The Big Pine area, with its easy access to the backcounty waters, is world renown for its abundance of lobster. For the latest regulations the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) see:

SPINY LOBSTER SEASON INFORMATION

You might want to look into the Instant Licensing, it you don't currently have your fishing license and lobster stamp. You can purchase a Florida Saltwater Fishing license and Lobster Upgrade Stamp by calling toll free 888-347-4356 (24 hrs a day). When you call you will be issued an ID Number which provides coverage from that moment on. Your permanent license will be mailed to your home address.

BULLY NETTING:

You think you know all the ways to get a lobster by hand, tickle sticks or prayer? Ever tried bully netting? Give it a try and you might get your limit without even getting wet. The sport capitalizes on the living/feeding habits of the spiny lobster, nocturnal feeders who prefer to hide during the day. They like to feed in shallow water and hide as deep as possible. Knowing these facts, you need to find a location where deep and shallow water are in proximity, perhaps a channel next to flats. This of course occurs everywhere in the Keys!

What you need for bully netting:

How it's done: This sport is done at night, preferably without a moon.  Pole the flats (1-2ft water is fine) while polling, shine light and look for feeding lobster (their eyes shine back red) poll to place net over lobster while holding the string to keep the basket up. Release string which releases weight, lobster swims backwards into the net basket scoop up, place in boat, measure, add to cooler. It may sound crazy, but it works. Give it a try. There are numerous flats minutes away from Rumrunner's Retreat.