Chad Benner
Friendship,ME
Summary
Seasoned Lobster Fisherman with practical experience in marine navigation and equipment maintenance. Possess strong skills in survival swimming, weather interpretation, and teamwork. Known for resilience under challenging working conditions and commitment to sustainable fishing practices. Enhanced previous team's efficiency through proactive communication and problem-solving abilities.
Overview
1
1
Certification
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Self employed lobster fishermen
Self
Friendship, ME
10.1998 - 10.2025
- Managed self-operated lobster fishing trips from vessel launch to dock return.
- Set and hauled lobster traps using safe, steady handling practices.
- Sorted catch by size, sex, and legal market standards.
- Baited, cleaned, and repaired traps for continued self-run operations.
- Navigated coastal waters and monitored weather for safe fishing routes.
- Maintained fishing gear, lines, and vessel equipment in working order.
- Checked catch quality and stored lobsters for transport to buyers.
- Followed maritime rules and licensing requirements during independent lobster harvests.
- Navigated the boat by using GPS systems and charts.
- Kept up-to-date on industry news related to changes in laws or regulations regarding fisheries management.
- Maintained accurate records of catch quantity, type of fish caught, location fished and time spent fishing.
- Checked lobster holding tanks regularly to ensure that water temperature was within acceptable range.
- Adhered strictly to local regulations concerning allowable catch sizes and amounts.
- Lowered and raised lobster traps from boats using winches or pulleys.
- Inspected and maintained fishing gear, including traps, buoys, nets, lines, and floats.
- Communicated with other vessels in order to coordinate activities or exchange information.
- Managed supplies onboard vessel such as fuel, bait, ice and food.
- Calculated cost of fuel used for each trip out at sea for budgeting purposes.
- Responded quickly and calmly in emergency situations such as storms or engine failure.
- Repaired damaged traps and replaced broken cables when necessary.
- Monitored weather conditions to ensure safety while at sea.
- Loaded and unloaded vessel equipment and supplies by hand or with aid of hoisting equipment.
- Worked with fellow crew members to bring in optimal results with each haul.
- Conducted thorough inspections and preventive maintenance to ensure ship remained clean and functional.
- Delivered fresh catches to local businesses to meet market demand for quality seafood. to local businesses to meet fresh market demands.
- Monitored fishing locations to enhance catch results on each trip.
- Navigated boats towards schools of fish or known hunting grounds to optimize fishing returns.
- Patrolled trap lines and nets to inspect settings, remove catch and relocate traps.
- Kept close eye on weather conditions, crew stamina and vessel operations to make effective decisions.
Lobster Fisherman
Self employed
Friendship, NM
08.1998 - 10.2025
- Managed self-operated lobster fishing trips from vessel launch to dock return.
- Set and hauled lobster traps using safe, steady handling practices.
- Sorted catch by size, sex, and legal market standards.
- Baited traps to attract lobster during fishing trips.
- Sorted catch into species based on size, color, shape, or weight for marketing purposes.
Education
Medomak High School
Friendship , MESkills
- Trap management
- Catch sorting
- Fishing safety
- Catch monitoring
- Vessel maintenance
- GPS navigation
- Coastal navigation
- Weather forecasting
- Fuel conservation
- Safety regulations
- Marine ecology
- Crustacean biology
- Wildlife control
- Underwater diving
- Route mapping
- Fish tagging
- Local geography
- Research assistance
- Landowner relations
- Camping Skills
- Animal anatomy
Certification
- Off shore fishing permit
- Level 3 lobster fishing license
Timeline
Self employed lobster fishermen
Self
10.1998 - 10.2025
Lobster Fisherman
Self employed
08.1998 - 10.2025
Medomak High School