Lobster season off to excellent start in eastern Cape Breton

The opening day of lobster season along the eastern side of Cape Breton is beingdescribed as perfect.

"So far, so good," said Merrill MacInnis, who fishes out of Little River Harbour along the North Shore. "Hopefully the conditions will stay great, that's the big thing. It all depends on the weather."

The season in Area 27, which extends from Bay St. Lawrence down to Forchu, was delayed this year due to bad weather.

It was to have openedon Saturday, but fishermen didn't set their traps untilWednesday. They hauled them the next day.

Catches strong

MacInnis said it was the best single-day haul he's had in a long time. Hesaid the water was a little warmer than other opening days, so the lobster were active, which is good news for the catch.

Speaking by phone from his boat, the Breton Cove Bounty, he said he caught about a pound moreper trap compared to the first day in previous years.

He hopes to get about $8 per pound.

MacInnis sells to North Nova Seafoods in Pictou, which processes some of the lobster there and ships the rest to the Asian market.

Prices 'unreal'

Adam Sharp, who fishes out ofMain--Dieu, said catches are much better than expected and prices are great.

"We are finally getting something back," he said.

He attributes the good price to the low Canadian dollar, high demand from China and low catches in other areas.

"There is not a lot of product coming in from the other areas,"he said.

Glace Bay fishermanHerb Nash described the price as "unreal" and "excellent." He is very happy with landings as well.

"The catches are really good. Everybody is more than pleased with their catches."

Fishermen are reporting catches of 850 poundsto 1,200 pounds on their first day.