Luring Lobsters

January 30, 2014

Question: My friends and I are going to Catalina next  weekend to dive for lobsters. We know we have to catch them by hand but are wondering if it's legal to lure lobsters out of their holes by holding a piece of sardine or squid in your hand? (David C.)

Answer: Sure, you can give it a try, but I don't know how successful you'll be. The law says that skin and scuba divers may take crustaceans by the use of the hands only and may not possess any hooked device while diving or attempting to dive for them (California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 29.80). There is no prohibition against waving snacks in front of them.