Crisfield Waterman, Philip “Moose” Labo
![Moose Labo](http://www.crabplace.com/images/mooselabo01.jpg)
Moose said he loves being on the water and being his own boss. And, he added with a smile, "I really love it when I'm makin' money." "Makin' money" can be tricky for watermen. It's hard to know what to expect, and there is a great deal of risk involved for their investment in their boat, pots, and fuel. Sometimes they catch a lot of crabs and find that the price has dropped because crabs are so plentiful that they don't have much left after they cover their costs. Or crabs can be scarce, and they get a good price for the few crabs they catch, but not enough to make it profitable. "That's the hardest part," Moose said. "You put all the money you saved the year before into getting ready to crab again, not knowing if you're going to make it back." But then there are times when things align so that the catch is abundant and the price is good. Those are the times Moose enjoys the most!
![Crabs in Net](http://www.crabplace.com/images/mooselabo02.jpg)
Watermen also find some unexpected "treasures" in their crab pots besides crabs. "The other day we were clear off shore, and we found a golf ball in a pot. Sometimes we find balloons. When I was young, I pulled up a pot, and it had the ugliest creature I've ever seen in it. I liked to jump overboard! To me, it looked like a Chinese eel. I still get scared when I think about it," he said with a grin.
![Moose Labo and Crew](http://www.crabplace.com/images/mooselabo03.jpg)
When he's not getting pots ready for crabbing season or busy with life as a waterman, he works at the local Salvation Army Youth Club in Crisfield, overseeing programs and mentoring the kids. He said he loves it there too because he really enjoys working with young people. It's a good balance for him. Part of his life is out on the water making a living and part is on land making a difference. Either way, when it comes to Moose Labo, life is good.
![Crabs on Dock](http://www.crabplace.com/images/mooselabo04.jpg)
![Moose Labo](http://www.crabplace.com/images/mooselabo05.jpg)
Labels: crab season, crabbing, crabs, Crisfield, Maryland, waterman
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