The Overseas Highway opens the show and it only gets better. Based at Keys Cove in Marathon Key, Brian goes full local: hunting spiny lobster — "bugs" — right off the dock, then heading north for a mangrove fishing trip he won't forget.
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Where the episode goes
In Marathon Key, locals Sean and Dale take Brian lobster tickle hunting — the underwater technique for coaxing spiny lobster out of their holes. The episode covers the complete hunt, a step-by-step processing and deveining tutorial, and the payoff: an epic catch-and-cook lobster dinner. There's also real talk about lionfish, hogfish, and the local seafood scene.
Then it's north to Key Largo for a wild mangrove fishing trip with the legendary Carlos & Carlos of CNC Appa Adventures: ladyfish exploding on the third cast, sea trout action, a deep dive into the mangrove ecosystem and Adams Cut history — and one hilarious "hazard pay" near-overboard moment you have to see.
The day winds down with waterfront fresh seafood, Key lime pie at Sundowners, and a sit-down with Chef Juan Vales.
Episode moments
- 5:00 — The underwater lobster tickle hunt begins
- 6:36 — Full lobster processing and deveining tutorial
- 8:45 — The catch-and-cook lobster feast
- 16:05 — Ladyfish explode on the third cast
- 22:27 — The "hazard pay" near-overboard scare
- 24:09 — Sundowners dinner and Chef Juan Vales
Episode FAQ
What is lobster tickling?
A local Florida Keys technique for catching spiny lobster — "bugs" — by hand, using a tickle stick to coax them out of rocks and holes. In the episode, locals Sean and Dale demonstrate the full hunt right off the dock in Marathon.
Where do they fish in Key Largo?
In the mangroves with Carlos & Carlos of CNC Appa Adventures — ladyfish and sea trout action, plus an ecosystem lesson and the history of Adams Cut.
Where do they eat in the episode?
The centerpiece is their own catch-and-cook lobster dinner, followed by waterfront seafood and Key lime pie at Sundowners, where Brian sits down with Chef Juan Vales.
Behind the camera
This episode is a Nidhogg Studios production.
We film, edit, and deliver The Wandering Bostonian ourselves — the same crew and process behind our documentary and series work for clients. If your brand has a story worth an episode, let's talk.
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