Dennis Violette and his daughter, Sarah

Dennis Violette

Boat Name: Melissa Mary

How long have you been lobstering?

I began lobstering at the age of seven with my Uncle, Buddy Sampson. He owned a 32 Ft. Frank Day boat which he had named the "Shyanne". My Uncle and I hauled approximately 150 traps per day, and although the work was arduous and rather tiresome, I valued the knowledge and experience I was able to gain from Buddy and from those who fished around the area as well.

How did you start?

At the mere age of nine, Bill Bayley gave me my first two lobster traps; Buddy and I would haul them every morning as we made our way through the Scarborough River. Forty years later, I still lobster out of Pine Point, hauling nearly 250 traps a day.

Why do you like lobstering?

The best part about being a lobsterman is being self-employed. I can design my own schedule as I please and, after years of lobstering in December, I can now take a break and enjoy the free time I have in the winter.

The Melissa Mary

What is the significance of your boat's name?

My boat, the "Melissa Mary", was named after my former wife whom I divorced 15 years ago. I still enjoy the boat's name all the same; and since Melissa is my daughter's middle name, I see no need to change it. Plus, it's rumored that it is bad luck to change the name of your boat.

What is the most difficult part of lobstering?

Although being your own boss has its perks, it has its negative aspects as well. Motivating myself to wake up every morning becomes more and more of a challenge every day. Also, trying to get 800 traps ready, scraping and painting the boat, and remembering where I set all my traps is a difficulty as well. Growing with the business definitely wears on you physically, too. Hauling 150 traps a day was much easier when I was 20.