Lobster Fishing

Lobster fishing is the harvesting or marine lobsters, spiny lobsters, or crayfish, whether for recreation or commercial purposes. It is a tradition that began way back when men discovered that lobsters are edible.

Lobster fishing is a venture that requires expensive gear and sturdy boats. It uses tools such as boats, navigation and other fishing technology. Lobster fishing generally includes traps, or pot warp, connected to one another and to a buoy with rope. Lobster traps must have escape holes to allow under-sized lobsters to get out of the trap. A trap must also have a device that allows its door to open after it has been out too long. Traps are sunk to the ocean bottom and dead fish are used to bait the lobsters. Lobster traps allow fishermen to harvest a lot of lobsters.

For those who are interested in lobster fishing, here’s a step by step process on how to get about on this moderately challenging endeavor. The first step is the acquisition of lobster license, federal or state. Federal allows you to fish in deeper waters, usually acquired by commercial fishermen, but for the recreational fisherman, state license would suffice.

The second requirement for lobster fishing is of course a boat, either you can purchase or rent one. Together with the boat are the necessary gears such as buoys, minimum of two for a line. A line contains a series of traps, some even reaching up to 10 per line. Decide on the number of lines you need, if you are fishing alone, set up a few lines but the more men with you, then you can set up more lines. Mark the buoys for identification, and if possible add a tracking system for your lines for easy harvesting.

Additional gears for lobster fishing are in case of foul weather and emergency. Buy rain gear weather, water resistant boots, oil gear, gloves, dry socks. Safety equipment such as first-aid kits to life preservers is also essential.

Make sure that you have sufficient bait for your traps. Store them in tubs or drums, and the amount of bait depends on the number of traps you plan to release.

Finally, make sure you have provisions in case any contingencies that might arise, one of which is who will purchase your harvest. Lobster fishing is an expensive endeavor, and it’s important to recoup your expenses whether you fish recreationally.