Method for retrieving lobsters or similar objects from the floor of a lobster pound or other shallow water body are described. An upward flow of water is established in a flexible conduit or passageway of size sufficient to accommodate the objects to be lifted. This is accomplished by a low pressure air lift particularly suited for non-traumatic handling of lobsters. Objects to be lifted are drawn into the upward flow as the flexible conduit is moved over the bottom. As objects rise to the surface they are guided or diverted by a transfer guide chamber or coupling onto a conveyor which carries the objects onto a deck or support platform floating above the water surface. The transfer chamber and conveyor shed water away from the lobsters or other objects. The transfer guide chamber, conveyor and a pivotable boom for supporting the flexible conduit in an "S" configuration are attached to a deck or support platform floating above the surface. The entire rig moves throughout the area of the lobster pound or other water body for recovering lobsters at any location.