They Save Me $100,000!

Welcome to an exciting start to the pogie season! Today's episode is all about how we catch these valuable fish, which play a crucial role as bait in our lobster fishing operations. Joining me is not only my regular crew but also a special guest-my dad! It’s a full team effort as we head out on the water for our first pogie catch of the year.
Pogies, or menhaden, are not just any fish; they're a vital part of our fishing strategy because using them as bait significantly cuts our costs-saving us around $100,000 a year! If you've never seen pogie fishing before, you're in for a treat. The process involves using nets in a way that's quite different from our usual lobster trapping, and it can get pretty wild out there.
In this video, we’ll take you through the whole exciting and somewhat chaotic process of catching pogies. You’ll see firsthand how we manage the nets, the teamwork involved, and the sheer energy and effort it takes to haul in these fish. It's an intense, action-packed day on the water, showcasing a crucial aspect of our fishing operations that usually stays behind the scenes.
So come along and see how we kick off pogie season, learn about the importance of these fish in the fishing world, and witness the incredible savings they provide by serving as efficient, cost-effective bait. It’s an essential part of our work that combines economy with sustainability.
Don’t forget to hit that like button, share this video with anyone interested in fishing or marine life, and subscribe for more adventures from the waters of Maine. Your support keeps us going and sharing these fascinating aspects of our livelihood with you all!
#PogieSeason #FishingWithFamily #SustainableBait #JacobKnowlesAdventure ,

[@davidnowicki4024]

That jump to the boat was mission impossible level.

[@juliemanarin4127]

Yeah that was great! 😊

[@FundyisleLegacy]

That’s a jump that definitely puckers ya up lol

[@peterdubyoski4622]

Towboat USA boarding jumps are unbelievable.

[@valcurley5010]

Any sailor worth his weight in bait could do that jump asleep!

[@christinemullens653]

Think he’s made that jump a time or two!

[@danielschomburg2140]

Jacob seems like a great leader for his crew. You can tell he learned at a young age that leading a crew isnt the same as earning a crews respect.

[@adammcdonald6870]

Shame he didn't pay the crew member who's idea it was to start filming everything.

[@Reliant1864]

​@@adammcdonald6870 what happened there?

[@peterdubyoski4622]

@danielschomburg2140 my Gal was at the helm.

[@ghost91698]

expect his dad is running the show

[@davidhardy4419]

I have never been interested in fishing before but I literally just watched a group of guys fish and it was so entertaining.

[@marshallheadchief8744]

Same with me

[@TopNotchTrades1]

It can also get ao frustrating when things don't go as planned some ppl lose thier cool and turns in to dicks about it and get all snappy. Also is a long ass day out there but it's mad fun. I'm a crab fisherman in maryland

[@magnumbrahms5339]

It's cold and wet with the high chance of accidents but when you haul that fish its addicting. I fish in the pacific though so we got that tropical sun to dry our backs unlike these tough SOBs. lol

[@mich421]

You've stocked up on lobster snacks

[@KapteinFruit]

Always nice seeing a father and son cooperate to get the job done. A lot of young men don't have that, unfortunately so it's always nice to see. :)

[@HELENGodLoves]

I agree 💯💯 I adore seeing them together 🎉🎉

[@shannoncargo468]

I have worked with my dad on and on for years started running boats at a young age so I miss it but yes cool to see the younger generation really wanting to work few of them do tho

[@saunterrrr]

Too true. Some people need a father figure period.

[@arguedscarab7985]

RIP fish population?

[@Leah-ul1lc]

Jacob, the way you jumped in that boat was smooth sailing ❤😂.. I love how you made this a family thing with your dad and crew.

[@TheSeptemberRose]

This is SO MUCH better than those dopey "reality" shows. You guys are REAL!!!!!!

