Queensland 'Tropical' Lobsters

I have had conflicting reports about methods of catching Crays in QLD, can you use a snare or blunt crook to catch them in QLD? or is a spear the only permitted method?

I assume you know its free diving only in QLD for anything on the menu.

Rubber powered spear or spear gun
www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/boa...ing/rules/equipment/

Size limits and closed seasons
www.daf.qld.gov.au/fisheries/recreationa...session-limits-tidal

Hi mark225,

Thanks for the reply, I did know it was free diving only in QLD but based of the first link you sent me I'm reading that you can't use a snare, loop or blunt crook to catch crays but you are allowed to use spears?

That's correct.
Can't use loops or snares in Vic either every state is different ay.

Queensland.
Perpetual Perceptual Ambiguity.

"Tropical rock lobster fishing apparatus

In tidal waters, when fishing for tropical rock lobster, recreational fishers are permitted to free-dive using a mask and snorkel, and a rubber-powered hand spear or spear gun.

The use of underwater breathing apparatus other than a snorkel is not permitted, whether by spear, spear gun, hand or any other means.

Tropical rock lobster fishing gear
Tidal water
Free-diving using a mask and snorkel and a rubber-powered spear or spear gun is the only form of breathing and equipment apparatus permitted."

Perfect for one day, asleep the rest

The regulations differ from state to state but in QLD you can use a spear or speargun to take lobster.

Thing is you need a small sized speargun to get under rocks and cracks to get at them.

This guy stocks mini spearguns perfect for lobster fishing!! And he posts to anywhere in Australia

www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/lalor/fishing/sp...hing-gear/1172314337

Are there size limits for lobster in Old? And if there is, how do you return an undersized lobster you've just speared?

Alan

Alan,

Dead

It seems that way. Down here in Vic you have to return undersize, soft shelled or berried crays so they have a chance to grow and complete their breeding cycle, but I'd imagine that would be impractical after you've speared them! Though, I have come across a couple of legless lobsters down here which had no chance of survival. We aren't allowed snares in Vic, but my experience with snares in SA showed the lobster being in much better condition to be returned if necessary.

Alan