Hauling a lobster trap. Photo courtesy of Laurie Cates.

Lobster fishing is a unique occupation as well as a way of life and a family tradition for many people in Maine.  This is the case in my family. My great grandfather Gene Farris captained a lobster smack in the early 1900s and later bought and sold lobster from a wharf in Cutler. My grandfather took over Farris’ wharf, dealing lobster and fishing for lobster along the Cutler coast. My father and brother are currently full-time Cutler lobster fishermen, operating their business off the same weathered wharf as my Great Grampy Gene.  I grew up painting lobster buoys, helping repair lobster traps and working as a lobstering stern’man’ in the summer months.

This section of my blog is devoted to helping satisfy people’s curiosity about Maine lobster fishing –  from the seasons of lobster fishing and the strategy of lobster fishing to Maine’s lobster conservation laws, the unwritten rules of lobster fishing, the dangers of lobster fishing, what happens during a day out on the boat and a few fun facts like how fishermen name their boats and the unique lingo they use.

The Maine Lobster Season

Maine lobster traps, ready to set. Photo courtesy of Jessica Taylor

Click here to learn more about the Maine lobster season, including what lobster fishermen do during the spring, summer, fall and winter months.

Maine Lobster Conservation Laws

A Maine lobster measure and bander.

Click here to learn more about the conservation laws that ensure Maine lobster fishing is a sustainable industry.

Maine Lobster Fishing Families

Father and son lobster fishermen. Photo courtesy of Laurie Cates.C

Click here to learn more about how the Maine lobster fishing skills are passed from one generation to the next and how multi-generational lobster fishing families support each other.

The History of Lobster Fishing In Maine

Cutler fisherman Jasper Cates fishing a wooden lobster trap. Photo courtesy of Wanda Cates.

In the 1600’s lobsters were so plentiful they would wash up on beaches and could be gathered by hand at low tide. By the late 1800’s aggressive fishing had depleted Maine’s lobster stock so greatly the first of Maine’s conservation laws were put in place. Currently the Maine lobster industry is booming like never before. Here is a quick overview of of the history of Maine lobster fishing.

Lobster Fishing Superstitions

A Maine lobstermans uniform – grundens oil gear. Photo courtesy of Billy Kitchen.

Click here to learn about the lobster fishing superstitions.