First, the lobster... we have YET to see a lobster on a coral head inside the reef, even in the most uninhabited atoll we've visited. That is just not their habitat here. To get lobster, you go reef walking at night with a light, and you have to pick the right time of the month, on a rising tide with no moon, so you don't just jump out there any night you feel like it. But when the time is right, it's usually pretty productive.
Second, the grouper... in some atolls you CAN eat grouper. However, we just don't want to risk making a mistake. The effects of ciguatera can be very bad, and long lasting. It just isn't worth it.
Third... there are always sharks around. They don't bother us much if we're just swimming around, but the minute you spear something, they just appear out of nowhere. Again, it just isn't worth it, when we already have fish in the freezer.
Fourth... we are getting all fish we can handle from outside the reef. Some we have caught ourselves, but most we have been given... For example, the locals had a fishing tournament in Makemo when we were there. In about 4 hours, using outboard-powered skiffs and hand lines, every boat came back with loads of tuna, mahi mahi, and even a big marlin. We stuffed our freezer with good guaranteed non-ciguatera fish.
Finally... The cooler water is another big factor--the water is a little cool (77 degrees) to stay in very long. And the air is cool and the wind is blowing hard, so when you get out, you're freezing. (yes, I know, we're wimps!!)
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