The lobster season starts on August 6, but fishermen are allowed to put the traps in the water on August 1. Fishermen are allowed the soak time because the typical trap will not begin attracting lobster until it has stopped bubbling and sediment and marine growth acclimate it to the bottom. Historically, fishermen were permitted a 10 day soak period because the acclimation process takes a full week. Because of the shortened soak period, full trap production does not normally start until August 10.
