The lobster trap, often called a lobster pot, is a deceptively simple device whose effectiveness relies on exploiting the natural foraging behavior of the American lobster, Homarus americanus, or its European counterpart. These traps are passive fishing gear, designed to sit on the ocean floor and lure the crustaceans into a contained space using scent. A series of one-way mechanical barriers then prevents their escape. The core principles involve a stable structure, irresistible bait, a funnel-shaped entry, and a disorienting holding chamber. The design has been continually refined to be both efficient for fishermen and selective for conservation.
Basic Structure and Materials
Modern lobster traps are predominantly rectangular and constructed from coated wire mesh, which has largely replaced older, heavier wooden traps since the 1970s. This wire construction offers superior durability and requires less maintenance than wood, which is prone to rot in the harsh marine environment. The typical trap is designed to be heavy enough to remain stable on the seabed, often utilizing internal ballast like bricks or concrete blocks to anchor its position against strong currents and tides.
The weight difference is significant; a modern wire trap is often around 35 pounds when submerged, improving its stability compared to a wet wooden trap that could weigh over 80 pounds. The rectangular shape also allows for efficient stacking on a boat deck, streamlining the process of deployment and retrieval.
Baiting the Trap
The successful operation of a lobster trap begins with the bait, which provides the chemical signal that attracts the lobster from a distance. Oily fish like salted herring, mackerel, or pogies are commonly used because they release a potent, long-lasting scent plume into the water column. This olfactory lure draws the lobster toward the trap.
The bait is secured within a specific compartment known as the “kitchen” or bait chamber, often contained within a mesh bag or a small, separate container. This design is intentional: it allows the attractive scent to permeate the water without giving the lobster immediate access to the food. By making the bait difficult to reach, the trap forces the lobster to search for an entry point, directing it toward the one-way funnel system.
The One-Way Entry System
The physical mechanism that converts the lobster’s motivation into capture is the one-way entry system, often referred to as the “head” or “funnel.” This component consists of a wide opening on the exterior of the trap that tapers sharply into a small aperture on the interior. The funnel is typically constructed from a flexible material like nylon netting or plastic mesh.
The design takes advantage of the lobster’s forward-moving instinct when following a scent trail. The wide mouth easily accepts the approaching lobster, but the narrow inner end requires it to squeeze through a flexible opening. Once the lobster pushes past this restriction, the netting tends to collapse or spring back, creating a barrier that is difficult to reverse through. The netting’s flexibility makes it easy to enter but extremely hard to exit.
The Holding Chamber and Escape Prevention
Once the lobster has navigated the funnel, it enters the main holding area, commonly called the “parlor” or “bedroom.” This chamber is the final destination where the lobsters await retrieval. The retention mechanism in the parlor is primarily based on disorientation and space.
The parlor is designed to be a large, open area that lacks the clear, directed flow of the funnel system. A lobster attempting to escape must locate the small, tapered opening of the head it just passed through, a task complicated by the chamber’s size and lack of visual cues. Many traps utilize a multi-chamber design, sometimes featuring a secondary parlor, which further complicates the animal’s ability to retrace its steps and find the initial exit.