What Happens to Maine Lobstering in the Winter?

What happens to Maine lobstering in the winter? Do we still consume lobster in the winter months? Seems like silly questions, but do you know the answer?

First, The Most Important Part of the Equation for Maine Lobstering

That would be the lobstermen! Where do they go? What do they do?!

While lobsters are harvested year-round, most coastal lobsterman in Maine take the 6 months off from lobstering - that is, if they made enough to still pay the bills through the harsher weather part of the year. In 2023, Maine lobstermen brought in a staggering $464 MILLION!

The price paid to fishermen increased from $3.97 per pound in 2022 to $4.95 per pound in 2023, netting harvesters and additional $72 million compared to the previous year, for a total value in 2023 of $464,371,720. - maine.gov

Now even though the busiest months for our lobster catching Mainers are from June until December, January through May isn't all vacation, albeit it is reported that many take advantage of that time to spend it with family, there is also hard work that still must be completed.

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At the start of winter, traps are brought in and stored and during these "off" months are repaired, improved and prepped for next season.

What About the Maine Lobsters During the Winter?

During the winter months, the lobsters develop a hard shell for warmth and protection. They also travel further out to sea making them more challenging to catch. They molt those shells as the waters become warmer and also do so to be able to grow in size.

Historically, the best time to visit Maine for hard shell lobster are late April to early June. Less of the lobster have been caught over the winter and have grown hard shells and are full size. October to December is usually better as well, after the busy tourist season. - foodwinetourism.com

Regardless of size or texture of the shell, that lobster meat is always great and delicious to consume, especially right here in Maine.