Thousands of fishers are gearing up for Dumping Day.

The fall lobster season is scheduled to open Monday in fishing areas 33 and 34, stretching from Digby around to Eastern Passage.

Dan Fleck with the Brazil Rock 33/34 Lobster Association says fishers are hoping for a fair price to start.

“The cost of everything has gone up, will people be able to afford a nice southwestern Nova Scotia lobster through the holidays and the season? There’s always the unknown and uncertainty,” said Fleck.

He says fishers always face challenges, including the price of fuel and bait.

However, Fleck is hearing positive news from other fishers in open areas.

“Captains in LFA 35 which is open, or 36 and 38 around New Brunswick shores, they’ve dealt with some harsh weather so far. But catches and quality are looking good.”

Fleck says science traps through the summer showed the lobsters should have a hard shell, and there’s less jonah crab.

Fishers hauled up lots of the female crab last season, and it was harder to find lobster.

Dumping Day starts at 6 a.m. in LFA 34, and 7 a.m. in LFA 33.