Cutler lobsterman Ryan Lemieux holding up a Maine lobster. Photo courtesy of Tamara Weightman.
What is the price of lobster in Maine? August is the peak of the Maine lobster season and new shell lobster prices have been firmly established alongside hardshell prices. The boat price of Maine lobster is currently $5.50 per pound for hard shell and $2.85 per pound for new shell (also referred to as soft shell lobster or ‘shedders’) in Cutler, where my family fish for lobster. The market price of lobster in Maine is $7.99 for new shell lobster at Hannaford supermarkets throughout the state and and some online lobster shipping companies are selling lobster in that range as well.
So what is influencing the price of lobster in Maine this summer? One of the biggest challenges facing fishermen is the shortage of lobster bait. Maine lobster fishermen rely on a steady supply of herring to bait their traps and lure in hungry lobsters. This summer there is a herring shortage which makes it harder for lobstermen to keep their traps ‘baited up.’ Fluctuations in the price of boat fuel and bait can influence the lobster catch and have a ripple effect on the price of lobster as well.
For more information on the price of Maine lobster in previous months or years, click here.
Kathy says
January 8, 2017 at 2:59 pmWhen is the best month to lobsters in summer because we are planning to go in the beginning of August. Thanks
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Christina Lemieux says
January 9, 2017 at 12:03 pmAugust will be perfect. It’s the peak of the Maine lobster season and you’ll be able to get some of the most delicious lobster then. Plus all the Maine lobster shacks will be open then if you want the experience of eating lobster ‘in the rough.’ Enjoy!