Get Me Lobster Fishing Apprentice Log

You have to get a special fishing license just for lobsters. Some people catch lobsters for fun, but many men and women catch and sell lobsters as their job. You need to learn how from another person that catches lobsters and you have to have that special license.

You cannot receive a crab harvesting or non-commercial lobster license without being a State of Maine resident. With the license, you are allowed to transport or ship, possess, take and fish crabs and lobsters you have accessed.

Maine's waters are pristine and home to extraordinary wildlife, and our lobstermen intend to keep it that way. Our fishery harvests all lobster by hand, uses low-impact gear and takes precautionary measures to protect the lobster resource and preserve our marine habitat.

With a lobstering license in Maine, there is no maximum catch of lobsters you must abide by, like in other fisheries. Limits are set on number of traps, and timing of when traps may be set, but are not determined by actual number of caught lobster.

Lobster fishing does happen year-round in Maine however, off-shore fishermen tend to be year-round because of the migration of the lobster. In-shore fishermen are less likely to stick around for the winter season.

Lobsters are harvested year-round in Maine and New Hampshire; however, the majority are caught between late June and late December, when the lobsters are the most active.

Shellfish Species Table Shellfish SpeciesMinimum SizeDonax Clam (Donax sp.)25 mmEdible Crab (Cancer pagurus)130 mmHard Clam (Callista chione)60 mmLobster (Homarus gammarus)87 mm16 more rows

DID YOU KNOW? The largest recorded Maine Lobster weighed 27 lbs! Maine lobstermen must complete a two-year apprenticeship before they can captain a boat. National Lobster Day is September 25. Lobster steamed in beer is delicious. It's best with a pilsner or lager.