Hunt Florida Spiny Lobster After Dark Aboard Nocturnal
Experience one of the most exciting nighttime adventures in the Florida Keys on a Key West bully net lobster fishing trip with Odyssea Sportfishing.
When the sun goes down, the hunt begins.
Florida spiny lobsters leave their daytime hiding places after dark and move across shallow flats to feed. That’s when we head out aboard Nocturnal, our dedicated bully net boat, light up the bottom and hunt lobster from the surface.
No scuba. No snorkeling. No getting in the water.
Just shallow water, bright lights, crawling lobster and the excitement of trying to drop a bully net over one before it gets away.
Trips depart from Key West at sundown.
Key West Bully Net Lobster Trip Details
4 Hours (or limit reached)-
All ages welcome
-
Fishing License Included
-
Departs from Oceans Edge Marina and Resort, Key West
-
$200 Deposit to secure date
-
Cash, check, Venmo, Zelle and credit card accepted
What Is Bully Net Lobster Fishing?
Bully netting is a traditional way to catch Florida spiny lobster at night without ever getting into the water.
A lobster bully net consists of a large hoop and net attached to a long pole. Instead of scooping at a lobster, you position the hoop directly above it and lower the net over the lobster against the bottom.
Here’s how the hunt works:
- Cruise shallow lobster habitat after dark
- Use powerful lights to illuminate the bottom
- Search for lobster moving away from cover
- Position Nocturnal over a legal lobster
- Line up the bully net
- Drop the hoop before the lobster escapes
- Bring your catch aboard
- Measure and inspect each lobster
- Keep hunting until time expires or everyone reaches their legal limit
The concept is simple.
Why Bully Net for Lobster at Night?
Florida spiny lobsters are most active after dark.
During the day, they usually hide beneath rocks, ledges and other structure. At night, they emerge to forage and often move across more open areas of shallow bottom.
That’s our opportunity.
Lights aboard Nocturnal illuminate the water as everyone scans for movement.
A shadow appears…. Someone sees antennae…. LOBSTER!
Now the captain maneuvers the boat silently into position while you get the bully net ready.
Unlike traditional lobster diving, everything happens from the boat.
Actually putting the net over a lobster before it shoots away is where the fun begins!
Meet Nocturnal — Our Custom Key West Bully Net Boat
Built for the Night Hunt
A successful bully net boat needs to do things a typical offshore fishing boat doesn’t.
Bully netting takes place in shallow water where maneuverability, visibility and boat positioning are critical.
Nocturnal is the platform for your nighttime lobster hunt.
As we work across productive shallow water, the boat provides the lighting and access needed to spot lobster and get a long-handled bully net directly over them.
Wind, current, tide, depth and visibility all affect the hunt. When a lobster appears, boat positioning can be just as important as the person holding the net.
That’s where experienced local captains make a major difference.
Your Captain : Casey Villone
Captain Casey Villone is a Key West native who has spent his life on the waters surrounding the Florida Keys.
An experienced captain and fisherman, Casey brings a lifetime of local knowledge, a laid-back personality and a genuine passion for sharing the Keys with others.
As captain of Nocturnal, Casey specializes in nighttime bully-netting charters for Florida spiny lobster. His knowledge of the local flats and backcountry makes him the perfect guide for this unique Key West adventure.
Bully netting is hands-on, exciting and completely different from a traditional day on the water. Casey enjoys teaching guests how to spot and net lobster while keeping the trip fun and comfortable for everyone—from experienced anglers to families and first-timers.
Climb aboard Nocturnal with Capt. Casey and experience the Florida Keys after dark, one lobster at a time.
No Diving. No Experience Necessary.
One of the best things about Key West Bully Net Fishing is how accessible it is.
You don’t need:
- Scuba certification
- Freediving experience
- Snorkeling equipment
- Tanks or regulators
- Previous lobster fishing experience
- To swim after dark
Everything happens aboard Nocturnal.
That makes this trip an exciting choice for:
- Families
- Kids and parents
- Couples
- Groups of friends
- Experienced fishermen
- First-time anglers
- Visitors who don’t want to dive
- Anyone who really likes fresh Florida lobster
All ages are welcome, and your fishing license is included.
You’re Part of the Hunt!
Bully netting isn’t a boat ride where you watch the captain do everything. The fun comes from participating.
You’ll watch the illuminated bottom, spotting lobster along the way and jump into the action to net your limit of delicious Florida Spiny Lobster.
One minute you’re cruising slowly through the darkness. The next, everyone aboard is yelling directions while a lobster starts moving and somebody tries to get the bully net over it.
Miss? Find another one.
Connect? Dinner just came aboard.
Few Key West fishing trips are this visual, interactive and completely different from traditional rod-and-reel fishing.
What’s Included
- Private bully net charter for up to 4 guests
- Nocturnal custom cat bully net boat
- Experienced local captain
- Bully nets
- Specialized nighttime lighting
- Fishing license
- Up to four hours on the water
Key West Bully Net Lobster Trip Details
4 Hours (or limit reached)-
All ages welcome
-
Fishing License Included
-
Departs from Oceans Edge Marina and Resort, Key West
-
$200 Deposit to secure date
-
Cash, check, Venmo, Zelle and credit card accepted
What Odyssea Customers Say
Odyssea Sport Fishing has earned a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor, with customers repeatedly praising the crew’s fishing knowledge, professionalism and ability to create memorable days on the water.
That same reputation for local knowledge, patience and professionalism carries into Odyssea’s nighttime lobster trips aboard Nocturnal.
Come experience Key West with captains who know the waters because they grew up fishing them.
Key West Bully Net Fishing FAQ
What is bully net lobster fishing?
Bully netting is a method of catching spiny lobster from a boat using a long-handled hoop net. Powerful lights are used after dark to find lobster moving across shallow bottom. Once spotted, the net is positioned above the lobster and lowered over it.
What boat do we use?
Trips take place aboard Nocturnal, Odyssea’s dedicated bully net boat equipped for nighttime lobster hunting in the shallow waters surrounding Key West.
Who is Capt. Casey Villone?
Captain Casey Villone is a Key West native and experienced local captain who specializes in nighttime bully-netting charters aboard Nocturnal. He is known for his knowledge of the local flats and backcountry, relaxed personality and ability to make the trip fun for both experienced anglers and first-timers.
Do I have to get in the water?
No. Bully net lobster fishing is done from the boat. You don’t need to scuba dive, snorkel or freedive.
How long is the trip?
Trips last up to four hours or until the legal lobster limit per person is caught, whichever comes first.
How much does the trip cost?
The private charter is $850 for up to four people.
What time do we depart?
Bully net trips depart from Key West at sundown so we can take advantage of increased lobster activity after dark.
Are kids allowed?
Yes. All ages are welcome. Because bully netting takes place from the boat rather than underwater, it can be a great Key West adventure for families.
Is a fishing license included?
Yes. Your required fishing license is included with the trip.
How much is the deposit?
A $200 deposit is required to reserve your trip.
What forms of payment are accepted?
Odyssea accepts cash, check, Venmo, Zelle and credit cards.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel at least 7 days before your booked trip date to receive a refund of your deposit.
Can we keep the lobster?
Yes, provided they are caught during an open season and meet all current Florida recreational lobster regulations, including applicable size and bag limits.
Is catching our limit guaranteed?
No. Lobster activity and visibility depend on natural conditions including tides, wind and water clarity. Your captain uses extensive local experience to give your group the best opportunity for a successful trip.
Do I need previous fishing experience?
No. Bully netting is easy to understand and no previous fishing or lobster hunting experience is required.