularly, as you will need to retrieve the lobsters once they are inside. Be sure to follow the regulations set by the Belizean government regarding the size and weight of lobsters that can be caught. These regulations are in place to ensure the sustainability of the lobster population.

Lobster hunting tours

Belize is known for its Caribbean Spiny Lobster, a delicacy synonymous with the coastal town of San Pedro, the charming Village of Placencia, and the island of Caye Caulker. The lobster harvesting season in Belize is highly anticipated, with tourists and locals alike eagerly awaiting the chance to indulge in lobster festivals and hunting trips.

If you're looking for an unforgettable lobster hunting experience in Belize, look no further than our Lobster Hunting Tours. Our expert guides will take you to the best spots and teach you the traditional methods of lobster hunting, ensuring an exciting and sustainable experience.

When to Go

Lobster hunting season in Belize typically runs from July 1st to February 28th of the subsequent year. This eight-month period offers ample opportunity to join a hunting tour and experience the thrill of catching your own Caribbean Spiny Lobster.

How to Catch Lobster

There are two main ways to catch lobsters in Belize: free diving with a hook stick or using a lobster trap. Free diving requires skill and experience as lobsters are surprisingly fast swimmers. Our guides will teach you how to quickly hook the lobster by sliding the stick under its belly and pulling the hook up. Alternatively, you can try your hand at baiting and setting lobster traps in sandy, shallow areas. Once the traps are ready, one person will free dive to retrieve it while another person on the boat pulls it up.

What to Expect

On our Lobster Hunting Tours, you can expect a fun-filled and challenging experience. Our guides will take you to the best lobster hunting spots and provide you with all the necessary equipment. You'll learn the traditional methods of lobster hunting and have the opportunity to swim alongside nurse sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. You'll also get to explore the vibrant coastal towns and immerse yourself in the local culture, music, and cuisine.

Our tours are perfect for families, groups of friends, and anyone looking for a unique and memorable experience in Belize. With our expert guides by your side, you're sure to have an unforgettable adventure and come home with magical lobster hunting tales to tell.

So, what are you waiting for? Join us on a Lobster Hunting Tour and experience the thrill of hunting for Caribbean Spiny Lobster in the beautiful waters of Belize!

Lobster fishing regulations

Lobster fishing is a major contributor to Belize's economy, with the country exporting up to $15 million worth of lobster each year. The Caribbean Spiny Lobster is a delicacy that is synonymous with the coastal town of San Pedro, the charming Village of Placencia, and the island of Caye Caulker.

The lobster fishing season in Belize typically runs from July 1st to February 28th of the subsequent year. During this time, fishermen are allowed to harvest the Caribbean Spiny Lobster. The season is then closed from March 1st to June 30th to allow for the lobsters' mating season, which is crucial for the long-term sustainability of the species.

There are several regulations in place to ensure the sustainable management of lobster resources in Belize. These include:

• Size limits: The minimum carapace length of a lobster must be 3.25 inches, and the tail must weigh at least 4.5 ounces.
• Restrictions on fishing gear: Only traps or hooks are permitted for capturing lobsters. The use of scuba gear in lobster fishing is strictly forbidden, as is any commercial deep-water fishing.
• Escape gaps: Traps must have escape gaps of at least 2 1/8 inches wide to allow smaller lobsters to escape.
• Placement of traps: Traps cannot be placed within 300 meters of any coral formation or beyond the barrier reef.
• Possession restrictions: It is illegal to possess soft-shelled or molting lobsters, as well as female lobsters carrying eggs ('berried' lobsters). The removal of eggs or spawn from lobsters is also prohibited.
• Handling and transportation guidelines: There are specific guidelines in place for the proper handling and transportation of lobsters to ensure their health and sustainability.

By adhering to these regulations, fishermen can help ensure the sustainability of the lobster population in Belize and the preservation of the marine ecosystem.

Frequently asked questions