The season opens October 1st. Regs state that you must have an approved measuring device on you while hunting, and must have a current California fishing license, with an ocean enhancement stamp. The bugs must be a minimum of 3 1/4 inches, measured between the horns to the back of the carapice. The limit is seven (7) per day.
For what it's worth, this is how I do it, and you can adapt the techniques and configuration to your liking.
Equipment. Since I mostly night dive, I have a lot of lights. I use a UK C-8 rechargable for a primary, with a light-mounted lobster gage, a UK SL-6 and 4 for backups, a Princton-Tec Impact XL on my mask strap for a head light, and a second Impact XL for a backup backup. I have a back-up gage on a retractor on the lower right side of my BC, and a spring lock bag on my right hip. I wear kevlar gloves.
(Yes, that is a lot of lights. Some of my buddies call it stadium diving, but I notice they love me when their lights malfunction, and I have one they can borrow to complete the hunt!)
While I can catch them during the day, night diving seems to be easier, they are out and about. I have heard that bugs don't get spooked by a red light, I am going to do some experiments during some pre-season night dives. May have to alter a couple of my lights.
Now, I dive mostly in Malibu. Big Rock, the pier, Corral, County line. Finding the bugs come first. Water temp and habitat are the most important things. So, first find the habitat, then cover a lot of ground till you find a few bugs, in close proximity. Check the temp. This is where you'll most likely find lobsters in that area.
Start shallow. And I mean have your mask on, and be looking down, when you are still walking. I caught a 4 1/2 pounder in water I could stand in. Didn't even have my fins on, yet. Look carefully in the eel grass, if you can hold position, wait for a couple of waves and backwash to go by. This will frequintly reveal hidden bugs.
Capture. I keep my light in my right hand, and the headlight on, sweeping from side to side. When I spot a probable keeper, I turn off the primary, and position myself for a left handed grab. (I'm right handed, for some reason, the lefty grab works for me. It's why my gear is configured the way it is.) DON'T HESITATE!!! Grab fast and firm. OK, you've got him in the left hand. Measure, measure, measure! Remember, it's between the horns to the back of the carapice. If the back of your gage touches his tail, he's short, and on his way to freedom for another year. If the gage hits the carapice, his new name is lunch. Grab the squeeze lock with your right hand, open, insert lunch, and let the bag close on your hand. Let go of the bug, and pull your hand out. Grab your primary, turn it back on, and look sharp, where there is one, there are usually more.
The head light is important, even when you're wrestling with the bug, you always have light where you need it. When bagging, this is invaluable.
Repeat six times.
When you're done with the dive, re-measure on the beach. Ere on the side of caution, always, I've heard it's a steep ticket. (Ask Kyle!)
No snares or tickle sticks in California, the only tool you can use is a pair of gloves.
I have caught 4 over 4 pounds, my buddy caught one 7+.
Good Hunting, see you on the beach!
TJ
