🦞Florida Lobster Mini Season 2025: What Every Diver Should Know

📅Mini Season is a special 2 day window that opens before the regular lobster season. In 2025, it runs from 12:01 AM on July 30 through midnight on July 31. It's designed to give recreational divers a head start before commercial operations begin.

✅ What You’ll Need

To participate in Mini Season legally and safely, make sure you’ve got the following:

• Valid Florida Saltwater Fishing License

• Spiny Lobster Permit

• A gauge to measure carapace size (must be 3" or larger to keep)

• Catch bag and tickle stick (no spearing allowed)

• Dive lights and gloves (highly recommended)

• Knowledge of daily limits

📍 Local Rules & Limits (Palm Beach County)

• Bag Limit: 12 lobsters per person, per day

• No egg-bearing females may be taken

• Minimum Size: 3" carapace (measured in the water)

🦺 Reminder: FWC patrols are active during Mini Season. Know the rules, and follow them underwater.

🛥️ Why Book With a Charter?

• Save time navigating (we drop you right on the structure)

• Dive with an experienced crew who knows where the bugs like to hide

• Enjoy the fun, team atmosphere of a boat full of bug hunters

🎯 Our Take

We believe every great dive starts with respect for the reef. Our crew is committed to protecting the marine life and habitats that make South Florida diving so unique. That means:

• Following all FWC regulations

• Never taking egg-bearing females

• Avoiding contact with coral and reef structure

• Knowing when to leave a lobster behind

  
  

Lobsters aren’t just a catch, they’re part of a larger ecosystem. Responsible harvesting ensures healthy reefs and keeps Mini Season sustainable for years to come.

Dive Report – 07/20/2025

Location: West Palm Beach, FL

Sites: Mid-Reef & Ana Cecilia

Sea Conditions: 2-3 ft

Wind: 8 mph (7 kt)

 Dive 1: Mid-Reef

• Depth: 65-85 ft

• Bottom Temp: 78°F

• Visibility: 40 ft

• Current: Moderate North

• Marine Life: Nurse Shark, Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Hogfish, Spiny Lobster

Dive 2: Ana Cecili

• Depth: 65-85 ft

• Bottom Temp: 77°F

• Visibility: 30-40ft

• Current: Light North

• Marine Life: Goliath Grouper, Barracuda, Green Moray Eel, Parrotfish

  
  

Crew

• Captain: Joey

• Dive-guide: EJ

• Dive-guide: Sara

Welcome Aboard the Black Flag Charters Blog!

Ahoy, divers and ocean lovers!

We're excited to welcome you to the official Black Flag Charters Blog, your go-to spot for everything happening above and below the surface here in beautiful West Palm Beach, Florida.

Whether you're a seasoned diver, new to the sport, or just dreaming about your next adventure, this blog is for you.

What You’ll Find Here

We created this space to keep our amazing dive community informed, inspired, and ready for the next descent. Here’s what you can expect:

🌊Dive & Conditions Reports: Get up-to-date info on recent charters, visibility, currents, marine life sightings, and what to expect on your next trip.

📅 Charter News & Events: From upcoming trips and special events to new gear or crew updates we’ll keep you in the loop.

🤿 Dive Tips & Advice: Whether it’s your first dive or your 50th, we’ll share pro tips to help you prep, stay safe, and make the most of your underwater adventures.

Why We’re Doing This

At Black Flag Charters, we believe the best dives start with great planning and an even better community. This blog is a way to stay connected with all of you, our divers, friends, and fellow adventurers.

We can’t wait to share stories from the deep, highlight the incredible marine life we encounter, and help make every trip unforgettable.

So check back often, follow us on social, and feel free to comment or reach out, we love hearing from you.

Until your fins hit the water,

– The Crew at Black Flag Charters