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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Fishing Gears in St. Georges Bay