Lobster pot

Lobster Pot

A lobster pot is a portable trap which captures lobsters or other crustaceans and is used in the industry of lobster fishing. Lobster pots are constructed of wire and wood, and are usually designed in a rectangular shape. The design and use of lobster pots have evolved over time, but the basic principles remain the same.

History

The use of lobster pots has been documented as far back as the Native American tribes of the northeastern United States. These early pots were typically made from natural materials such as wood and plant fibers. The modern lobster pot, with its wire construction, was not introduced until the 19th century.

Design and Operation

A lobster pot is designed to attract lobsters, who enter the pot to eat the bait and then cannot escape. The entrance to the pot is a one-way door, allowing lobsters to enter but not to exit. The pot is typically baited with dead fish or other food that lobsters eat.

Once the pot is baited, it is dropped to the sea floor where lobsters live. A buoy is attached to the pot by a rope, marking its location for retrieval. After a certain period of time, the pot is pulled up, hopefully containing lobsters.

Regulations

In many areas, the use of lobster pots is regulated to ensure sustainable fishing practices. Regulations may dictate the size and type of pot, the type and amount of bait, the depth at which pots can be set, and the season during which lobster fishing is allowed.

See Also

• Crab pot
• Fishing industry
• Sustainable fishing