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The Endangered Lobstermen continues....

Aug 17 2026 | By: Cheryl Clegg

“I got my student lobster license when I was 11, but have been on the water way before that, going along with my maternal grandfather.  My Dad had his commercial license as a young adult, but let it go thinking he’d just reapply if he ever wanted it again(not that simple now). He brought me out in our little 13’ Boston Whaler to help me hand haul 10 traps up over the side of the boat, and taught me the ins and outs of lobstering.  Me and my two younger siblings all started out hand hauling on the whaler before we upgraded to a 19’ outboard a few years later and added a pot hauler the following year.  We launched my late paternal grandfather’s 31’ boat in 2022 and years working to get it fixed up.  I would not consider myself a career lobsterman, though it is a core part of who I am and has helped shape my life.  This is my 13th summer lobstering, my 5th year with my commercial license.  This summer I also have the privilege of being the sponsor for my Dad’s apprentice license.  The student becomes the sponsor as he starts the process of trying to get his commercial license back.”

 

Rylee Eaton 

4th generation lobstermen 

Deer Isle, ME

lobster woman standing on a dock wearing orange waders and

The Endangered Lobstermen continues

Rylee Eaton, 4th generation Lobster fisher. Deer Isle, Maine.

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