Capt. Mark East Replies
Dear Captain Mark East,
I am 16 years old and will graduate from school in two years, I’ve been lobsterfishing since I was 12 with a small boat and now have a 23’. My mother wants me to go on to college but I want to buy a larger boat and make a career lobstering. My father passed away a few years ago and I think I can support my mother better this way than having to borrow money to get a college education.
Signed,
Want a Water Career
Dear Want a Water Career,
I can appreciate how your mother feels. Most parents want the best for their children and more education never hurt anyone. I’ve been on or around the water most of my life and wouldn’t trade it for anything. However, I did last a few years in college and have never regretted that either. One thing about school is it teaches you how to think and with this changing world, and I know that includes fishing as well, you might consider going for a couple of years and then go Lobstering full time. Maybe take some business courses. You’d at least have something to fall back on if something happened with the lobstering. Best of Luck
Captain East,
I am in the process of buying an older Friendship Sloop. I can’t really afford it but I have an idea that I could take out fishing parties on it to help pay for it kind of like they used to do in the old days before power. Kind of like to do a fishing heritage thing. What do you think?
Signed,
Sail Dreamer
Dear Sail Dreamer,
Don’t give up your day job! If this is just a hobby, go for it. But understand that ground fishing is in the pits and maintaining a wooden boat is no walk in the park. Plus, you’ve got Coast Guard Regulations to contend with. My advice is to do a documentary on restoring the sloop, Maybe you could sell that to make a few bucks. Otherwise, watch it each month to remind yourself how much work you put into the project.
Write: capmarke@gmail.com