Lobster collection

[hunter]

Is it legal to collect lobsters in Ireland (No Scuba)?

[Donnyboy1]

Like all other shellfish its perfectly legal as long as its not for sale and personal consumption... Why?

Scuba on the other hand is illegal and you risk confiscation of all your gear including scuba gear, boat and car etc.

[hunter]

Like all other shellfish its perfectly legal as long as its not for sale and personal consumption... Why?

Scuba on the other hand is illegal and you risk confiscation of all your gear including scuba gear, boat and car etc.

Thanks! Yes, I know that it's not legal to do this with scuba.

The other interesting question is spearfishing. I would like to know what are the limitations and restrictions.

Is there any legal information in the internet on this?

By the way is it legal to spear lobsters?

[Donnyboy1]

Like all other shellfish its perfectly legal as long as its not for sale and personal consumption... Why?

Scuba on the other hand is illegal and you risk confiscation of all your gear including scuba gear, boat and car etc.

Thanks! Yes, I know that it's not legal to do this with scuba.

The other interesting question is spearfishing. I would like to know what are the limitations and restrictions.

Is there any legal information in the internet on this?

By the way is it legal to spear lobsters?

I think it may be illegal but its definitely unsporting and very much frowned upon in spearing / freediving circles.

I think I know where your going... The YouTube's video of the Russian spearing lobsters in howth?

For spearing you need a license for a pneumatic gun, but you do not for a banded gun. Same rules and limitations apply to fisherman apply to spearfishermen. MLS and 2 bass limit. Spearing in freshwater is also restricted.

[Tanglerat]

Also re lobsters, isn't there a min size restriction and a no-take on berried females?

[Donnyboy1]

Yep MLS for all species, no take on a berried female or a v notched bug!

[hunter]

Yep MLS for all species, no take on a berried female or a v notched bug!

And probably minimum head size 87mm?

BTW what is MLS?

[Donnyboy1]

Some links for you

MLS info
http://sfpa-ie.access.secure-ssl-server ... ding-sizes

Commercial vs recreational potting
http://www.inshore-ireland.com/index.ph ... Itemid=131

Other Lobster info
http://www.marine.ie/NR/rdonlyres/936BE ... asts06.pdf

http://www.bim.ie/media/bim/content/pub ... Europe.pdf

Do you freedive?

You have to be careful going after lobsters on a breathhold.

1) Make sure you do not get stuck
2) Be careful of the crusher and pincer
3) Be careful of congers (they inhabit the same holes and will not think twice about taking your finger off)
4) Try and catch them without tools (tickler or snare etc.) use your brain to outwit them.
5) Do not spear them!!! Or crab for that matter. A spear is only to use on a tough target like a Pollock or bass.

To find out more about spearing you could go to Deeperblue.com forums, they have a section for UK and Ireland.

But if you want to learn… freediving for scallops is a lot safer than lobsters

[hunter]

Perfect, thanks! A lot of useful information.

[JimC]

My understanding from speaking with IFI is that it is illegal to spear bass.

You should be aware also that small boat anglers treat spear wielding snorkelers and divers like speed bumps (unless they have the correct flag flying!)

[Donnyboy1]

Don't think so Jim, maybe the meant you needed a gun license?? Or they were unsure of spearing legalities in Ireland
The bass bye laws are fairly explicit!
and ya, use an Alfa / dive flag

in fact one snorkeller was killed in Egypt recently when snorkelling, his friend caught it on video... Horrific stuff, but there is a whole wealth of safety gear and training you need if you really want to do it.

Not sure if you want to do it or if there are some guys doing it in your area and you want to see what their up to?