Read Chapter One From the chapter titled "Occupationally Speaking" What hours does a typical lobsterman work? Predawn to late afternoon, often 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. Why so early in the a.m.? The water is calmer earlier in the day. Calmer water makes for easier fishing. By the time the seas get rough, the lobsterman likes to be heading home. What does he have for breakfast? As much of whatever as whoever can make. What are oilskins? Foul-weather gear, such as overalls, aprons, and jackets. Nowadays, they're made of rubber of PVC-coated cotton. Originally, they were made of cotton that was treated with lindseed oil, hence the name. Are oilskins always yellow? No. They may instead be orange, green, or white. What are Grundens? Oilskins made by a company called Grunden. The name is spelled out on the wide suspenders. Does a lobsterman wear pants under his oilskins? Mais oui. At least, he says he does... Does a lobsterman ever go bare chested under his Grundens? Rarely. The suspenders would chafe his nipples. What's a boot band? An elastic strap that goes on the outside of the oilskin legs at the shin or ankle. The boot band holds the pants tight to the boots underneath and prevents water from splashing up inside. Does a lobsterman wear shoes under his boots? No way. If he falls overboard, he wants to be able to slip free of his boots and be as unencumbered as possible. Does A Lobsterman Wear Pants?  Copyright © 2005 by Barbara Delinsky. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be used without written permission from the author.