[@timothychang34]

Yeah, those always start to suck after the first season or two, when they have to start introducing fake drama

[@marshall2931]

That’s what’s awesome about the modern day. The reality tv shows are only for the big dogs not the sled pulling dogs doing the real work now everyone can buy a drone a camera and a computer and make really good videos I completely agree

[@aunt_b3365]

Absolutely 💯 true!

[@cathysweet1905]

Jacob, You, your Dad and your crew did an awesome job. Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉

[@valariemeltzer1059]

It's very entertaining and educational watching their channel. They're actually lobster trappers and sometimes he catches rare lobsters. He's very funny too.

[@Objective-Observer]

That was fascinating! I know it's just a days work for you, but I've lived my life in Tornado Alley. I've never seen thousands of fish like that! You scaling the edges of the boats and jumping into the skiff! You made that look like you're stepping off the sidewalk into the grass. I can tell: you spent your childhood in boats and now you navigate the boats like we navigate a sidewalk. I also greatly appreciate you explaining the legal/politics of the delicate balance of preserving the sea creatures for the future, vs sustaining the lives of those who fish them for our consumption. Thanks for all the hard work, in the edit room, to share your fishing life with us.

[@dannyboyNS752]

Northern cod were once so prolific in alomg the Grand Banks off Newfoundland that European sailors claimed that schools of fish could bring their ships to a dead halt and that they could just drop a bucket on a rope from the deck and when they hayled iflt back up it would overflowimg with fish. Sadly, they were fished to near extinction and in 1992 the government shut down the fishery. At the time, the ban was expected to last two years - more than 30 years later it is still closed (except for a very small commercial fishery) and the cod half not returned.

[@Objective-Observer]

@@dannyboyNS752 As I said, it is a delicate balance in feeding humans, and protecting the sea creatures. After 30 years, there is something else preventing the fish from returning, and if they aren't looking at that, they're no better than those who fish indiscrimantly. They are not trying to address the problem, or Trudy thinks the carbon tax will fix everything.

[@kaylahall1219]

I’ve lived in the desert my whole life; and they are just dancing on the edge of those boats like there’s not hundreds of feet beneath them

[@andrewlaco1776]

WEF shutting fisheries down.😬

[@dannyboyNS752]

@@Objective-Observer I never implied that you said there wasn't a balance, what that balance should be and I never brought politics into it. I was just simply sharing that the Grand Banks were once so abundant with fish that sailors claimed it could bring a ship to a deadhalt. What a sight that must have been to see. Sadly, it's not the case any more. But as far as politics go, the fishing moratorium was introduced by a Conservative government (back when conservation of resources and conservative weren't diametrically opposed). We also had another conservative government from 2006 to 2015 that clearly felt leaving the moratorium in pace was the right thing to do. And as far as addressing other issues, most scientists - people examining actual facts and not just making emotional political arguments - believe climate change has played a role in the struggle for cod stocks not rebounding like was hoped and the carbon tax is addressing that...but I guess you just prefer them to address potential causes as long as it doesn't contradict your political narrative?

[@markofbrick]

Always refreshing to see good natured and level headed people sharing their work and insights. Fun, funny, informative, transparent, and shot well too, y'all are a gem.

[@lvachon]

I love all of these videos, it's such a great glimpse into the nautical traditions that have been a part of my homeland for hundreds of years. Today's video was an incredible example of the mind boggling number of fish a small crew can haul in a single day. I'm glad efforts are being made to find a balance between technology, market forces, and ecology so that these traditions can continue for hundreds of years to come.

[@dottiewentz5121]

Wow, your dad is a big help! Love learning more about your job.

[@dancinggoat22]

Your dismount and landing on that skiff was a solid 10✨😲

[@whatifitnt]

Thanks for taking us along 🐙🦑🐡🦀🦞🦐🪼🐠🐟🐬🐳🦈🦭

[@KeithCooper-Albuquerque]

That was a lot of hard work! Jacob you're a natural-born leader. I wish you and your crew much success!

