Species guide

California Spiny Lobster

Panulirus interruptus

Night hoop netting — the most fun you can have after dark

Lobster season is a San Diego tradition. We run hoop nets after dark over rock and reef, pulling nets on a rotation and sorting keepers by gauge. It is hands-on, social, fast-paced fishing, and the reward is fresh lobster the same night.

Season: Opens the Saturday before the first Wednesday in October, runs through mid-March
Best bite: First two hours after full dark, especially on a dark moon
Typical size: 1–3 lb, with occasional 5 lb-plus bugs
Where we fish: Rocky reef and kelp edges from Point Loma to the Coronado Islands

How we catch them

Hoop netting with baited nets on a soak-and-pull rotation
Working depth changes from 20 to 80 feet until you find them

Tackle we use

Commercial-grade hoop nets
Bait cages loaded with oily fish
Measuring gauge and headlamps

Baits & lures

Fresh mackerel
Bonito carcasses
Salted fish in bait cages

Captain's tips

Move nets often; if a spot is dead after two pulls, relocate.
Pull fast and steady — slowing down lets lobster swim out.
Measure every bug carefully, and report your catch on the card.

Table quality

Outstanding — sweet tail meat, best grilled or steamed the day of the catch.

Regulations

California sport fishing license plus a Spiny Lobster Report Card required; 3.25-inch carapace minimum, 7 lobster limit per person.

Ready to target California Spiny Lobster?

Private charters aboard the Kate Elizabeth out of Seaforth Marina, Mission Bay.

(619) 431-3070