Dominic Bowers, 14, stays busy when he’s out lobstering with his grandfather. “I pull traps, bait bags, and the lobsters,” he explained. “I’ve learned how to work hard.” He’s also picked up other essential skills, like driving the boat, measuring lobsters, and banding their claws. Despite the effort, Dominic finds the experience rewarding. “I think lobstering is fun because I enjoy being on the water.”

Dominic Bowers, 14

The Waldoboro resident began fishing with his grandfather, Kevin Lemar, when he was just 11. Lemar, semi-retired after a long career as a worm digger and logger, now spends part of the year lobstering with Dominic from his small boat. “He’s taught me a lot, and I like that we get to spend time together,” Dominic said.

Dominic is also an honors student in the eighth grade at Wiscasset Middle High School, where he excels in carpentry, math, and physical education. Balancing school and lobstering takes some scheduling, but he enjoys it. “I go lobstering after school and on weekends in the summer and fall,” he said. “It’s something to do, and I’m learning new skills.”

Though he’s only been fishing for a few years, Dominic has embraced the work. “I really like it. Bait bags, I don’t know, they kind of suck. But I’m going to keep doing this,” he said with a laugh. “I’ve learned that you don’t give up.”

Lobstering isn’t simply a way to spend time outdoors and make some money, it’s also about responsibility and teamwork. For Dominic, working alongside his grandfather makes each trip out on the water more than just a day’s work.

He plans to continue going with his grandfather until he can get his own boat and commercial lobster license. When he’s on land Dominic enjoys doing blacksmithing and woodworking. “Lobstering has taught me to pay attention and how to balance life and work,” he said. It’s a full life for a young man who, like so many other lobstermen, is looking forward to the new fishing season.