Lobster gear is getting a colourful makeover this season

As spring arrives, a new trend is emerging along the wharfs and waterways – lobster traps, lines, and gear adorned with vibrant colours. Blues, pinks, and yellows are now adding a pop of brightness to the traditional hues of the Atlantic coast, making this lobster season a visually striking one.

The use of bright colours serves a practical purpose for fishermen – it allows them to easily spot and distinguish their gear amidst the sea of traps and buoys floating in the dark waters. This not only makes their work more efficient but also adds a touch of beauty to the coastal landscape.

Photographer Leila Beaudoin captured stunning images of this colourful transformation while on assignment. One photo shows Keif Way, a seasoned lobster fisherman from Sally’s Cove, surrounded by stacks of lobster traps strung with bright blue ropes. Way, with over 40 years of experience in the fishery, is optimistic about the future of lobster fishing with this new colourful trend.

Another image showcases Brad House, an inshore fisherman, with his gear painted in bubble gum pink and baby blue. The vibrant colours contrast sharply with the weathered shed, breathing new life into one of the province’s oldest industries.

Lobster setting day is a busy time for fishermen like Gary Payne from Port Saunders, as they prepare their boats and set traps for the season. The images capture the hustle and bustle of the setting day, with helpers loading traps and ensuring everything is in place for the start of the season.

Mackenzie Hynes, a young woman from Rocky Harbour, is seen assisting Fred Snow and his crew, highlighting the collaborative nature of the fishing community. The images also showcase the colourful bait fish used in the traps, adding another layer of vibrancy to the scene.

As the sun sets, a young man sits at the end of a wharf surrounded by a row of stacked lobster traps, creating a picturesque moment that encapsulates the beauty of lobster fishing season.

The use of bright colours in fishing gear is not the only source of visual delight this season. The natural beauty of the coastal landscape, combined with the vibrant scenes of fishermen at work, paints a picture of a thriving and colourful industry.

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