"Anchors Aweigh", Part 5 of our 5-part Building a Lobster Trap video series

Actual time to complete this part of the build, about 20 minutes.

The last things to do are weight the trap and install the spindle (bait spike). We want them to sink quickly, but be stable and remain upright on the ocean floor. The weights are precast concrete blocks made specifically for use in this type of trap. Each block weighs 22lbs. Individual traps are combined on a single rope, in groups of a minimum of 6 (as required by law). Each group is called a "bunch", with about 10 fathom/60 feet of rope in between each trap, and buoys on each end.
A mechanized pulley, called a "hauler", is used to retrieve the "bunches". With each trap weighing between 90-100lbs+ when wet (plus any additional weight from what is captured inside) this really comes in handy! The crew captures the marker buoy and lead line, runs the line into the hauler, and hauls the traps up and onto the boat. Here the traps are quickly emptied, lobsters measured, fresh bait is added (to the spindle/bait spike), and the bunch is returned to the bottom. In early season the traps are set well offshore (8-10 miles in our area), but begin moving inward as the season progresses, and water temperatures rise.