Seasonal· Far North Abaco· Bahamas — North
Spiny lobster (crawfish) and stone-crab seasons
27° 12.3′ N · 78° 18.6′ W · approximate
The Bahamas' spiny lobster season opens on August 1 and closes on March 31, and lobster dinners from Grand Cay and Fox Town fishermen are a highlight of a winter cruise.
Practical
Pinned on the Grand Cay flats as a regional marker. Rules as published by Walker's Cay (2026): lobster closed April 1 to July 31; max 10 tails per vessel; minimum 3-3/8 in carapace or 6 in tail; egg-bearing females protected. Stone crab closed June 1 to October 15; claws at least 4 in; females prohibited. Conch max 6 per vessel and only with a well-formed lip. Hawaiian sling only; no scuba for harvesting; no take in national parks. Fishing rights come with the cruising permit for each person on the manifest (separate fishing-permit fees apply under the newer fee schedules; check Click2Clear). Buying from local fishermen is legal and supports the settlements. Map position is an approximate representative point for this entry (derived from the nearest settlement, dock or harbour named above), not a surveyed location.
Best for
Knowing when lobster is legal
Season
Lobster Aug 1–Mar 31; stone crab Oct 16–May 31
Nearby
- Grand Cays sportfishing and bonefish flatsRight here
- Little Grand Cay South Anchorage0.8 NM away
- Little Grand Cay Anchorage1 NM away
- Grand Cay Harbour Anchorage1.2 NM away
- Gregory Boat Mechanic (Grand Cay)1.2 NM away
- Rosie's Place (Grand Cay)1.2 NM away
- Grand Cay restaurants and take-out (Rosie's and local stands)1.3 NM away
- Double Breasted Cays Anchorage1.4 NM away