Lobster Traps = Chum

[B-assman]

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?

[The Iceman 6]

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"

[Moses]

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.....

[tlapinski]

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!

[S-Journey]

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.

[blackeye]

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

[richs]

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 ) .

[redneck24]

Originally posted by The Iceman 6
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"

lucky sob.

[King Fisher]

Originally posted by redneck24
lucky sob.

RIGHT PLACE RIGHT TIME =

[spence]

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

just kidding

[Surfcastinglife]

wouldnt those attract dogs? :P