Alright, so let me tell you about this crazy video titled “We Got KICKED OUT for Lobstering on a Jetski!!!” by Jacki Shea. It’s all about their lobstering adventure during mini season in Key West. In the video, Jacki introduces her new lobster nets and tickle sticks, showcasing how they fit perfectly in her dive bag on the jetski. However, their day takes an unexpected turn when they get stopped by the FWC for being on a jetski in the Refuge. But don’t worry, they manage to catch four lobsters before leaving the area. The video also includes their exploration of different spots with varying degrees of success, and even introduces some adorable baby chicks that they rescued. They discuss their plans for cleaning up, unloading their catch, and future plans for scalloping and fishing in Venice. It’s an action-packed adventure you definitely don’t want to miss!
Introduction to Our Lobstering Journey
Table of Contents
Welcome to our lobstering adventure in Key West! In this article, we will take you through our experience of lobstering during the mini season using a jetski. It was an exciting and unique way to explore the waters and catch some lobsters. We will share our journey, the setbacks we faced, and the valuable lessons we learned along the way. So, hop on board our lobstering journey and let’s dive in!
Key West Mini-Season Lobstering
The Key West mini-season is a highly anticipated event for lobster enthusiasts. It is a two-day event where recreational divers are allowed to catch lobsters before the regular lobster season begins. The mini-season provides an opportunity for lobster lovers to get an early start on their catch and enjoy the thrill of lobstering. We decided to participate in this mini-season and make it even more adventurous by using a jetski instead of the traditional boat.
Using a Jetski for Lobstering
Using a jetski for lobstering was a new experience for us. It offered a more compact and agile way to navigate through the waters and reach different lobstering spots. The jetski allowed us to get closer to the action and explore areas that might be difficult to access with a larger boat. It was an unconventional choice, but we were excited to see how it would enhance our lobstering adventure.
The Essential Lobster Catching Gears
To make our lobstering journey successful, we needed the right tools for the job. We were fortunate enough to acquire new lobster nets and tickle sticks from our friend Brookhurst. These lobster nets were not your average nets – they were specially handcrafted for catching lobsters effectively. The unique design and construction of these nets made them stand out from the rest. We were eager to put them to the test and see how they performed in the water.
Showcasing New Lobster Nets and Tickle Sticks
The new lobster nets we received were a major upgrade from the standard ones commonly found in dive shops. The design of the nets was specifically tailored to fit a lobster perfectly, making it easier to catch them. They were also made of clear acrylic material, which made them virtually invisible underwater. This invisibility gave us an advantage as the lobsters couldn’t see the nets coming. Additionally, the nets had a measuring key on the end, allowing us to ensure the lobsters met the size requirements.
Storing Lobster Nets and Tickle Sticks in Dive Bag
Space management was crucial on the jetski, as we needed to bring everything we needed within a limited area. Fortunately, the new lobster nets and tickle sticks were compact and fit perfectly in our dive bag. The dive bag held all our essential lobstering gear, including fins, booties, mask, wetsuit, and now, the lobster nets and tickle sticks. Having everything neatly packed in one bag made it convenient and hassle-free to carry our equipment and keep it organized.
Importance of Space Management on Jetski
One of the challenges we faced while lobstering on a jetski was the limited space available. Unlike a boat, where there is plenty of room to store gear and catch, a jetski offers a smaller area. Proper space management was crucial to ensure everything was securely stored and easily accessible. By keeping our dive bag organized and compact, we were able to navigate the waters comfortably and efficiently.
Getting into the Lobstering Zone
Entering ‘The Refuge’ in Key West was our goal for the lobstering adventure. ‘The Refuge’ is known to be a prime lobstering location during the mini-season, and we were eager to explore its bountiful waters.
7FWC’s Reaction to Jetski in ‘The Refuge’
However, our excitement was dampened when we were stopped by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) during our lobstering journey. It turned out that using a jetski in ‘The Refuge’ was not permitted. The FWC officers were understanding and polite, but they informed us that we had to leave the area as per regulations. It was disappointing news, but we respected the rules and prepared ourselves to find an alternative lobstering spot.
Unexpected Turn of Events
Before we left ‘The Refuge’, we were grateful to have caught four lobsters. It was a small victory considering the setback we faced. We had to adapt quickly to the unexpected turn of events, but we remained determined to make the most of our lobstering adventure.
Attention from the Authorities
Our encounter with the FWC officers was an eye-opener to the importance of abiding by the rules and regulations set in place for lobstering. It reminded us to always be aware of the laws regarding our activities and to engage respectfully with the authorities.
FWC Stopping the Lobstering Journey
The FWC officers stopped our lobstering journey due to our use of a jetski in ‘The Refuge’. While it was disappointing to have to end our time in that area, we accepted their decision and understood the need to comply with the regulations. It highlighted the importance of being well-informed about the specific rules and boundaries for lobstering in different locations.
Engaging with the FWC Officers
During our interaction with the FWC officers, they were professional and kind. They explained the regulations to us and their reasons for stopping us. It was crucial for us to maintain a respectful and cooperative attitude towards the officers. Engaging in a positive manner helped to ease any tensions and ensured a smooth resolution to the situation.
Being Expelled from ‘The Refuge’
Unfortunately, we were expelled from ‘The Refuge’ due to our use of a jetski. This setback required us to leave the area and find an alternative spot for our lobstering. While it was disappointing, we understood the reasoning behind the decision and remained optimistic about finding new areas to explore.
Despite the Setbacks
Despite the setbacks we faced during our lobstering journey, we managed to make the most of the situation and enjoy our time on the water.
