Steaming Ahead | January 2026

The 2026 lobster season is upon us, and before long we’ll be hauling traps under longer days and brighter skies. There’s something special about spring on the Maine coast — that moment when the chill breaks and every boat crew feels a familiar pull to get back on the water. Even after generations of doing this work, it’s hard not to feel a spark of excitement each year.

Photo courtesy of Johns Bay Boats.

Lobstering has never been a guarantee. Some seasons give more than others, and we’ve learned that while we may not always get what we want, we almost always get what we need. (Cue the Rolling Stones!)

As we prepare our gear and ready our boats, there’s comfort and pride in these rituals. Few people are lucky enough to earn a living doing something so profoundly connected to nature, tradition, and community. The work can be unpredictable, but the rewards — a sunrise on the open water, a full day’s haul, the satisfaction of providing for our families — remain steady.

We are fortunate to be part of an industry rooted in tradition and hard work. Soon, lobster boat races will fill our weekends, fresh-caught pogies will top off the bait box, and boats will slip out of the harbor before sunrise — no matter how much daylight there is. These rituals don’t just mark time; they define who we are.

2026 brings another chance, another season, another reason to be optimistic for a fruitful year.

And for those of us who call the lobster fishery our livelihood, that hope is something worth celebrating.