MLA Jr Harvesters: Olivia Meyer and Emma Miller

Olivia Myers, 16, and her sister Emma Miller, 10, lobster in Wheeler Bay in South Thomaston. Olivia began fishing with her stepfather Ryan when she was 8. “There are five generations of lobstermen in my family,” Olivia explained. She is the great-granddaughter of John Olsen of Cushing, who lobstered well into his 90s.

Emma has been lobstering with her parents since she was 2. “My dad helped me get started. I really wanted to try it,” she said. According to her mother Katy, Emma kept everyone entertained by singing songs from her favorite cartoons while the couple hauled.

Emma and Olivia bait up.

Wheeler’s Bay is generally shallow water. Olivia and Emma fish from Baum Lobster’s tidal wharf, so knowing what the tide is doing matters a lot. Olivia’s 16-foot boat Crank It Up, named after a song she liked early in her lobstering career, is shallow enough that she can fish most times of the day.

“I go as early as possible depending on the tide, 5 or 6 a.m. It takes us about six hours to haul 80 traps,” Olivia said. After she lands her lobsters the boat is turned over to Emma and Katy, who typically fish Emma’s ten traps later in the afternoon.

The girls are both enthusiastic about fishing. “I really like hauling and time with my sister,” Emma said. “Plus it’s a natural workout and good exercise!”

“I love to be on the water. It helps my mood. My friend Trudee is my sternman and we listen to music and talk while we haul. It’s a lot better than working at Starbucks [her second job],” Olivia said.

Emma at the wheel. K. Miller photos.