Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Not just anyone can catch Lobstah...

I just finished taking the test for my noncommercial lobster & crab license.  I sent in to the state for the test and the application.  They sent a book that has all the rules about trap requirements, how to measure a lobster correctly, and what constitutes a keeper (legally harvested lobster).

There are lots of rules and regulations, but they are all there to help keep the industry viable.  If I pass the test I will be able to set five traps in the water.  I will be subject to the same laws as any other lobsterman, except that I will not be able to sell my catch.  That is perfectly okay with me, I look forward to eating lobster during the summer, and maybe be able to put some away in the freezer.  

I had an extra application/test sent for Kaitlyn, she hasn't committed to the idea yet.  She has a pretty busy summer season, and lobstering probably won't be what she wants to do with her spare time.

I am looking forward to it.  The times when I have gone lobstering with others I have had so much fun.  When a trap is hauled up you never know what is going to be in it.  It is like getting one of those scratch and win lottery tickets.  You might get nothing, or you might get a trap full of keepahs (the jackpot).  The consolation prize for not getting a keeper in the trap is getting to see all the other sea creatures that have entered the trap to feed on the bait bag.  

It is a little bit of an investment to get into having traps, but I think that the benefits will far outweigh the costs.

1 comment:

martha miller said...

that kaitlyn can be such a spoiled sport!
that's cool that you can do your own lobstering now, cory! sister lis already likes you, but you will be VERY popular with her now that you have your license!