We went to the docks in Portland and scheduled a ride on the Lucky Catch, a working lobster boat. We were all invited to participate as crew members, as we were offered lobstermen gear once we were underway from the pier. Wendy, Amelia, and John are dressed and ready to learn firsthand about catching lobsters.
Paul and Ann are dressed and ready to play "lobsterman" as well.
The Lucky Catch stopped at four different locations around Casco Bay. At each stop, the boat captain pulled up two traps from the bottom of the bay. Here Captain Dave is showing us the particular color scheme on the buoy the company has been assigned. Notice the automatic pulley that is used to pull the traps from the bottom.
The first trap contained several lobsters. Here Dave is showing us how a lobster is measured to determine if it can be kept or must be thrown back into the water. Maine has very strict lobstering laws to ensure the population of lobsters can continue to regenerate. Only male lobsters can be kept if the body shell length is between 3.25 inches and 5 inches as measured with this special ruler. The bagel looking attachment is a float in case the "ruler" falls into the water.
We also caught this female lobster. Dave is showing us the eggs on the belly of the lobster. Female lobsters carry the eggs and eventually deposit them to hatch.
There were two different types of crabs in one of the traps.
Our first mate is showing John and Amelia the two different types of claws that lobsters have. Scott is in the background. The children are wearing protective gloves so they could do all the crewman activities safely.
Because lobsters are cannibals, rubber bands are put on the claws so they don't kill each other in the tank. Amelia is getting ready to put the bands on our keeper lobster. Scott, Wendy, Paul, and John watch attentively.
Before the traps are put back in the water, fresh bait is put in each trap. Here John is putting herring in the bait bag Amelia is holding while Wendy watches.
John is pulling the string tight on another bait bag. The expression on John's face is almost as if he could smell the fish, which you couldn't.
Paul is fastening the trap closed after the new bait has been put inside. You can see the bait bag hanging in the center of the trap. There are also several bricks in each trap to help keep the trap from moving on the bottom of the bay.
John is pushing the trap into the water while Amelia watches intently. The traps will be left on the bottom for three days before they are pulled from the water again.
Our journey around the bay took us passed "Seal Rock". On some days the seals would be sunning themselves but not this day. Our weather was cool and drizzly, keeping us all in jackets and sweatshirts.
When the Lucky Catch arrived back at the dock, we were offered to purchase any of the lobsters we brought in. However, we chose to enjoy some hot clam chowder at a nearby restaurant to help warm us up.
Awesome post, dad. Great recap of our experience on the Lobster Catch! I too started writing today about our experience on the lobster boat but didn't finish my entry. I have no doubt mine won't be as well-described as yours though. I enjoyed reading this and I know I will enjoy your recap from visiting Betsy and family as well.
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