What is it like to be lobstering in Maine?

Facts About Lobstering in Maine

• Answer:

  Lobstering in Maine is as old a profession as the state itself. The first lobster fishermen in Maine were the Native Americans who used lobster remains to fertilize their farmland. Until World War II, lobster was considered a pauper's dinner and did not become the rich delicacy that we now order in restaurants today. As a result of its popularity since the 1940s, the amount of lobster caught in Maine is highly regulated by the state as well as individual counties. History The first documentation of the history of lobstering was recorded in 1605. James Rosier, a New England native, wrote, "And towards night we drew with a small net of twenty fathoms very nigh the shore; we got about thirty very good and great lobsters...which I omit not to report, because it sheweth how great a profit fishing would be..." By World War II, lobster had become a delicacy, yet was widely available to the general public, as a result of the upward economy. Laws and Regulations Only Maine residents are allowed to hold a noncommercial lobster license. While this license may allow residents to catch lobsters, it does not allow the sale of lobsters. Noncommercial license holders are only allowed to use up to five lobster traps at any time. Lobstering permits only allow their holders to fish 30 minutes after sunrise until 30 minutes before sunset, from June to October. Only lobsters of legal size (from 3 1/4 inches to 5 inches long) may be kept if caught. Lobster Boats Lobster boats can be identified by several distinguishing characteristics. They are generally around 20 to 50 feet long, have a round bottom and a double-wedged hull. While most lobster boats were originally made out of cedar and oak, the wood has been replaced by fiberglass in modern boats. Their cabins are generally located toward the front of the boat and bear a windshield. Lobster Management The state of Maine monitors lobstering to sustain the lobster population and prevent poaching. Any female lobsters carrying eggs cannot be taken and must be released back into the ocean after the fisherman marks her tail to warn other fishermen that she is a healthy breeder. The current fine for keeping a lobster carrying eggs is $50, plus $100 per lobster. In addition, fishermen are only allowed to catch full-sized lobsters by using clearly marked traps that allow undersized lobsters to escape. Fun Facts Rubber bands are placed around a lobster's claws, not to prevent them from harming anyone who handles them, but to prevent them from harming each other. Lobsters have been given interesting nicknames, such as "hen," which is the name for a female lobster; "chicken," which is a 1-pound lobster; and "pistol," which is a lobster without claws. The outer chamber in a lobster trap is called a kitchen, while the inner chamber is either referred to as the bedroom or the parlor.