Throw all that gear overboard (and go home for breakfast)
And everyone threw their traps into the ocean and went home for lunch. Perhaps not exactly how it happened, but we have another year of lobster fishing underway. I was up at coffee time; early enough to see boats on the go, because the rule makers had adjusted their watches, and gave the starting signal at 9:00 this morning. A full three hours later than other years. And because I wasn’t at the wharf, I don’t know if this still qualifies as a “starting pistol” sort of sport, but from the photos and videos, people were calm and professional as they left the harbour entrance in a long, single boat queue.
One never knows the bounty (or the price at the weigh scale) until later in the season, but it’s a given that there will be money made. A big deal for the local economy. I don’t have to eat “bug” to know the fever it brings on for fisher folk. Something for nothing, almost. I admit, there are fuel costs and crew wages and interest to pay against the million dollar loans, but the only reason to leave the wharf, morning after morning, and to haul thousands of kilos of gear is that it pays real cash.
I went to sea, for one season (just to see). It’s not an easy way to fill your coffers, and you do need to “fill your boots” as they say. I remain amazed at the people who will do this for decades. Personal safety? Not a big consideration. Especially when you don’t know how to swim. Best to avoid an unexpected swim.