[@susanb4816]

Cod fisheries tentatively reopening in newfoundland. Restrictions work. Took a long time to deplete stocks; takes longer to restore them

[@FundyisleLegacy]

Newfoundland is about to see a huge economic boom, cod coming back, lobster making their way north, good times are coming

[@nunogomes1834]

As always, one more amazing vid. The camera from above, the jump on the boat......pro lvl

[@Jeffrey-ed8sz]

Your content is amazing Jacob. Keep the fisheries well represented intelligently❤😊.

[@anasyn]

I love watching your videos and I don't know why. I can't relate to almost anything you do, but I still enjoy them. So.... Thanks for the videos that I can't look away from.

[@markrussellfilaroski5035]

I grew up in Scarborough, Maine. I remember when pogies were plentiful until the Russians(or someone) came in and depleted the fishery. It's great to see them back, and I'm sure the stripers are back too! I so miss Maine as I have not been back in 20 + years.

[@jackprier7727]

Omega Protein in VA was the biggest culprit for rendering Menhaden-

[@Hazaerdt]

I wouldn’t miss the winters there 🥶, just the summers.

[@Hazaerdt]

PS - I used to visit my grandparents on Lake Winnipesaukee in the summers, so I know how cold that lake water was in July/August. Never caught anything but Sunfish tho

[@mathewt767]

How long will the stipers be back for now that pogies are the target bait for lobster fisherman

[@markrussellfilaroski5035]

@@mathewt767 no idea. I just know when they disappeared previously there were no restrictions on them in the 1990s. Ask an expert (that's not me) 😋

[@huebdoo]

I grew up on the BC coast, when the herring would spawn the sea would be white for miles, fisheries let the catch go too long, result is our salmon stocks need the herring. We dont need for bait here, our Dungeness, Spot Prawn can use fish waiste for bait.

[@victoriadelaney1123]

I grew up in Bamfield & Prince Rupert. My dad was Regional Director for DFO. Love this channel…so glad I found it! ❤

[@victoriadelaney1123]

Westcoast of British Columbia… just FYI ❤

[@chrisc765]

i used to surf sebastian inlet during the mullet run in the fall. It was similar to jumping in the fish in that net. If you duck dived a waveyou felt was fish on every inch of your body. I love to see old professions being kept alive through family. Keep up the good work!

[@dawnracelis4969]

Thank you so much for the education watching you do this job is amazing. You do it like it's nothing to you. The way you jumped off the boat and onto the skiff was amazing. Great job you and your crew. It's awesome seeing your dad out there working with you. Keep up the good work. Thanks for all the education on fishing. It's so interesting you have no idea... A city people don't get to see that. I live in Las Vegas, Nevada.. ❤❤❤

[@AdeptaKerillian]

Wow that's a lot of flopping fishies

[@BeatlesNinja]

Really loved the talk at the end. Opens up the eye to how things are in the real world, which a lot of people aren't privey to. If you don't know, you don't know, and you personally have taught me alot about lobster fishing and the down wash of it all. I hope things start opening up and there's more access to legend (family owned) companies like yourself.

[@aguptill1]

Thank you for posting this!! My Mum’s family is from Grand Manan New Brunswick and I have family in Swan’s Island Maine. My grandfather, uncles and cousins ( and for awhile my dad) were/are lobster fisherman. I hope people see how dangerous a fisherman’s life is. I lost my grandfather in ‘67. He was lost at sea and never recovered.

[@cya2163]

That was so interesting! Thank you for sharing Jacob...it helps us landlubbers get a better understanding of the challenges associated w/commercial fishers and the future for your own children...and besides...I love learning and I love watching you fellas work bc even though it's hard, you all still try to find the humor in it! Have a great rest of your weekend...God bless...

[@chrislive1586]

This is so cool. Never gets old. Never stop posting!

[@chipchaffee2416]

Your not complaining, you are just telling it like it is .

[@thanefalkner6156]

Great job saving soooo much bank. Just awesome.

