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What is Surboard Lobstering?
Surfboard lobstering is the art of fishing with a hoop net from a surfboard. Bait is placed in the center of the
net and as lobsters are attracted and feeding on the bait, the net is retrieved pulling the feeding lobsters up.
When fishing for lobsters you never know what might end up with, it is common to catch rock fish, crabs, star
fish, rays and almost any sea creature. In Southern California, we hoop net for spiny lobster, but Dungeness
crab are available in the bays and estuaries of the Pacific Northwest, and other crabs and lobster are
available through out the waterways of the world.
Surfboard lobstering is the art of fishing with a hoop net from a surfboard. Bait is placed in the center of the
net and as lobsters are attracted and feeding on the bait, the net is retrieved pulling the feeding lobsters up.
When fishing for lobsters you never know what might end up with, it is common to catch rock fish, crabs, star
fish, rays and almost any sea creature. In Southern California, we hoop net for spiny lobster, but Dungeness
crab are available in the bays and estuaries of the Pacific Northwest, and other crabs and lobster are
available through out the waterways of the world.
Additional Gear
Gauge for measuring legal size, fishing gloves to grab the lobsters and zip ties to attach the bait to the net
(dependent on type of net being used), and glow sticks to mark the location of the hoop net when fishing in the
dark.
Gauge for measuring legal size, fishing gloves to grab the lobsters and zip ties to attach the bait to the net
(dependent on type of net being used), and glow sticks to mark the location of the hoop net when fishing in the
dark.
Bait
Just about any fish will work to catch lobster. However, oily fish seem to work best. Here in California,
mackerel and bonita work well and are easy to catch. We have experimented with cat food, and other
smelly baits, but have achieved best results with mackerel.
Just about any fish will work to catch lobster. However, oily fish seem to work best. Here in California,
mackerel and bonita work well and are easy to catch. We have experimented with cat food, and other
smelly baits, but have achieved best results with mackerel.
How long to wait?
Fish, lobsters, and crabs can and will find the
bait within 10-15 minutes if they are around.
However, lobsters are nocturnal creatures and
usually come out when the sun goes down.
Hoop netting can be successful anytime if placed
in the right locations, the best times and
locations are low light conditions, early morning,
at night and near and in caves and shadows.
Fish, lobsters, and crabs can and will find the
bait within 10-15 minutes if they are around.
However, lobsters are nocturnal creatures and
usually come out when the sun goes down.
Hoop netting can be successful anytime if placed
in the right locations, the best times and
locations are low light conditions, early morning,
at night and near and in caves and shadows.
When and Where?
It is best to place the hoop net on a flat bottom near a cave, rock out-cropping or similar structure where lobsters
hide. Avoid placing on a crevice or rock pile as the lobsters will eat the bait from the bottom of the net. Also, a
depth of around 20 - 30 feet works well.
It is best to place the hoop net on a flat bottom near a cave, rock out-cropping or similar structure where lobsters
hide. Avoid placing on a crevice or rock pile as the lobsters will eat the bait from the bottom of the net. Also, a
depth of around 20 - 30 feet works well.
Rules and Regulations (always check regulations for your state and area)
Fishing License
California- 7 lobsters per person, at least 3 1/4 inches body measurement.
California- lobsters can be taken by hoop net or hand only.
California- max. 2 nets per person from pier.
California- max. 5 nets per person from a boat, max. 10 nets per boat.
Fishing License
California- 7 lobsters per person, at least 3 1/4 inches body measurement.
California- lobsters can be taken by hoop net or hand only.
California- max. 2 nets per person from pier.
California- max. 5 nets per person from a boat, max. 10 nets per boat.
Safety:
Know your location! It is key that you have a solid understanding of the obstacles, reefs, riptides and currents
in your chosen location. I always scout a location ahead of time, usually during a minus tide, so I can see the
location of rocks, reefs and obstacles. I also try to recognize key landmarks that will help me pinpoint my
location out in the water. Also, be especially aware of waves, do not go out where waves are breaking. If you
should encounter a wave, always float your board over the wave, not through it. But, if you have to go through a
wave, grab the handle of the fishing box to support the box as you go through, know how to do this before you
go out.
Know your location! It is key that you have a solid understanding of the obstacles, reefs, riptides and currents
in your chosen location. I always scout a location ahead of time, usually during a minus tide, so I can see the
location of rocks, reefs and obstacles. I also try to recognize key landmarks that will help me pinpoint my
location out in the water. Also, be especially aware of waves, do not go out where waves are breaking. If you
should encounter a wave, always float your board over the wave, not through it. But, if you have to go through a
wave, grab the handle of the fishing box to support the box as you go through, know how to do this before you
go out.
