Summer Reading: The Lobster Gangs of Maine by James M. Acheson

The book I read this summer was The Lobster Gangs of Maine by James M. Acheson. In this book the author describes the process and unique ways commercial lobster fishing is done in Maine. He explains how every fisherman no matter the location, age, or boat size hauls in some different way but all share the same goal of making a profit in their work. Acheson shows how different regions and zones throughout Maine were viewed as “gangs” and how in their specific regions and communities there were smaller gangs that would almost control that part of the water, being difficult for some fisherman to get along with others and be able to fish freely, Acheson says on page 74 of the book “An unpopular person, a young fisherman, or a newcomer encounters trouble more quickly.” He also explains how this was not all bad, how the gangs were often just close families looking out for each other and fishing with one another in small towns. This book is a great description on how fishing is done in Maine.

This book connects with my life in a lot of different ways. Living in Maine and lobster fishing as my summer job, I know what it is like to be in a small community that has a base in commercial fishing. In some ways fishing on Vinalhaven is done differently than other places in Maine, but just like anywhere else everyone here is just trying to make out the best they can with what is given to them. Fishing now really has its ups and downs, in just a matter of a few weeks the price may drop, a bait shortage could arise or your boat could break down, and just like that in the middle of prime fishing time you’re missing a lot of money. Luckily for fisherman, there is plenty of lobster to go around and it is a thriving part of the fishing industry.