[@myrnabergen5342]

Very interesting Jacob knowing how much goes into that juicy beautiful lobster on my plate. I salute you and your crew.

[@dixsigns1717]

Another great video, Jacob and crew. Your Dad is still in there!💚🤗💚🤗💚🤗

[@cindiemoore2530]

I was raised on a farm, this team work reminds me of working together to accomplish goals. Everyone knows their job, takes direction from others and celebrate goals.

[@Matteo_the_Plague_Doctor]

Start calling your Congressmen and Senators and send them this video Jacob! Also maybe at some point you should consider running for State Legislature, or maybe even Congress at some point. You're well spoken, have a platform you can work from, and you understand the issues at heart! You could represent your district and help make these regulations where they make sense.

[@twildabuckingham]

Gosh what a mess! You guys do hard work. I don't eat lobster or shellfish at all, and maybe halibut once a year. But if I did, I'd be very grateful for your hard, dirty work to secure me my dinners ❤

[@FundyisleLegacy]

Starting to see pogies up here around grand Manan, we’re not far from Maine, herring and mackerel restrictions hammering us too

[@l-.-l-hey]

Love the way your east side accent got thicker talkin to your pops😂❤️

[@user-tj9kt5cs6d]

Hard work great help end results, pure satisfaction great episode.

[@judimcrae9231]

Where do you keep the bait to keep it from going bad please?

[@bigbadassphiljacson]

I was gonna ask the same. I imagine they throw the barrels into a freezer.

[@Emeraldwitch30]

If I remember from the other videos he's put out, they put in barrels and freeze them. I've watched other fisherman videos where they salt and freeze. I spend way too much time watching videos when in recovery lol.

[@scott2824]

Probably preserved in salt

[@dy9278]

​@@Emeraldwitch30Never enough time!

[@baronvonlookatchaboobs]

They freeze them, but for bait you want them pretty stinky

[@tra3774]

There are so many moments in this video that I'm enjoying. Watching dad jump into the small boat. All James Bond style. That was awesome. Also, when you guys were talking about jumping into the net full of fish and how you probably wouldn't even sink! That was great! It's just so refreshing to see men hard at work and enjoying life. You guys just keep doing what you doing

[@thomasmasty7021]

Love seeing your dad! Bring your mom out one day….she must be amazing as well

[@stevenl34]

This is an incredible and informative video. This is way better than any TV show I've seen. You guys are the best, keep up the good work

[@donnaleeh7514]

I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS JACOB AND YOUR CREW, Thank you. My dad was a Lobsterman in Mass, No where near the amount of traps you have tho. Wish i could hug you .

[@shauntaewhittington4103]

Boat Parkour….with all those jumps you did today Jakob! Insane! Glad you all were able to benefit from being able to get your own bait.

[@Chris-ch4fh]

Great editing, kept the video at an excellent pace. Good job fellas

[@missydee7674]

I’ve been watching your “shorts” but never been here to your channel. Just want to say you have the most energetic and awesome personality. I’m definitely binge watching all your videos now 🤣 thank you!

[@josephm.colombo604]

Loved the regs talk at the end - thanks!

[@MyRoadRocket]

Hey Jacob! Your videos are awesome! I’m from east coast Canada and I have lots of lobster fishermen buddies! Lots of moving parts in that industry and I can only show mad respect to you! I have been a part in unloading numerous boats and it’s a ton of work! Cheeers to you my friend!

[@scottishlifetm1906]

These are my favourite videos, whoole team working towards a goal. ! Informative' relatable and your a friendly face so ive thouroughly enjoyed this documenatry style video. Hope to see more videos like this

[@RustyCaveArt]

This is one of your coolest videos. Love this content.

[@JustKiffers]

Haha, seems a few lucky fishies escaped off the backside of the boat there at the end. Still, happy you're able to do things like this so you aren't paying out the wahzoo for bait. Especially since you've mentioned that the lobster isn't selling for too much right now. Neat vid, very different from your usual stuff, but I thought it was interesting and entertaining nonetheless.