Basic Gear
The basic gear of surfboard and wetsuit are the same as you
would use in Board Fishing, please see the Board Fishing
Tips and Tricks for these items. In addition, a hoop net, and a
BoardFisher Lobster Box or BoardFisher Fishing Box to put the
catch in.
The basic gear of surfboard and wetsuit are the same as you
would use in Board Fishing, please see the Board Fishing
Tips and Tricks for these items. In addition, a hoop net, and a
BoardFisher Lobster Box or BoardFisher Fishing Box to put the
catch in.
How to Bait and Use the Hoop Net
The bait is placed in the pouch in the center of the bottom of the hoop
net. Once the net is baited it is then lowered to the bottom where the
lobsters crawl and feed. The net is then left with the buoy marking its
location. Since there is no way to see if a lobster is in the net, the hoop
net is checked for lobsters by being pulled up every 10 to 15 minutes,
and with any luck, a lobster will be in the net.
When retrieving the net it is best to slowly and quietly center the line
over the net so as not to scare the feeding lobsters and then to retrieve
the net with a steady upward pull all the way to the surface. Make sure
you are balanced as you begin the pull.
The bait is placed in the pouch in the center of the bottom of the hoop
net. Once the net is baited it is then lowered to the bottom where the
lobsters crawl and feed. The net is then left with the buoy marking its
location. Since there is no way to see if a lobster is in the net, the hoop
net is checked for lobsters by being pulled up every 10 to 15 minutes,
and with any luck, a lobster will be in the net.
When retrieving the net it is best to slowly and quietly center the line
over the net so as not to scare the feeding lobsters and then to retrieve
the net with a steady upward pull all the way to the surface. Make sure
you are balanced as you begin the pull.
How to measure a lobster.
The legal size is a 3 1/4 in. body, measured from the base of the
tail to between the horns. The measurement is taken from the
top of the body. When using a lobster gage, the gage must touch
at both ends or not fit over the body.
The legal size is a 3 1/4 in. body, measured from the base of the
tail to between the horns. The measurement is taken from the
top of the body. When using a lobster gage, the gage must touch
at both ends or not fit over the body.
| Lobster Tips |
Other tips:
Bring a flashlight. Use it when you make a pull to see what's in your trap.
Use Glow Sticks to mark your traps.
Wear gloves to remove lobsters from trap.
Use life jackets and safety flotation device if required. Never exceed your
capabilities as a waterman, staying within your limits.
Wear wet suits in cold conditions and when required. I often wear a hat to keep
my head warm.
Never catch waves. This is extremely dangerous and your board fishing gear
will get lost!
Always be aware of your ropes to avoid tangling. I will typically tie off my ropes
with about 5ft of slack. Typically I will make the first drop to determine the depth
that I will be fishing, and then make sure that there is not excess slack in the
lines..
Never over reach, this will cause you to lose balance and fall off your board.
Always go out with a partner.
Bring a flashlight. Use it when you make a pull to see what's in your trap.
Use Glow Sticks to mark your traps.
Wear gloves to remove lobsters from trap.
Use life jackets and safety flotation device if required. Never exceed your
capabilities as a waterman, staying within your limits.
Wear wet suits in cold conditions and when required. I often wear a hat to keep
my head warm.
Never catch waves. This is extremely dangerous and your board fishing gear
will get lost!
Always be aware of your ropes to avoid tangling. I will typically tie off my ropes
with about 5ft of slack. Typically I will make the first drop to determine the depth
that I will be fishing, and then make sure that there is not excess slack in the
lines..
Never over reach, this will cause you to lose balance and fall off your board.
Always go out with a partner.
Last but not least, if a seal starts to take an interest in your rig, pull your gear and head on in. Seals will smell
your bait, and can grab the net, they also seem to be more aggressive at night, coming in very close to see
what tidbits you have. Remember, they are wild animals and will bite you if not treated with the proper respect.
So, if your anything like me, it's easy to get hooked on surfboard lobstering, use your good judgement and
have fun with it.
your bait, and can grab the net, they also seem to be more aggressive at night, coming in very close to see
what tidbits you have. Remember, they are wild animals and will bite you if not treated with the proper respect.
So, if your anything like me, it's easy to get hooked on surfboard lobstering, use your good judgement and
have fun with it.
How to Paddle with Net
Place the hoop net over the box with the small hoop, lines
and float resting on top of the box.
Place the hoop net over the box with the small hoop, lines
and float resting on top of the box.
