Dave and Mason Vintinner.
For some young people, lobstering is a calling not to be challenged. That is the case for 15-year-old Mason Vintinner of Durham.
Vintinner began lobstering with his lobsterman father aboard Different Tectic during the anxious years of the COVID pandemic. Being on the water and working hard appealed to him. He enrolled in the state’s 1000-hour apprentice program and got his student license. He is now on the waiting list in Zone F for a permanent license.
This summer he is working with his father and also hauling his own traps from his 18-foot skiff. Come fall he will be a sophomore at Freeport High School, playing soccer and basketball. He’s skipping any spring sports because he wants to get ready for the next lobster season. His future as a lobsterman looks a little murky. “I am worried about the lobster industry for my generation. I will always keep my license but might try being a marine patrol officer or perhaps an electrician,” Vintinner said.
Still, the pleasure and profit of lobstering holds a deep appeal for the busy young man. He wrote a short poem about the fishery for his freshman literacy class this spring.
Lobstering
There are fast boats; There are slow boats; There are small boats; There are family boats; There are work boats: Lobstermen’s boats. The government is after the lobstermen, They say lobster gear kills right whales. The government is trying to get rid of lobstermen. Lobstermen chose this job, Lobstermen are a part of the ecosystem. We fight to provide; We work to provide. Why does the government not get it? We try to provide. Not for the enjoyment on the water, Not for just having a boat, Not for just to make money. Lobstermen provide for their families; For the food market; To pass down boats and gear to kids or grandkids. That’s lobstermen. That’s what is the best part.