It is difficult to estimate the comparative value of the grounds
in the State, owing to the movements of the lobsters. In the early
spring, in April or May, as the waters in the bays and rivers warm up,
the lobsters come into the comparatively shallow waters. They remain
here until late in the fall, going back to the ocean or deep waters
of the bays in either October or November. They love to congregate on
rocky bottom, and pots set on such bottom will frequently make large
catches, while those on sandy or muddy ground will catch almost
nothing. In the early years of the fishery they came in very close in
great numbers, and could frequently be taken at low water in dip nets
or by gaffs; but they are now found in summer in depths of from 3
to 15 fathoms in the numerous passages between the islands and the
mainland, and the lower reaches of the bays and rivers. For a number
of years winter fishing was not prosecuted, but now it is a very
important business. In winter the pots are generally set in the ocean
at depths of from 15 to 50 fathoms.
As the greatest part of the coast line is cut up by numerous bays and
rivers, and these are dotted with large and small islands, they form
admirable breeding grounds for the lobster. Some of the best locations
are in Little Machias, Machias, Englishman, Pleasant Point, Chandler,
Narragaugus, Muscongus, Linekin, Sheepscot, and Casco bays, while the
fishing is especially good around the numerous islands in the lower
Penobscot and Blue Hill bays, and at Monhegan and the Matinicus
islands in the ocean. The Sheepscot River is also a favorite resort
for lobsters during the warm months, while in the winter they retire
to the waters of the bay, where the fishing can be carried on very
easily. At most of the other grounds the winter fishing is carried on
in the ocean, as the lobsters do not usually remain in the bays. Most
of the fishing in Casco Bay is carried on at the eastern end among the
numerous islands. The earliest fishing of which we have any definite
record was carried on from the township of Harpswell on this bay. This
region has held its own remarkably well, as in 1898 more than twice as
many lobsters were taken by fishermen from this township than from any
other town in the State.
The upper portions of Frenchman, Blue Hill, and Penobscot bays were
formerly very important grounds, but are now almost exhausted. These
regions were especially noted for large lobsters. In August, 1891, Mr.
F. W. Collins, a Rockland dealer, had 50 lobsters in his establishment
which weighed from 10 to 18-1/2 pounds apiece. About half of these
came from Castine, in upper Penobscot Bay, and the remainder from Blue
Hill Falls, in the upper Blue Hill Bay.
The grounds in York County, at the western end of the State, were
formerly quite prolific, but the excessive fishing of the last thirty
years has very badly depleted them.