I can’t say what all the dealers in Maine, or even Portland, Maine are now paying. I only know the dealer that buys my lobsters has been and as of today, is still paying $2.75 per pound.
I put the post here so lobstermen in other parts of the state can post the prices in their area. I haven’t had much luck in the past getting people to divulge this information, but the internet, if we utilize it, will in fact provide a means for lobstermen to communicate with others and keep everyone informed on things that are happening.
I know that locally I keep hearing many lobstermen say they need more laws for this or that. I have a feeling more laws will only hurt certain people. Trap limits hurt the full time fishermen by giving the small boats a larger cut of catch.
There are no simple answers. What new laws would you like?
Aren’t there enough already?
still $2.55 in upper penobscot bay area, its not good but to be honest I thought it would be lower than that at this point this year. Hopefully it doesnt drop much more this fall. I heard it was $2.10 in Jonesport area, but again thats just what I heard and I cannot say that for sure.
Still less than down this way, and sort of scary. I have been holding at $2.75 but I guess they are getting $2.60 in the Harpswell area.
Today being Labor Day leaves a lot up in the air for what might be around the corner. My buyer here on Cape Ann (MA) was at $2.75 for most of the summer but in mid August there was an ever so small price war to entice boats to switch buyers and the price went to 3 then 3.25. It has held at 3.25 (as of last Friday as we get paid once a week) but I am guessing will tank quickly. Granted we catch less volume than down your way but it is bordering on being a waste of time and money after bait, fuel and helper. I will continue to fish through November as I have no choice and I presume the buyers know that. Even if it drops to the horrific rumors of $1.90, if the volume is still there I will have to go to get what I can to forward to the banks etal. The only good thing is I have been enjoying more lobster myself than usual but my kids are saying “Lobster again?!!!” I am considering joining a local co-op that stays 10 cents above local price but with the price so low and the cost to become part of it, what is the use…? At this point I am just focusing on having enough money for my Fall haul-out and storage for the winter and hoping for a brighter future in times ahead… Good fishing to you all!
We were saved somewhat by the amount of lobsters in my area, but it really doesn’t look good.
It might sound dismal but with the lobster boat builders on the rocks and I don’t think the trap builders are doing well, I assume there will be some major overhauls of the industry.
I do know many people are selling their catch themselves. Many say it will hurt everyone, but it is getting close to a survival game, especially for those with big boat and gear payments.
To date we are holding at $2.75 with the dealer where I sell.
I heard the other day that prices have been around $2.45 for most of the summer in the mid-coast area.
The price increased to $2.75 lb this week for me. Lets hope that trend continues. The fishing is holding pretty good right now to. Not as good as last year for me anyway, but not bad.
October 28th
Prices in this neck of the woods are still hovering around $2.85 (Cushing) to $3.00 (Friendship)with a bit more paid in Rockland and on the Islands. Year end bonuses are all over the ballpark ranging from a zip to near 50 cents!
The haul is up over to the eastard (Owls Head, Vinalhaven, etc), but will play out pretty quick as they move further offshore next month. Just gotta chase em, if it’s a possibility. If you can pick up 10-12 crates a day (or more) it sorta makes up for the lowball price. Looked back 2 years and we were getting a $4.20 price this time of year. Wouldn’t that be darned welcomed!
The Canadian trucks are still around, ‘tho their season starts up in a couple/few weeks. Hard tellin’ how that will affect our price?
‘Nough Said..jay
Sometime last week the dealer I sell to raised the price a dime from $2.75 to $2.85. We don’t get a bonus.
I have been away for a few days or would have posted that sooner.
$2.90 in upper penobscot bay now, the fishing has dropped off to the point where I’m just about done for this year, this past month has been very good though. I dont get a bonus either.
Most, if not all dealers in the Portland, Maine area went to $3.00 per pound this past week.