September and October are the time of year when lobstermen up and down the coast keep a constant eye and ear on the marine forecast. Here in Maine we see the remnants of many of the hurricanes that make landfall on the east coast. Right now we bracing for the remnants of Hurricane Hanna. This Saturday and Sunday the forecast is calling for 45 knot winds and 10 foot seas…not exactly ideal weather for lobstering. Because Cape Elizabeth is exposed to these storms, we have to get out to move our traps into deeper water before the storms hit. Luckily I got out yesterday and bumped all my gear out and baited heavy so hopefully the traps will be stuffed with lobsters whenever I can get out next, probably early next week. This time of year the name of the game is risk and reward. There are lots of lobsters in risky spots right now. It is tempting to set a lot of gear in these hot spots, but one storm could do some real damage. Check out this picture from a storm two years ago, on the left is Captain Ted’s boat riding the storm out. His boat was fine but any traps in the area probably didn’t fare as well.
-Captain Brendan R.