Capt. Rob's Bait & Tackle

08/22/2026

08/22/2026

Salt Bandits spotted at La Fondita Restaurant in Cape Coral, full inventory at Capt. Robs Bait & Tackle

07/31/2026

What a weekend for boaters in SW Florida!

07/21/2026

Salt Bandits Sportswear available at Capt. Rob's Bait & Tackle in Cape Coral

07/20/2026

Every summer, Florida's lobster season kicks off one of the state's most anticipated outdoor traditions. Thousands of divers, snorkelers, and boaters head to the water in search of the Florida spiny lobster, a unique crustacean that looks very different from the lobsters most people picture.

Unlike their northern cousins from Maine and Canada, Florida spiny lobsters have no large claws. Their meat is found almost entirely in the tail, making them a prized catch for seafood lovers.

The excitement begins with Florida's famous "Mini Season," officially known as the recreational sport season. In 2026, Mini Season takes place on July 29 and July 30.

The two-day event gives recreational harvesters a chance to catch lobsters before the regular commercial season begins. It is often described as the busiest two days of the year on Florida waters.

While many people associate lobster season with the Florida Keys, lobsters can be legally harvested throughout much of Florida's coastal waters. The Keys remain the most popular destination because of their clear water and abundant reef habitat, but divers also find lobsters along portions of the Atlantic Coast, Biscayne Bay, and Florida's Gulf Coast.
During Mini Season, however, the Keys become incredibly crowded. Boat ramps overflow before sunrise, marinas fill to capacity, and hotel rooms are often booked months in advance. Visitors planning a Keys trip should reserve accommodations early and expect heavy traffic both on the roads and on the water.

One of the most popular methods of harvesting lobsters is diving with a net and tickle stick. Another legal technique is bully netting, which involves using a long-handled net and bright lights from a boat at night to spot lobsters walking across shallow flats.

Bully netting has become increasingly popular because it allows harvesters to catch lobsters without entering the water.

Regulations vary by location and season, so participants should always review current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rules before heading out.

Florida takes lobster conservation seriously. Every lobster must measure more than three inches across the carapace, or body shell, before it can be harvested. Measuring devices are required, and the lobster must be measured while still in the water.
Possessing undersized lobsters can result in substantial fines, citations, confiscation of equipment, and other penalties. Wildlife officers conduct frequent inspections during Mini Season and throughout the regular season.

Following Mini Season, Florida's regular lobster season opens on August 6, 2026, and continues through March 31, 2027. For many Floridians, the season is about more than just catching dinner.

It is a tradition that brings families and friends together, combines boating and diving adventures, and provides a chance to experience some of Florida's most beautiful underwater environments.

Whether you're diving reefs in the Keys or bully netting on a Gulf Coast flat, lobster season remains one of Florida's most exciting summertime rituals.

07/20/2026

Lee County water-access restaurants, current March 2026

07/20/2026

Tarpon Fishing in Southwest Florida: The Silver Kings of the Caloosahatchee

Few fish create as much excitement among Southwest Florida anglers as the mighty tarpon. Known as the “Silver King,” this powerful game fish can grow over 100 pounds and is famous for its explosive strikes, incredible strength, and dramatic leaps that can leave even experienced fishermen amazed.

During the warmer months, tarpon migrate into the coastal waters, bays, and rivers of Southwest Florida, following baitfish and searching for ideal conditions. One of the most popular places to target them is the Caloosahatchee River, especially around the bridges where strong currents create perfect feeding areas. The bridges near Fort Myers become gathering spots for both anglers and massive schools of tarpon as fish move through the river system.

Fishing beneath the bridges can be an unforgettable experience, with anglers drifting live bait, casting artificial lures, or watching patiently for the telltale rolling motion of tarpon near the surface. When a tarpon strikes, the battle is intense, often involving long runs, powerful head shakes, and spectacular jumps.

Southwest Florida’s tarpon season attracts fishermen from around the country, but it is also a favorite tradition for local anglers. Whether chasing them from a boat, kayak, or shoreline, hooking a tarpon in the Caloosahatchee River is an experience many fishermen remember for a lifetime.

07/20/2026

Serving Cape Coral's coastal community for over 20 years!

07/20/2026

07/20/2026

Sign up today and get all the details at: https://bit.ly/2026-flyfishing-tournament