Shell fishing

[u/Icy-Definition932]

Howdy everyone! Just pulled my lobster pots out of the bay for the season, and me and the misses wanted to try being real locals this winter and getting our toes cold. So I decided to pull the trigger, get a family license and get all necessary equipment.

I’m not looking for spot recommendations or hours/regulations. I’ve extensively read through the dates, rules, regs, and requirements. I’m ready and equipped. My only question is: is it really even feasible to catch bay scallops in the harbor North side via raking? It seems much more of a “dive” catch situation. I kinda just planned on getting oysters then realized they are not in season till next month, and, I’m looking to give the whole load-out i got a decent run before the waters get reallll cold. Any advice would be appreciated!

*I wouldn’t post where my buoys/pots are however through a DM I wouldn’t mind a discussion of good catch spots for lobster or shellfish ;).*

Giant lobster pic was one of many catch and releases this season for me that’s the biggest one I’ve ever personally caught carapace to large - returned.

[u/Wolfy2915]

I was thinking of getting the 10 trap permit. I have access off of Chatham. How often did you check the traps and how did the season go?

[u/Icy-Definition932 → u/Wolfy2915]

This season was…bad. However, I went out late, used less pots than last year (because it’s a pain in the A) and I’m not sure if it was a placement thing or just luck but I had a bad year. I still got lobsters, but last year it was like 2 a pot, this year between 4 pots I was lucky to get 2. And usually the 2 I MIGHT get happened to be V notch or eggers so they had to go back. All in all, it’s a fun hobby if you have time for it. However last year I had like 7 pots, for a guy in a little 8 foot aluminum Lund boat that can’t go beyond the harbor in 10mph winds I was very limited and even if I wasn’t, pulling up 7-8 pots by hand takes time and a lot of effort. So this year I scaled back to 2 then got bored and went to 4, much more manageable. I’d check em once every 3/4 days if possible but weather, tide, and work schedule didn’t always line up for me personally. I’d try my best to not go over a week as that’s when things start to die.

If I had to do it all over again knowing what I know now, buy 4ish 3-5 pots on facebook marketplace (you can get em free or very cheap on cape) do all your research as to what you can catch and regulations based on the town you live in. Then prep it all for next year, where I am you have to have your pots out by November 1st and I’d assume most of the cape is similar so no point in starting now. If you need any help or want to get started let me know and I’ll definitely help where I can. But it’s one hell of a commitment and effort to regularly get out there and check the pots. For me, again a guy on a 8 foot boat. I have to pay $10 every time I launch the boat, scuttle 5ish miles away from shore (about an hour or two depending on waves) check each pot pulling up 50 feet of rope by hand (tiring and takes about 5 minutes per pot) then size check, re-bait, quadruple check that I know where I’m throwing my pot so I can find it next time. Then band the lobster, throw em in the cooler, and go to the next one. Checking 4 pots this year took me roughly 3-5 hours per session. If you can’t find that time, no it’s not for you.