How to Catch Lobster in Tasmania

A Hobart Guide

If you’re visiting Hobart and love seafood, catching your own Tasmanian rock lobster is an unforgettable experience. With crystal-clear waters, kelp forests, and rocky reefs, Hobart’s coastline is perfect for divers looking for adventure. Here’s everything you need to know to hand-catch lobster safely and legally.

Get Your Fishing License
Before you head out, make sure you have a Tasmania Recreational Fishing License. This license covers lobster and abalone and costs about AUD 80 for a year. Always carry it with you — you’ll need it if authorities check.

Hobart Lobster Rules
Tasmania takes lobster conservation seriously. In Hobart:
Minimum Head Size: Females 105 mm, Males 110 mm
Bag Limit: 2 per person, 10 per boat
Season: Second weekend of December to early May
Method: Lobsters must be caught by hand only — no tools
Dive Type: Freediving or scuba diving
Tip: Release any undersized or egg-bearing lobsters — it keeps the population healthy.

Gear You’ll Need
Tasmanian waters can be chilly during lobster season (16–19 °C), so proper gear is essential:
Wetsuit: 7 mm minimum; a drysuit is ideal for longer dives
Gloves: Thick gloves protect your hands when reaching into crevices
Lobster measure: Make sure your catch meets the legal size — gauges are available at Service Tasmania, local dive shops, or on our boat

Buddy System: Always dive with a partner for safety
How to Hand-Catch Lobster
Find the Right Spots: Lobsters love rocky reefs, kelp forests, and small underwater caves.
Approach Slowly: Move gently to avoid spooking them.
Grab by Hand: Reach into the crevice and hold the lobster firmly — no tools allowed.
Check Size: Measure with your gauge to ensure it’s legal.
Remember: Each diver can only take two lobsters, so choose carefully.

Best Hobart Lobster Spots
Here are some popular locations near Hobart:
Opossum Bay – Boat recommended; sheltered bays with rocky reefs
Blackmans Bay – Some shore access, but better with a boat
Iron Pot – Offshore reefs; boat access required
Killora – Remote and quiet; only by boat
Bonnet Hill – Strong currents; boat recommended for safety
Most of the best lobster spots require a boat to reach the deeper reefs. Shore dives are possible but usually less productive.

Safety Tips
Always dive with a buddy
Check tides, currents, and weather before diving
Keep your catch cool and moist until cooking
Respect bag limits and release protected lobsters

Cooking Your Lobster

After your dive, enjoy your fresh catch:

Boil: 5–8 minutes per 500 g
Grill: Halve, brush with garlic butter, grill 6–10 minutes
Pair with Tasmanian wine for the ultimate experience tasmania has to offer.

For any booking enquiries, feel free to join our HALF DAY HOOK, DIVE AND GRILL trip and experience catching your own southern rock lobster underwater in Tassie. We can also provide a dive guide to help increase your chances of finding lobsters and show you the proper hand-catching techniques.