The mention of lobster fishing in Maine isn’t all that rare. In a state where more than 100 million pounds of the crave-worthy crustacean were hauled in last year, we tend not to bat an eyelash when we see them being brought to shore. But recently a rare variety was brought to shore and we can’t stop talking about it! The rarest lobster in the world is exciting, but when it’s caught in Maine, we definitely feel the need to share.

Take one look out over any given harbor in Maine and you're likely to spot at least a dozen lobster boats. The crews, who head out before dawn, haul back their catch and Mainers and those visiting are treated to some of the best seafood in America. But what we don't often hear are the stories that come along with these fishing trips. That is, until something unique happens, like it did in mid-February of 2021.
pavdw / Flickr
February 19th probably began like any other day on the water for the crew catching for lobster for Boston seafood company, James Hook and Company.
James Hook and Company / Facebook
That is, until they pulled up a pot with a very special albino lobster! It's not every day that the rarest lobster is caught in Maine.
hankzby / Flickfr
The people at the University of Maine Lobster Institute say that there's only a one in 1,000,000 chance of finding an albino lobster. That, officially, makes it the rarest lobster in the world.
James Hook and Company / Facebook

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But things get even more interesting when you take a closer look at the claws on the lobster. One claw is significantly smaller than the other making it a "cull lobster."
James Hook and Company / Facebook
This often happens when a lobster loses a claw. While the claw will eventually grow to the size of the other, it takes some time. That means this lobster comes with a double rarity.
James Hook and Company / Facebook
The good news for lobster-lovers is that this one is not destined to become a roll. Instead, it's been sent to the New England Aquarium.
James Hook and Company / Facebook
We're pretty sure James Hook and Company will do just fine over the summer with the rest of its haul. And in the meantime, we love that Maine was home to such a special sea creature.
James Hook and Company / Facebook

James Hook and Company is located in Boston, Massachusetts. Check it out, but don’t forget that the rarest lobster in the world was caught in Maine!

This isn’t the first time a rare lobster has been brought to shore here in Maine. Back in 2019 a Maine fisherman caught three rare lobsters in one haul! Have you ever caught something unexpected off the shores of Maine? Tell us your best fishing story in the comments!

 

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More to Explore

what is the rarest lobster in the world?

Andrea | March 29, 2022

Are there any other rare lobsters?

Albino lobsters are one of the rarest, but there are others that stray from the typical. Cotton candy lobsters are also extremely rare and perhaps the most eye-catching with a glistening, iridescent color. And that's not all. Other rare types of lobsters come in blue, yellow, and perhaps even other colors of the rainbow.

How rare is an albino lobster?

They are extremely rare. The odds of catching an albino lobster are 1 in 100 million!

Where can I get the best lobster rolls in Maine?

Maine and lobster rolls go hand in hand. Whether you live in the state or are planning a visit, a lobster roll is a must. Check out our favorites for the best lobster rolls in Maine that include places like Graffam Bros., Bagaduce Lunch, and Red's Eats.

 

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