INFO: Can someone please elaborate on the rules for lobstering aside from size in MA?

davilo · Aug 4, 2008

Is there a good readable source for understanding what can be done and not done bringing lobsters to shore with respect to Mass Envir Police? 1st. Not sure where the rule book is and 2nd.....it seems these police are not well coached in communication.

My dive buddies and I had a run in with 3 this weekend, 2 undercover and 1 in uniform. When are you supposed to measure lobsters? Can you get to shore, measure and dump or does it have to be when putting in the bag? Every time I meet these guys....they always have their own rules....engagement is never consistent. I understand the need to police, but don't they really have something better to do? Most of us abide by rules but police just assume the worst and some have a chip on their shoulders....gives public service a bad name...sorry guyz but its true.

Thanks for your help,
-David

Lursxt · Aug 4, 2008

I measure at depth. Just hold the bug down with one hand and measure with the other. i keep my guage on a retractor to make it easier. Anything that's very close either way, I let go as its not worth it. I also stopped taking legal softies as they usually don't survive the trip home. I definately don't measure for the first time on shore. I'm not sure if the EP can verify your catch before you exit the water though.

Search this forms there are a number good threads:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ne.../241258-lobster-permits-north-shore-cape.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/new-england-lobsta-divahs/114792-lobstering-question.html

Matt also has a very good primer at the PGdive site:

Welcome to PG Dive. Snorkel and Scuba Outfitters. Private Scuba Instruction, PADI classes, Boston Scuba, Newton, Scuba Equipment

Bean_Counter67 · Aug 4, 2008

David, here is a write up that Matt Silvia wrote for PG Dive. You might be able to find some of the information you are looking for there.

Good Luck

Welcome to PG Dive. Snorkel and Scuba Outfitters. Private Scuba Instruction, PADI classes, Boston Scuba, Newton, Scuba Equipment

divin'dog · Aug 5, 2008

davilo:
Is there a good readable source for understanding what can be done and not done bringing lobsters to shore with respect to Mass Envir Police? 1st. Not sure where the rule book is and 2nd.....it seems these police are not well coached in communication.

My dive buddies and I had a run in with 3 this weekend, 2 undercover and 1 in uniform. When are you supposed to measure lobsters? Can you get to shore, measure and dump or does it have to be when putting in the bag? Every time I meet these guys....they always have their own rules....engagement is never consistent. I understand the need to police, but don't they really have something better to do? Most of us abide by rules but police just assume the worst and some have a chip on their shoulders....gives public service a bad name...sorry guyz but its true.

Thanks for your help,
-David

You definitely need to measure BEFORE leaving the water, but you should get into the habit of measuring and discarding right after catching them. Also, discarding a "short" at the surface or far away from where you caught them leaves them open for predators. We need every lobster to grow up big and strong.

Also, get in the habit of measuring both eyes on a close taker. I was measured by the EP once and it was short! I watched as the cop's gauge was off the shell... I thought I would be arrested. Then he measured the other side and it was on! I'll never do that again. Not worth the stress!

FWIW, the EP watch you through binoculars as you come in from a dive and unload your lobsters into your cooler. They may even count the lobsters you put into the cooler. Then when they approach you 10-15 mins later, they'll ask if you took any lobsters, but they already know. Always measure your lobsters underwater, check for eggs and for a V-notch, and you should be fine.

ScubaSarus · Aug 5, 2008

Here in CT they hide behinde rocks and trees waiting for you to come ashore. Thay ask in a playfull voice " you get anything good"? How was the dive?. Then they search your vehicle and gear. Sometime they search our veicles and gear before a dive as they think we are just about to do our second dive.

But in a response to thier playful questions I usually say "We are only photographing the sealife". As I rarely eat or catch lobsters and have not done so for years.

Best to measure them before putting them in the bag and re-measuring them just before exiting the water.

Also our V-notch strategy is working well in CT according the latest data that I have not seen but word of mouth in the office supports.

I still insist its the butter people like not the lobster. They are just catching lobster to put on thier butter

xroirat · Aug 5, 2008

Good practice to measure again once ashore and discard any that are marginal. Just not worth the hassle. Also, make sure that any separate claws have a matching legal size bug or they will be considered a short.
Jim

MSilvia · Aug 9, 2008

ScubaSarus:
I still insist its the butter people like not the lobster. They are just catching lobster to put on thier butter

What about those of us who prefer the lobster without butter... baked stuffed is good, fried is of course delicious, you can't go wrong with a bisque, and the parboiled grilled lobster with Yucatan hot sauce from last years' Lovell's trip was awesome!

I'm glad to see that article is still proving useful!

yak · Aug 9, 2008

MSilvia:
What about those of us who prefer the lobster without butter... baked stuffed is good, fried is of course delicious, you can't go wrong with a bisque, and the parboiled grilled lobster with Yucatan hot sauce from last years' Lovell's trip was awesome!

I'm glad to see that article is still proving useful!

Mmmm, that reminds me, I gotta go shopping for this year's Yucatan Recado Sauce ingredients.

Any chance you can make it Matt?

RIOceanographer · Aug 9, 2008

MSilvia:
What about those of us who prefer the lobster without butter...

I'm with you there, I never put anything on my lobster.

JKPAO · Aug 9, 2008

mmmmmmmmmmmmmm lobster.....
Oh yeah measure while under....and Vees go back
See you topside! John

INFO: Can someone please elaborate on the rules for lobstering aside from size in MA?

Please register or login

davilo

Registered

Lursxt

Guest

Bean_Counter67

Registered

divin'dog

Contributor

ScubaSarus

Guest

xroirat

Contributor

MSilvia

Contributor

yak

Contributor

RIOceanographer

Contributor

JKPAO

Contributor

Similar threads