Catching Lobsters in Australia

Lobsters are an exquisite, high-value seafood, and Australia is home to some of the world's most sought-after lobster species. This guide will provide you with all the essential information on catching lobsters in Australia, from the best locations to the necessary equipment and the right way to cook a delicious lobster meal.

Best Places to Look for Lobsters:

Australia has a vast coastline that provides habitat to a variety of lobster species. However, some of the best places to catch spiny lobsters in Australia include:

1. Western Australia – particularly the Abrolhos Islands, Rottnest Island, and the Mackerel Islands.
2. South Australia – the coastal areas around Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln.
3. New South Wales – around Jervis Bay and Sydney.
4. Tasmania – the eastern coast of Tasmania and around the Furneaux Islands.

When to Catch Lobsters:

The best time to catch lobsters in Australia depends on the species and the location. Generally, spiny lobsters are available year-round, but the best season is from January to March when the lobsters migrate to shallow waters for breeding.

Equipment Needed:

Catching lobsters requires some essential equipment, including:

1. Lights – used to attract lobsters at night. Buy Diving Lights here.
2. Wetsuits – to keep you comfortable and warm while diving.
3. Gloves – to protect your hands from lobsters' spines and other sharp objects.
4. Loop – to snare the lobster while underwater.
5. Catch bag – where you store your catch while diving.

Catch Your Lobsters:

Here is a step by step guide to catching lobsters:

Attract the Lobsters: use a powerful light source to lure the lobsters towards you.

Cooking Lobsters:

Now that you've caught your lobsters let's look at the right way to cook them.

Boil and Grill Method:

Ingredients:

- 4 Live Lobsters
- 1/2 Cup Butter
- Salt to Taste

Instructions:

Boil Lobsters – In a large pot, bring 10 quarts of water to a rapid boil. Add salt to taste, and then add the lobsters one at a time. Boil for 8 – 10 minutes or until the lobsters turn bright red.

Grill Lobsters – Preheat a grill to high heat. Split the lobsters in half lengthwise and remove any visible internal organs. Brush each half with melted butter and place on the grill, shell side down. Grill for 3 – 4 minutes or until slightly charred.

Serve – Serve hot with additional melted butter for dipping.

Summary

- Best places to look for lobsters are: Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, and Tasmania.
- Spiny lobsters are available year-round, with the best season from January to March.
- Equipment needed includes lights, wetsuits, gloves, loop, and catch bag.
- Catching lobsters involves attracting the lobsters using a light source, snaring them with a loop, and storing them in the catch bag.
- Cooking lobsters involves boiling and grilling, served with melted butter and salt.