With little fuss or fanfare lobster fishing area 36 opened in Alma at 6am on Tuesday, November 10th. The boats left Alma's harbour at 11pm Monday night. The boats travelled to Herring Cove and waited...Unlike district 35 which opened last month, the 36 boats had to wait until 6am before leaving Herring Cove according to their licence conditions. Depending on the size of boat and the captain’s strategy, some left with big loads of traps, praying for calm seas. Others left with small loads banking on a quick turnaround to get a full load on the next tide.
| Reports from both the captains and crews on the night at the cove were mixed, but all agreed there was little sleep due to a large swell and anticipation for the following day. The key is to get the gear in the water as soon as possible so the lobsters can start crawling in! Some of the boats have chosen to fish from harbours farther down the bay and commute by car. They say the drive is by far warmer and less rolly than the minimum 3 or 4 hour steam by boat. Fishermen are cautiously looking forward to a good season. With prices up from previous years and a little weather cooperation, they hope to be in luck. Fishing is like farming, you never know what the season will bring until it is over. In recent years Alma’s fleet growth has depended on district 36 licences. There are approximately one and a half times the number of licences available in this district compared to the adjacent district 35. This year's district 36 fall fishery has 9 boats and crews from Alma and the surrounding area, which is a welcomed boost to our local economy. Both Collins Lobster Shop and The Alma Lobster Shop are open. If you haven’t had your fall Lobster yet it is a great time to do so. The shells are not completely full but the lobsters sure are tasty! By Joanne Butland |
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