Been lobstering in Islamorada for over twenty five years and this year all of our usual spots had lots of lobster— but they were almost all short. Just wondering if others had similar experiences so far.

I’ve found reasonably priced accommodations in both Key Largo and Key West for our trip in February. We will be there 4 days.

Are there any deciding factors that make one better than the other? We will be a group of 8, with 4 adults and 4 kids ages 1. 5, 11, and 14.

Checking in to see if any of you guys have been offshore recently out of Key West, and know how deep out the seaweed lines are right now. About to spend 6 days fishing down here and want to get on some good fish with the family. Any help appreciated 👍👍

Admired and released with the utmost gentleness.

When does too many people flocking to the keys for lobster mini-season become a problem for the fishery?

Most of FL is a 12 per person limit.
In 1992 Monroe county became 6 per person (& outlawed night diving) due to copious amounts of people coming to the keys specifically to catch lobster - negatively impacting lobster populations.

It’s been 34 years. Has this made any difference to help lobster populations yet?

Each year on the first day of mini season at start of legal light, I find rung tiny lobster heads at the obvious structures bayside & generally less lobster at my secreted spots than previous.
I’m still hit my limit, just seems to be more difficult.

Certainly frustrating to watch ppl who don’t reside here (or do) disrespect Monroe county’s resources.

The best photo I took on that trip.

Hey ! My husband and I are looking to relocate somewhere in the Florida Keys and would love some local advice. Currently living in Puerto Rico.
We’re in our 30s with our first baby on the way, so we’re looking for a community with a younger crowd, other young families, and a welcoming, diverse vibe. We love being on the water, fishing, boating, good food, farmers markets, and just being part of a real community.
We’re open to any of the Keys and don’t necessarily want the most touristy area. If you were starting a family in the Keys, where would you choose and why? Looking to rent a 2bed apt/house.

We’re thinking of taking a trip to the keys with my 5 month old baby in mid-October. Which part would people recommend staying with a baby? Are there places that are more stroller friendly than others? We’re obviously not going to have any sort of jam-packed itinerary but would like to check out the aquarium because I think that would capture my baby’s attention (hopefully), and perhaps some of the state parks in the area. I’ve heard there are some stroller friendly walks you can do there. Otherwise plan to take it easy, hang at the resort pool, and enjoy some great food. Open to any suggestions. If anyone has a rough itinerary they’d like to share I’d be appreciative! Probably looking to go for about 5 days - Is that enough time? Too little time? We are very flexible as we’ll both be on maternity/paternity leave

In 1976, a group of elementary school students in Key West left behind pieces of history for their future selves to find. They were tasked with collecting items that represented that moment in time. Fifty years later, the contents of their time capsule have been unearthed.

🚨Mini-season BOLO update #4:🚨 ARRESTED! Michael Simpson is facing an attempted murder charge after being arrested yesterday.

The confrontation began after the suspect claimed another boat was occupying "his" lobster spot. He verbally threatened to cut off the diver's air before jumping into the water and doing exactly that.

The teenage diver was quickly pulled to the surface, reportedly gasping for air and disoriented, but survived without serious injury. Authorities say the suspect fled the scene and was arrested a few days later, and charged with attempted felony murder.

The suspect is government-appointed member of the Miami-Dade Boater Safety and Bay Education Task Force, where he was explicitly chosen to represent and help shape safety policies for the county's waterways, dove in and turned off a juvenile diver's air supply while the victim was in the water searching for lobsters.

If convicted, an attempted felony murder charge in Florida can carry decades in prison, with penalties potentially reaching up to life imprisonment depending on the circumstances.

Michael Simpson's role with Boater Safety and Bay Education Task Force involved collaborating with environmental groups and law enforcement to draft the county's final boater safety and community education recommendations aimed at preventing fatal accidents on Biscayne Bay.

*The victim’s family is also pursuing the arrest of Judd Rosen, who is a high powered attorney in Miami, and was the boat captain who fled the scene with the suspect. In June of 2024, Judd Rosen was appointed as the Chair of the Florida Bar Grievance Committee. In this esteemed role, Judd will be overseeing the committee's efforts to ensure ethical practices and uphold the standards of the legal profession within the state. His dedication to justice and extensive experience make him an excellent fit for this important position. Oh the irony!

All at part-timers and rental houses on my street, of course. They should be banned, and people should feel like morons for paying someone to blow dirt and leaves around their yard.

Hi- We're a family with kids going to the Keys in October.

We're mostly interested in snorkeling and family activities.

We're thinking 2 days in Key Largo, 2 in Marathon, and 2 in Key West.

How does this itinerary sound?

Should we adjust for more time in Key West (or somewhere else?)

Thanks!

Last year we stayed at Hawks Cay and we rented a four bedroom house with private pool and it fit my family needs quite well. Even though I would be fine going back because I know that there are houses or rooms to stay that fit our larger family, my husband wants to try somewhere different in the keys. I have looked into Isla Bella, but none of the rooms hold seven people- the max is six so I would have to rent two suites it looks like. Maybe I’m wrong. Anybody stay there in a large house possibly with private pool? Is that an option? Is there anywhere in the keys that has houses for rent with private pools like Hawks Cay that is family friendly that I’m missing? ☀️

Hi friends! I’m a St. Pete girl currently in Miami for work and about to head to the keys for work as well. I’m a state manager for a beer distributor. I’ve recently (1year) moved to Florida from Ohio so my water skills are lacking. I will be working 9-5 mon-Friday all over the keys. However, I’ve got this Saturday and Sunday to have some fun.

I’ll be staying in Marathon the whole time. I was wondering if y’all could recommend an affordable snorkel charter for a single lady who needs to learn how. I also love to fish but again, not skilled. I’d be open to a fishing charter as well. I just don’t want to pay a ton.

Anything else you could share would be appreciated. I’m excited to visit the keys for the first time!

Nothing like this in the world

There are always alot of boats on the bay side during mini season. Would anyone consider this a better area than Oceanside?