July 2017: Fishing with Shelley

Unusual Catches

by Shelley Wigglesworth

Here are some photos of not so often seen sea creatures- these were all taken during fishing trips in the Gulf of Maine. Colorful and beautiful, encounters with ocean life like this make commercial and recreational fishing all the more enjoyable.

 

A turquoise blue tropical looking lump fish caught while lobstering by Amando J. Cook.

 

A sunfish estimated to weigh about 200 lbs. basks near the surface next to the f-v Nor’easter.

 

A whale frolicking around a fishing boat as seen from the f-v Nor’easter.

 

It’s always fun haul in a baby octopus with your traps.

 

Lobstermen in the Gulf of Maine occasionally find a seahorse attached to their traps. This one was brought up near Kennebunkport.

 

This sea turtle was swimming around the f-v Nor-easter last summer. we scooped him up for a quick picture and he was released.

 

Shelley Wigglesworth is an award winning freelance journalist from Maine specializing in at-sea stories,  maritime topics and the commercial fishing industry. She is also a part time mate for  Captain John’s Charters on the Island Prince and the deep sea fishing boat the Nor’Easter. She has fished with, worked with and written about some of the best fishermen in the business including National Geographic Channel’s Wicked Tuna captains Dave Marciano, Dave Carraro, T.J Ott and Tyler McLaughlin. Her work appears regularly in the following publications: National Fisherman Magazine, Commercial Fisheries News, Points East Magazine, Yankee Magazine Online, Coastal Angler, Neighbors of the Kennebunks, Maine Boats, Homes and Harbors, Maine Lobstermen’s Association’s  Landings,  The Biddeford-Saco Journal Tribune, York County Coast Star and The Bangor Daily News.