How do Belizean Fisherman Catch Lobster?

There are two main ways that lobsters are fished for in Belize. The first method is by free diving with a hook-stick. The lobster is caught by sliding the stick under its belly and pulling the hook up and out. This takes a lot of skill and (diving) experience, as lobsters as surprisingly fast swimmers.

The second method is by using a lobster trap. Inside the hand built traps, bait is placed and they are then located in sandy, shallow areas. Once the lobsters are ready to be collected, one person will free dive to the traps and attach a line. Then another person on the boat will pull the traps up and the lobster out. Fishermen on sailboats, dories and skiffs will use this method.

Lobster shades are also used to harvest lobster. They are similar to lobster traps but they do not contain bait. Lobsters will seek shade during daylight and hide in these traps.