[@KapteinFruit]

That's a lot of fish! Oh my god I don't think I've seen that many at once. Then again I never was a fisherman lol

[@michaelwaller342]

Outstanding content guys! Well done, adventure and informative!

[@bigboxofstuff]

you guys have such good chemistry, looks like you're all friends and get along so well. I wish I could have that kind of work environment. anyway I just found you this week in the shorts saw the long format and binged a bunch of episodes. you got my sub

[@Maliceah]

Thanks for educating people about the fisheries! I did not know about the menhaden, but I'm so glad it's benefitting you and the fisheries.

[@charlestosi5199]

Well thought through. Well spoken. Best to you, family and crew.

[@elizabetheaton3882]

Thanks Jacob, Dad and crew for sharing how things go a bit behind the scenes. I've often wondered, while watching your videos, how the lobster bait "happens" 😆. And holy pogie fish, it is quite a crazy fishing trip 😂

[@KenWAnderson]

That's an amazing way to bring in a huge catch of fish! I enjoy watching you Jacob. ☺

[@billammann9807]

Fantastic! That's gotta help with the expenses.

[@RonRay]

You guys are running neck and neck with "Deadliest Catch". 👍

[@vickyshaw1983]

Nooooo! Jacob, dad and crews are waaaaay better! 😊🇬🇧

[@RonRay]

@@vickyshaw1983 I totally agree!

[@armandplaisancejr8937]

Jacob every state that has commercial fishermen makes it difficult for them 2 make a living. I’m glad that u and your dad can catch your own bait for lobster fishing.

[@estebanatachaoarguedas6321]

Preview was sick!

[@TheRealJohnMicheal]

Nice look into the life once again great videos love pops being on the boat to help. One family One dream

[@ReubenZeigler]

Wow Jacob. You create so much camaraderie and and community on that boat. Somehow I just watched the entire video and wouldn’t have if you didn’t put out such story telling content that made this something I’d click on. Then kept my attention for the whole video. Didn’t think bait catching was that interesting 😂. Kudos to you !!!

[@leslie3937]

Look at all those future snacks! 🤪

[@JustKiffers]

OOh, early to a video, excited to watch it!

[@MustardTigerFan42]

Amazing video Nothing else out there like your content! Looking forward to seeing more

[@rogermartin4104]

That’s honest work boys, i envy you guys. Thanks for showing us old salts how it’s done today.

[@kareningram6093]

I didn't realize how much red tape and politics was involved in simple things like getting bait fish. That's crazy. I feel like the people who pass these laws just don't know anything about the subject matter, because that's how it is for so many other things in politics. You did a really good job of explaining this to us landlubbers, and no, I don't think you sounded too "complain-y" or anything. I can tell it frustrates you, but you didn't get all angry and hateful about it. I appreciate that. And by doing videos like this, you are raising awareness and using your platform wisely. You never know, your voice might be heard by the right people at the right time and make a difference.

[@PAMELAPORTER-ci7mr]

The fishing laws must be strict to keep from depleting fish.m Asian countries haven't done this, forcing their fisherman to go into other countries' waterways to fish illegally. Those fishermen are arresred & charged with illegal fishing.

[@PAMELAPORTER-ci7mr]

Fishing must be tightly regulated to guard against depleting a huge food source. Some Asian countries have failed to regulate fishing, causing their waters to be depleted of fish. Then, their fishermen sneek into other countries' waters & fish illegally-- until they're caught.

[@dennniswebb7807]

Great group of guys , nobody being mean or rude just teamplayers doing a job , i love that kind of crew work good positive guys

[@HappyComfort]

Very exciting 👍🥳🥳🥳 Thanks for taking us along 😁🌷👍

[@Maria-n6t2d]

I have no idea how I wound up here but I’m staying.

