What’s the craziest question YOU’VE been asked about lobster fishing?

Lobster Fisherman Oil Skins

A lobster fisherman’s oil skins, waiting for another day of work. Photo Courtesy of Billy Kitchen.

Maine is a unique state.  Lobster fishing is a unique occupation.  In the summer months, tourists flock to Vacationland, eager to eat lobster in the rough and learn about our way of life.

I grew up working as a sternman on my father’s lobster boat and conversations with tourists were a common and often entertaining addition to the process of unloading our catch. I enjoyed the intense eagerness people ‘from away’ showed in wanting to learn more about Maine’s most famous fishing industry but was also often amused by the questions they asked.

When I was writing my book about lobster fishing in Downeast Maine, I created a list of the silliest questions ever asked about lobster fishing, based on my experiences and those of other fishermen I surveyed.  But this list just scratches the surface.

So now I’m calling on all lobster fishermen and women, sternmen, people who are part of a lobster fishing family or any Mainer who has been asked a crazy question about lobster fishing to share these questions with me so I can update my current list (below).

The Craziest Questions Ever Asked About Lobster Fishing

1. Why do you park all your boats in the same direction?

2. Are they fresh (asked as a fisherman unloaded that day’s catch)?

3. Do you bring your traps home every night?

4. Do you ever watch the lobsters going into the traps?

5. Does it hurt if one bites you?

6. Do you catch Alaskan King Crab?

7. Do you eat lobster every day?

What do you think of those seven?  Have a better one?  Come on then – let me know so I can add it to the list!  Feel free to submit your questions into the comment section below or send via the contact form at the very bottom of my ‘About Christina’ page.  I look forward to reading, and having a laugh at, your replies.

Christina Lemieux

About Christina Lemieux

Christina Lemieux Oragano grew up in Cutler, Maine, where her family have been in the lobster industry for four generations. She worked as a stern'man' on her father's boat for ten summers before graduating from college and beginning a career in advertising. While her job has taken her from Maine to San Francisco, New York and then to London, she has remained committed and connected to the Maine lobster industry. Her blogging, book writing, and experimentation with lobster recipes are testimony to her devotion to America's favorite crustacean.