Friends With Benefits: Making the Most of the Buddy System

FISHING IS THE ULTIMATE THRILL and my life’s one true passion. But on hot summer days when even the slightest breeze is hard to come by and the sweltering sun is already unbearable by 9:00 a.m., sitting on a skifff or hours isn’t always appealing. On such days, I like to substitute rods and reels with Hawaiian slings and lobster nets to escape the heat and explore the underwater world.

- Iggy Zeigler

With Florida’s spiny lobster sport season taking place every year during the summer doldrums, there’s no better time to jump on in. Though the annual two-day mini season means that reefs will be packed like parking lots, I figured I’d brave the chaos for a few ‘tails and maybe a nice hogfish to boot.

I normally don’t get all that excited for mini season, but this year I caught the bug. Unfortunately, none of my usual fishing friends would be able to make the trip and freediving alone can be a dangerous game, so I had to find someone to fill the void.