[@peterwysoczanski9391]

a true blessing - Pogys have been in years back; you only have to find the old fish mills to figure out where and when...

[@ChiliPeppers246484]

These videos are super cool and informative. People that never have been exposed to this should watch these vids.

[@HELENGodLoves]

Such a hard job!! 😮 Thanks so much for sharing. This is so ahhmazing 🎉🎉

[@Bryanpeacock33]

I'm always amazed watching people net like this because the net just looks like a tangled mess lol love the content

[@jetjazz05]

10:00 - I wouldn't be surprised but some combo of warmer waters and depleted food for them pushed them into maine. I live in Florida and watch various weather charts in the summer including surface temps, typically it's not until august that the ocean 86 degrees but this year and last it's made it to 90 by the end of June. Say what you want about global warming, but in the 10 years I've followed this data it's the first time I've seen it get that hot and stay that hot, it's no longer 2 months at 30c its now 4 months at 32. Definitely warmer.

[@troglodytehunter]

Absolutely fascinating look inside the purse seine process, thanks for sharing!!

[@amwelty]

Kudos to you - I learn so much from your videos!

[@dzintrarowe4272]

Years ago, we could get mini barrels of fresh herring in local supermarkets. Mom made her own jarred herring. Why don't you marinate and eat the herring since you already catch them for bait? It's great in wine or sour cream sauce. 'Viking' makes a great jar.

[@m.theresa1385]

Yum! I love pickled herring with a bagel for breakfast/brunch. Add a few olives and I’m a super happy camper.

[@jeffquintrell1963]

That was some smooth boat transfer looked almost fake it was so smooth. It’s really nice you can catch your own bait and put some up for later or to sell. Helps you a ton I’m sure!!!

[@stephanieodom5825]

I love your videos! Thank you for all of the fun, learning, and laughter!! ❤

[@MoPets888]

We enjoy watching your channel, especially the pick a pocket 🎉🎉, thank you for your great material 👍

[@taurusgirl78]

Thank you for this video. I really like to be aware and appreciate that you make this information available to a wider audience. Great work guys! And politics... (without going into a rant 😅) booooo 🤙

[@pwrplnt1975]

Amazing video fellow MainAH!

[@glennscott3267]

Love the information! We know you're not just out there "doing stuff", and that there are rules and regulations you need to follow. I appreciate knowing some of what you need to follow.

[@MsSasha4444]

I’ve seen this done in front of my house and now I know what they were doing! Thank you!

[@kaylimbo4356]

Love ur videos. So much to learn and appreciate. Ur amazing!

[@trudy285]

Great News for you Jacob! 👍 I love pickled herring BTW! 🤭 Lucky Lobstas!! 😂✌️💖🦋🙏

[@user-wf8yf3tj8g]

I asked you in another vid where you got your bait. Thanks. This was a great video.

[@senorsuave]

thanks for sharing what yer doing up there! nice drone shots too

[@HELENGodLoves]

I REALLY LOVE the over view from the camera in the sky!!! So neat to see the schools of fish. Some lucky few lived to see another day!!😂😂! 5:49

[@karenbrauch1456]

Have you ever thought of letting a viewer ride along with you for a day?

[@judithburke1539]

I think that they've done that and the poor guy was green with seasickness.

[@KennethMorris-bl4hr]

the lobster mafia is cheering for you gotta keep those snacks coming 😂.

[@vincentmontminy9474]

Love your content , the part on the Quota and the life cycle of the pogies .

[@AshiyaDylanSean]

Lots of fish!!!! my boys loves watching it!!!

[@robleary3353]

Always informative, always worth watching. Nice one!. 🙂

[@TrentonKnepp]

Nice haul! Keep up the good work.

[@sixfigurebookkeeper7588]

I was highly entertained by your adventure, thanks for sharing that

[@Open2OpenUT]

Woohoo that was an awesome video! 👏👏👏👏👏