Aqua Hippie

For over 20 years, our family has been lobstering in the Florida Keys, carrying on a beloved tradition passed down by another family who welcomed us into their world. Each year during lobster season, we would gather, share countless rituals and competitions, and dive into the adventure together—snorkeling and diving by day, bully netting at night. It was during those early years that we truly caught the “bug” for Florida lobstering and nighttime marine exploration.

Today, our tradition continues. We often start the evening with a dinner at one of the many local Keys restaurants, timing our return home about 45 minutes before sunset. That’s when the magic begins. The boat is packed with essentials, the sun sets over the islands, and as darkness falls, a whole new world emerges beneath the water.

At night, the waters come alive. Over the years, we’ve encountered sharks, rays, octopus, cuttlefish, manatees, and even the occasional iguana that falls in from nearby mangroves. Our eyes stay peeled for those telltale lobster tentacles and the distinctive “Y” shape moving across the sand. While catching fresh Florida lobsters is always exciting, the time spent together as a family and the memories we make are the ultimate catch.

The night ends perfectly back at the dock, unloading our haul and enjoying a slice of Key lime pie before resting up for another evening on the water. This Florida Keys lobstering adventure isn’t just about the catch—it’s about family, tradition, and the unforgettable experiences that only the Keys’ waters can offer.