Lobster Fishing?

[JGH]

At my kids' urging, I am considering getting a lobster trap. I'm looking into the recreational license requirements in NY, but was wondering if anyone has tried it and had any impressions or advice for a newbie. It would be in the western Long Island Sound. If it is more trouble than it's worth, I can be talked out of it. Thanks.

[Frankie G]

DO IT! I can't speak to NY regs as I do it, and have been doing it, with my 2 boys for the past 4 seasons in my local harbor with great success. My recommendation would be to get 5 traps as opposed to one- if your going to make the effort to go out there and do it you might as well give yourself a shot at having something to bring home and put on the table. Plus, even if you don't get any lobsters, there is always something alive in the trap. My kids look forward to it every weekend and even remind me to thaw out bait on friday night for the weekend haul. A great family activity.

PM me if you want further intel.

Frank

[MarkZ]

From what I've heard invest in a time release buoy and plan to be there when it pops up or shortly thereafter , otherwise they'll be poached. Don't know what the current state of lobster harvest in the sound is (whether or not its made a comeback).

[Bob Parsons]

From what I've heard invest in a time release buoy and plan to be there when it pops up or shortly thereafter , otherwise they'll be poached. Don't know what the current state of lobster harvest in the sound is (whether or not its made a comeback).

While automatic surfacing buoys exists, at least patent wise. The information I've seen is that they are too expensive for the recreational fisher to justify buying them. Plus if current or some other factor keeps the bouy from being verticle, some of them may not release.

[brushfly]

From what I've read on the rec side, many have had their trap buoys cut by baymen and yahoos. I would think if you stay far away from their markers (Mostly Mid Sound) you might be o.k. but I've read nothing but trouble from all thinking of doing what your proposing. With the exception of Frankie G above who isn't in LIS. Sorry to be the kill joy, JMO. It would be fun I would think. One other thing. Lifting them can be a bear, messy and scratch up your boat pretty good if you go it alone. Not sure of your ride but something else to consider.

[Frankie G]

I lose a pot or two each season- not sure if it is to rec/comm sabotage or someone getting a fouled prop with the warp and not wanting to take the time. I fish ten pots and try to space them so that all ten are not bunched up making it easier to identify a rec v. comm outfit. I guess the single buoys are a giveaway as comm's generally fish trawls (string of traps with a buoy on each end), at least where I am from. Wear grundens and rubber boots, or something to keep the muck off of you. It makes a mess of the boat, but the kids LOVE it.


Frank