The traps setting: the start of lobster fishing
The flagship event of the region’s fishing industry is definitely the lobster traps setting, that effervescent morning when the archipelago gathers on the docks to celebrate and wish good luck to the fishers, while honouring the victims of maritime tragedies. It marks the opening of the lobster season!
The Friday before, in Grande-Entrée, there is the traditional ‘chiard’ meal with salted meat at La Salicorne, followed by the launch mass and the laying of a wreath at the point in memory of loved ones lost in the Gulf.
Then, Saturday arrives, and even before sunrise, families gather in their respective fishers’ ports with treats, drinks, and excitement. Fireworks mark the occasion, and it is in this joyous atmosphere that the start signal is given.
All fishers can then head out to sea. The spectacle is magical, with boats heavy with traps ready to spend 9 weeks on the rocky and muddy seabeds, between trips to deliver their catches to the 325 boats holding a lobster fishing license.
If you are in the Magdalen Islands at this time (the date varies each year, but generally in early May), do not miss this unmissable event!
Magdalen Islands fishing calendar
In addition to lobster, which is harvested from early May to early July, Magdalen Islands fishers also go for snow crab in April or May. The latter is fished far offshore in icy depths, freshly freed from their ice cover!
From April to July, fresh scallops are brought back to port using dredges or through aquaculture. On the docks, you will meet fishers returning with impressive quantities of plump scallop meats, and restaurateurs will be delighted to cook them for you.
We also have farmed blue mussels, which are increasingly popular. Regarding fish, redfish and cod are still in the early stages of recovery after a moratorium, so their commercial fishing is low. Atlantic halibut, however, is given pride of place in the archipelago.
Sustainable fishing: did you know?
Strictly regulated and certified sustainable since 2013, lobster fishing is the first coastal fishery in Canada to receive ecological certification! The resource is protected by a limited number of licenses and traps per fisher. Furthermore, strict rules apply to the size of lobsters kept and the release of females carrying eggs.
Stroll on the docks
To understand the daily life of the Islands’ fishers, nothing compares to a sunrise on the docks of the various islands. The inviting and friendly hustle and bustle is sure to leave an impression. Return in the early afternoon; the scene is quite different. The crews will be happy to chat with you and show you their catches. It is truly a local experience not to be missed.
Want to access the freshest lobster?
Purchase directly from fishers in the various ports of the Islands, every day except Sunday. Boats generally return to the dock between 11 AM and 2 PM! Simply discuss with the fishers to find out who is open to direct sales. Bring your own bags or buckets, as they will not have packaging materials.
Boat trips
Towards the end of summer, mackerel also appear, primarily caught for sport from the docks, but some commercial fishers also engage in it once the lobster season is over.
To emulate them or to experience an excursion on the water, book a mackerel fishing trip with Maxime from Interprétation Pêche en mer. He also offers sea excursions during lobster season for those with strong sea legs, or interpretive outings for others once the 9 weeks of lobster fishing are complete.
If, by chance, you know a Magdalen Islands fisher, you might have the opportunity to go cod fishing!
Clam digging
In the Islands, you will also hear about clam digging (sometimes called soft-shell clams), but it’s not quite fishing… Simply dig in the sand flats when you see a small air hole, and the mollusk will appear a few centimeters below. An excellent activity for the whole family when the tide is low.
Good to know:
- No stress about quantities; you are allowed 300 clams over 2 inches (51 mm) per person per day, so it’s highly likely you will never exceed the quota.
- It is forbidden to do so within 125 meters of a dock or where a sign prohibits it.
Don’t want to learn everything yourself? Auberge La Salicorne offers an affordable 3-hour guided excursion that includes transportation to the bay, guidance to optimize your catch, and a tasting of your provisions afterward!
Where to enjoy seafood in the Magdalen Islands
Combine your new knowledge with a good method for preparing lobster in one of our well-equipped homes with large pots and seafood utensils. Some even have an outdoor burner to avoid lingering odors!
On board, at the port, or at a restaurant, the archipelago promises an exceptional fishing and seafood experience. You will leave the Magdalen Islands with unforgettable cultural and gourmet memories!
Dream vacation in the Maggies
The Maison Mer collection brings together inspiring and elegant addresses, where every detail has been thought of to make your stay a truly enchanted interlude. Each location has been hand-picked with care and attention!
