THE LOBSTER FISHERY 



641 



consists of 3 or 4 laths on a frame attached to leather hinges fastened by wooden 

 buttons. 



In Rhode Island many oblong slat pots are used. They vary in length from 

 2 feet 10 inches to 4 feet, and are from 17 to 24 inches wide and from 12 to 20 

 inches high. Each pot has 2 funnels about 10 or 12 inches deep, made of 2-strand 

 manila twine with 1-inch mesh. The outer funnel, like that of the creel described 

 above, is inclined at an angle of 65 degrees with the bottom of the pot. The 

 smaller opening of the inner funnel terminates in a collapsible hoop of twine 

 which the lobster pushes open as he enters the inner compartment and which 

 closes behind him and shuts off his retreat. The door is usually constructed on the 

 side in this type of pot. The bait is fastened upon a peg or spear which is fixed 

 upright in the inner compartment. 



Many other types of pots are in common usage, but space will not permit their 

 description. 



In order to keep the pots on the bottom they are weighted down by bricks or 

 stones which are fastened to the bottom on the inside. 



Bait. Almost any kind of fresh, salted, or stale fish is used as lobster bait, the 

 choice depending upon the custom in the particular community and on the kind 



(Courtesy JVaync Buxton, Maine Dcvelofmcnt Commission) 



Fig. 30-2. The salt fish used as bait for the lobster traps 

 is tied to the bottom of the trap so that it cannot float away. 



of bait obtainable. Cod, cusk, haddock, and halibut heads are frequently used. 

 Small, lightly salted, partly decayed herring are a favorite bait in certain sections 

 of Maine. Some lobstermen prefer partly decayed bait as they maintain that the 

 odor attracts the lobsters; others prefer fresh bait. Other fish commonly used for 

 bait are menhaden, cod, flounder, sculpin, cunner, sea robin, skate, and scup. 



