Lobster Traps = Chum
 

Anyone ever purposefully fish near fresh traps?

I was out this morning at a favorite spot in the bay. A lobsterman was there putting down traps - just as I was arriving. Now I realize that these guys are putting down traps in this spot for the same reason that I fish this spot - Structure - But i couldnt escape the thought that the fresh bait they put down would help attract fish. The finder confirmed things - lots of fish marked near the structure / traps.

I caught a few SB and blues on 9" Sluggos - just drifting over the same spot a few times. After about 30 minutes the fish seemed to disperse - they were still around but not as tightly packed.

So - should we be following these guys around the bay fishing near their traps?

Was fishing Long Point with my brother a few years ago - the guy driving us back to land pulled aside a clamming boat where they were sh#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&g the clams overboard - the amount of stripers underneath that boat were "ridiculous." one every cast - it almost wasn't fun - "almost"

I agree, fished an area for the first time down in RI this year. Specific place forms a great rip and also had a bunch of lobster pots directly behind. Very productive on the right tide.....

i would also try to target the area as the pots are being brought up, too. all the crabs, short lobsters, cunner, small blackfish, etc.... that get tossed back make a sweet chum line!

Yes, you should, not only when they are fresh set, but also when they are hauling(don't get close unless you know the capt, you could be in for a suprise).

I used to be a lobster fisherman in a former life and would see the fish come right up under my boat when the hauler started cranking:-) Found some of my best spots in Cohasset that way.

lobster traps to me are what tree's are to Charlie Brown.
I could fill many plug bags with lost hardware due to inaccurate casting, incorrect current/wind judgment, or one of those black eyed bast@#$s taking a few turns round the rope with my plug in mouth:mad:

For the lobsterman, it's gotta suck feeding next years crop to waiting bass. It would suck cleaning fishing gear off the lines too (unless you get some nice plugs ) . :D

lucky sob. :btu:

RIGHT PLACE RIGHT TIME = :D :D :D :D :happy:

I usually just pull the traps in and take the lobsters, they make great bait :hihi:

just kidding

wouldnt those attract dogs? :P