Photos by David Cross and Jess Keller
A couple weeks ago, I had the privilege of sailing to the Bahamas from Miami on Juliet (104 feet long, three-masted, steel-hulled schooner). Among the sailing, cocktailing, scuba diving and land excursions, there was also an opportunity to go spear fishing for lobster. Free lobster? Yes, please!
The Bahamian government does an impeccable job of protecting its reefs, and spear fishing is only permitted when you are free diving. Like most fishing, the best time to catch these delicious crustaceans is at dusk.
Below, you will find a step-by-step process on how to catch and clean a lobster next time you find yourself in the Bahamas with a spear.
Step 1: Find a lobster
Size matters! The general rule of thumb in the Bahamas is lobsters must have at least a six-inch tail to be fair game for spear fishing.
Step 2: Take a deep breath, dive down and spear that sucker
First Mate Chris dives down 30 feet to catch dinner.
Step 3: For fun (and for street cred), count your lobsters
Lobsters found in the Bahamas are known as spiny lobsters. They do not have front claws and most of the edible meat is in the tail.
Step 4: Clean
Firmly twist off the tail and dispose of the head. Utilize one of its antennae to remove the intestinal vein (a long black vein, like that of a shrimp) from the tail meat. Cut the tail with the meat inside before cooking.
Step 5: Barbecue or steam until flesh turns white and the tail shell turns bright red.
Using a barbecue gives the meat a nice smoky flavor.
Step 6: Revel in the fact that you are eating free, delicious lobster and enjoy!