Lobstering and the Maine coast go together like winter and snow, they are inseparable and have been that way forever. All along the coast, from the southern end to the deep waters of the Downeast coast, the sight of Lobster boats and their buoys are impossible to miss. What is harder to find though, are the numerous wharfs and docks where these lobstermen keep their boats and gear, and process their catch. Some of these outposts are big operations, easily seen by tourists and locals alike. But for every large lobstering operation, there is a small, out of the way wharf or dock, where solitude goes hand in hand with the backbreaking work that is lobstering. Down Long Cove Road in Tenants Harbor, right past the old Eastern Mussel Farm, I found one of these small operations, with only three or four boats out to haul. Spend a few minutes shooting the breeze with the boys, and you begin to realize what a daunting task they have. Prices fluctuate from month to month, bait prices continue to rise, and local taxes make it harder every year to break even and get by. But for all their struggles, you can tell that they love the freedom and independence of their craft, and above all else, they love the water. They are married to the water, and the water will make or break their lives.
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