Managing to Catch Four Lobsters
Before being stopped by the FWC officers, we were able to catch four lobsters. Though this fell short of our desired limit, it was still a success considering the circumstances. These four lobsters served as a reminder of our determination and resilience in the face of challenges.
Reflections on the Expulsion
Being expelled from ‘The Refuge’ was a moment of reflection for us. It made us appreciate the importance of research and understanding the rules and regulations before embarking on any adventure. It also taught us to adapt quickly to unexpected situations and make the most of alternative opportunities.
Challenges Faced During Lobstering
Lobstering, like any other activity, comes with its fair share of challenges. From navigating through the waters to locating lobsters and catching them, every step has its difficulties. However, it is these challenges that make the experience worthwhile and rewarding. Despite the setbacks we faced, we embraced the challenges and emerged with valuable lessons and memories.
Exploring Different Lobstering Spots
After being expelled from ‘The Refuge’, we set out on a new mission to find alternative spots for lobstering. This allowed us to explore different areas and experience the thrill of discovery.
Finding New Areas for Lobstering
Our search for new lobstering spots led us to discover hidden gems along the coast of Key West. By venturing into unexplored areas, we were able to find lobster-rich waters and continue our lobstering adventure. Exploring new spots added an element of excitement and mystery to our journey.
Comparing Success with Day One of the Mini Season
While exploring different spots, we couldn’t help but compare our success to day one of the mini season. The first day is typically the most fruitful as fewer people have been able to catch lobsters at that point. Unfortunately, day two did not live up to our expectations in terms of the number of lobsters caught. However, the experience taught us to appreciate every catch, regardless of quantity.
Struggling with the Changed Locations
The change in locations presented its own set of challenges. The unfamiliar waters and differing conditions made it more difficult to locate and catch lobsters. We had to rely on our instincts, experience, and adaptability to make the most of these changed locations. While the struggle was real, it added another layer of excitement to our lobstering adventure.
Our lobstering adventure took an unexpected turn when we encountered some non-related associates – baby chicks in need of rescue. As animal lovers and experienced chicken owners, we couldn’t resist lending a helping hand.
About the Rescued Baby Chicks
We stumbled upon a group of abandoned baby chicks during our lobstering journey. These helpless creatures needed immediate care and attention. Without hesitation, we decided to rescue them and provide them with a nurturing environment.
Plans for Taking Care of the Baby Chicks
Taking care of baby chicks requires knowledge, preparation, and dedication. We had prior experience raising chickens, which gave us the confidence and skills to care for the newly rescued chicks. Our plans included providing them with proper shelter, warmth, food, and water. We hoped to integrate them into our existing flock of chickens once they were old enough.
Connection of the Chicks with Lobstering Adventure
The presence of the baby chicks added an unexpected twist to our lobstering adventure. While they may not be directly related to lobstering, their rescue and care were intertwined with our journey. It reminded us of the importance of compassion and kindness towards all living beings, regardless of the circumstances.
Post Lobstering Session Plans
After a successful lobstering session, we had to unwind and take care of post-lobstering tasks.
Cleaning up and Unloading the Catch
Cleaning up after a lobstering session involves sorting and preparing the catch. We had to unload our coolers, organize the lobsters, and ensure they were properly packaged. It was essential to handle the lobsters with care and maintain their freshness for future enjoyment.
Sharing the Lobster Cooking Plans
Once the lobsters were cleaned and ready, we couldn’t help but plan for their delicious preparation. We discussed various cooking methods, such as grilling, steaming, or even making lobster rolls. The anticipation of tasting the fruits of our labor added excitement and satisfaction to the overall lobstering experience.
Enjoying the Results of the Lobstering Adventure
Finally, it was time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the results of our lobstering adventure. Gathering around a table with friends and loved ones, we relished the flavors of the freshly caught and cooked lobsters. The shared joy and laughter added a sweet note to the culmination of our journey.
Future Lobstering and Fishing Prospects
Our lobstering adventure in Key West was just the beginning of our underwater escapades. We had plans to explore other activities and locations, expanding our horizons within the world of fishing and scalloping.
Plans for Future Scalloping
Scalloping had captured our attention during our visit to Hachi. The thrill of diving for scallops and the abundance of these prized creatures enticed us to include scalloping in our future adventures. We were eager to experience the unique challenges and rewards that scalloping had to offer.
Exploring Fishing Opportunities in Venice
After our lobstering journey, we set our sights on Venice, another promising fishing destination. We hoped to uncover new fishing opportunities and immerse ourselves in the local fishing culture. Exploring the waters of Venice would allow us to broaden our knowledge and skills in the art of fishing.
Expectations from Future Adventures
As we looked ahead to future lobstering and fishing prospects, we held high expectations for the adventures to come. We anticipated thrilling encounters, new discoveries, and the opportunity to grow as anglers. Our experiences in Key West only fueled our desire for more underwater escapades, and we couldn’t wait to dive into our next expedition.
Conclusion
Our lobstering journey on a jetski in Key West during mini-season was an unforgettable experience. Despite the setbacks and challenges we faced, we made the most of our time on the water. It taught us the importance of following regulations, being adaptable, and embracing the unexpected. We discovered new lobstering spots, rescued baby chicks, and formed lasting memories. The lobstering adventure allowed us to connect with nature, explore our surroundings, and uplift our spirits. We hope that our story of lobstering on a jetski inspires others to embark on their own unique and exciting adventures. The ocean is full of wonders, waiting to be explored – so go out there and create your own lobstering journey!