Setting Day May 4th 2021

 Setting Day is the day Lobster Fishers set their traps for the season. In our part of PEI that was May 4th this year, after a 4 day delay due to rough weather. Loaded with traps the boats aren't overly stable and for everyone's safety they waited for better weather.  May 4th could hardly have been a more perfect day. We got up at 4 am and were down in Murray Harbour by 5 for a few "before" shots.

We'd scouted out our location the week before and decided on Beach Point. It's at the mouth of the Murray River, a point where boats from several wharves need to pass on their way to lobster.

Fishers are not allowed to start setting traps until 6 am. 

They lined up from the point, down the river as far as we could see. 

At 5:30 the first one were off.

Soon, there was a line out into the Northumberland Strait as far as the eye could see.

There was a steady stream of boats heading out for the next hour.

At 6:40 am the first boat returned for a 2nd load of traps. The size of the boat, type of boat and number of traps being set determines the number of trips made on setting day.

Some on the way out while others are on the way back in.

Great Blue Heron enjoying the morning

The waters at the wharf were so calm, waiting for boats to return.

First boat back to the "Harbour" (Murray Harbour)

We watched them start loading again before heading back home for a nap.

After a nap and some food it was off to Wood Islands to see what was going on there.

Traps waiting to be loaded.

Wood Islands is also where the ferry between Nova Scotia and PEI docks.

Notice the little fishing boat leaving while the ferry is arriving.

Quintessential PEI  - Lighthouse, boats and traps.

Such a fun day.

Side note: I'm happy to send pictures to any of the fishers in them if you happen to know them. 

Just let me know.