Kristy has been lobstering since she was five years old. Born into a family deeply rooted in the lobstering industry, she grew up watching her father and brother venture out to the waters every day, and her love for lobstering blossomed alongside their shared experiences. Even her mother occasionally joins the family fishing trips. To obtain her license, Kristy's father filled out the necessary forms and submitted them to the state. Initially, she faced a setback as she lacked a sponsor, but they quickly rectified the situation and resubmitted the application. Within two weeks, she received her license, marking a significant milestone in her lobstering journey. Kristy's lobstering grounds span various locations, including Martin's Point, Timber Point, The Mud, and the areas surrounding Egg Rock and Monhegan. Kristy ensures the bait bags are filled, lines are baited, lobsters are measured, and they are safely stored in a bucket for tracking purposes. The lobstering routine demands an early start to the day, with Kristy waking up as early as 3:00 a.m. during peak season. As the summer progresses and days grow shorter, she adjusts her wake-up time accordingly. The early start allows for a productive day and the possibility of returning home sooner. Kristy's father owns a 38-foot Holland boat, colored in a sleek gray. When it comes to bait, herring, flatfish, redfish, and pogie (a relatively large fish) are among their preferred choices. Her buoy stands out with a red bottom and white top, making it easily recognizable amidst the waters.

Scope and Content Note
During the interview, Kristy shares insights into the lobstering process. Hauling a trap involves identifying the buoy color, using a gaff (a hooked stick) to lift the buoy, attaching it to a davit, and then reeling in the trap. Once the trap is accessible, she removes the lobsters, while a sternman handles the bait bag. Kristy emphasizes the importance of handling lobsters carefully to avoid getting pinched, depending on the lobster's disposition and how they are held. Regarding lobster size regulations, she mentions the use of a measuring tool, placing it from the eye socket to a black line on the lobster's top. If the measurement reaches or surpasses the line, the lobster can be kept. V-notches in lobster tails indicate egg-bearing females, and it is illegal to retain them. Violating lobstering regulations, such as possessing undersized or v-notched lobsters, can result in severe consequences, including the loss of a license. The duration of license suspension depends on the discretion of the commissioner, with some individuals facing up to three years without their license. Apart from lobsters, Kristy's traps occasionally yield other fish species like sculpin and flatfish. While she doesn't have a favorite among them, she shares her dislike for sculpin. Kristy's traps are distinctively orange with white ends, although she is unsure about their specific size. Inside the traps, she believes there are white heads, serving their intended purpose. Kristy's experience as a lobsterman since childhood offers unique insights into the world of lobstering, showcasing her dedication, knowledge, and love for the trade.