The Art of Lobsterfishing
When autumn winds sweep across Bohuslän’s rocky shores and the sea lies still in the morning mist, you know something special is about to begin. Lobster fishing is a beloved tradition and a long-awaited adventure that kicks off along Tanum’s coast at the end of September each year. Here, history, craftsmanship, and culinary experiences meet in a unique autumn celebration where the sea’s black gold takes center stage.
The Sea’s Black Gold
As autumn quietly settles along Tanum’s coastline, one of Bohuslän’s most cherished traditions comes to life – lobster fishing. On the Monday following September 20th, precisely at 07:00, the hunt for the sea’s black gold begins.
A Tradition with Deep Roots
Lobster fishing has been an integral part of coastal life for generations. It’s more than just fishing – it’s cultural heritage. In Tanum, with coastal communities like Grebbestad, Fjällbacka, Hamburgsund, and Resö, the start of lobster season is a festive event. Boats chug out into the morning fog, fishermen haul their pots, and restaurants serve up lobster feasts that make taste buds sing.
How Lobster Fishing Works
The fishing is done using special traps called lobster pots, placed on the seabed, typically at depths of 10–30 meters where lobsters thrive among rocks and cliffs. The pots are baited with fish, usually mackerel, and checked after one or two days. Recreational fishers may use up to six pots, while professional fishers are allowed up to 40. The lobster season runs until November 30th.
To protect lobster stocks, strict regulations apply:
- Minimum size: Lobsters must be at least 9 cm long (carapace length).
- Egg-bearing females: Lobsters with visible eggs must be released.
- Escape gaps: All pots must have openings sealed with cotton thread – a measure to prevent ghost fishing.
- Labeling: Equipment must be clearly marked with name and contact details.
Facts About the European Lobster
The European lobster (Homarus gammarus) is a ten-legged crustacean that can grow up to 60 cm long and weigh up to 6 kg – though most caught are around 30 cm and weigh about 1 kg. It is nocturnal and hides during the day in crevices. Lobsters feed on mussels, smaller crustaceans, and marine worms, and each individual defends its own little den.
Experiences for All the Senses
In Tanum, lobster fishing is offered as an experience for both beginners and enthusiasts. Join a local fisherman out at sea, haul pots, feel the salty spray, and end the day with a lobster feast in a Bohuslän boathouse. Or why not combine fishing with a spa visit and a seafood buffet? It’s the contrasts that make it special – the crisp autumn air, the cold sea, and the warm camaraderie around the dinner table.