Lobster Traps

Lobster are caught by inshore fishermen using traps (or pots) set on the ocean floor, either individually or in groups on a line. The size and design of these traps differ somewhat in various localities. Traditional traps are made of curved pieces of wood, wood laths, and nylon twine. Newer traps are more rectangular and some are made of heavy wire mesh. Every trap has one or more funnel-shape openings fashioned from twine, which allow the lobster to enter the trap but prevent it from escaping. Traps are also fitted with circular or rectangular escape mechanisms designed to allow small lobster to escape. They are baited with either fresh or salted fish, commonly herring, mackerel or gaspereau.

Traps are set in waters of varying depths, but usually near a rocky bottom, which lobsters prefer. Traps are ballasted with flat stones or concrete slabs to sink them and reduce their movement on the ocean floor. Marked buoys allow the gear to be easily located and identified.

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