I've been lucky. Most lobstermen don't have much in common with sailors but I've found most helpful or at worst just not social to recreational sailors. They do some great things in Maine(not intentionally) by keeping public access open and costs down for all of us that boat.

My biggest gripe with them as a group(individuals vary) is their dismal record as environmental stewards. Lobstering is a socio-economic way of life here on the coast, many people are born into it because of where they live. Like logging in some rural states, or farming. Unfortunately the same mentality that makes some people think they have the right to throw their trash out their car windows, exists out in the water as well. Too often I've seen lobsterboats throw trash in the water. Lobsterboats are notorious for pumping oil into our harbors(a real local problem). If they would take a stand as a group and educate and police their large numbers as to these environmental offenses, they'd do themselves a great service as well as the rest of us.