Lobster, like any harvested item, has a season. Foods eaten in their prime season fresh from the earth or sea are eaten at their best. Lobster trap leases are, for this reason, seasonal. Each full fishing season runs from June to December, while shipments can be received from July 1 to December 24th. Not ready for a full season of lobster, no problem. Half season and monthly leases are available.

To start, contact Crate to Plate to sign up for your personal leased lobster trap. You will then be able to select your own buoy from the available buoys on our interactive map. No worries, if you are not sure what buoy you want we will select one for you. All buoys are positioned (and possibly moved) for maximum poundage. For full season and half season programs, once your buoy is selected, we will ship you a welcome package to introduce you to the fishing area (Saturday Cove & midcoast Penobscot Bay) and the Captain of the Fisher Girl, Dan Cosby. Included in your welcome package are of all the amenities necessary to enjoy the lobster from your trap.

To get started your "lobster bank" (your Crate to Plate account) will be credited with 6 lobsters for full and 4 for half season leases. This allows you to take advantage of your catch before lobsters fished from your personal leased lobster trap. Over the season we guarantee you a minimum of 40 lobsters for a full season, some traps may net as many as 60; we guarantee a minimum of 20 lobsters for half a season, with a possible 30; and monthly leases vary by month. Most lobsters will be 1 to 1 1/2 lbs but you may see some jumbo or select lobsters caught from your trap. Note: we are guaranteeing lobsters, not pounds.

Shipments from your trap can occur on Thursday for Friday delivery or Friday for Saturday delivery. We will also make special arrangements for holidays, as noted below, and your special occasions like birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries. Special, personal occasions require 2 weeks advanced notice.

You may make withdrawals from your lobster bank at any time during the season for designated or preapproved shipping days. All shipments are of at minimum 4 lobsters and at maximum the number of lobsters remaining from your catch. Remember lobster is a delicacy and should be cooked the day received. After shipments or catches are made your buoy will be updated to reflect the lobsters remaining from your trap.

Note: you can send as many lobsters from your account as you want to friends and family. You can also request a gift package to be sent for items that will help them further enjoy their special gift.

You will not regret your decision to have your own personal leased lobster trap from Saturday Cove on Penobscot Bay in midcoast Maine.