Maine is renowned worldwide for its fresh, delicious lobster In fact, Maine lands over 80% of all lobster caught in the United States, with over 120 million pounds harvested annually! This makes Maine the undisputed lobster capital of America.

As a seafood lover visiting Maine, you’ll likely have lobster on your must-eat list But with so many options, where exactly can you find and buy the best fresh lobster in Maine?

In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know to find and savor fresh-from-the-ocean Maine lobster. Here’s what I’ll cover:

• Why Maine Lobster is Considered the Best
• When Lobster Season Peaks in Maine
• Where to Buy Live Lobsters in Maine
• Finding Fresh Lobster at Local Restaurants and Shacks
• Enjoying Famous Maine Lobster Rolls
• Lobster Boat Tours for the Full Experience

Let’s dive right in!

Why Maine Lobster is Considered the Best

Maine lobster has a global reputation for its sweet, tender meat and robust flavor. There are a few key reasons why Maine lobster is a cut above:

• Cold, Pristine Habitat – The frigid waters of the northwest Atlantic provide ideal conditions. The rocky seabed also offers shelter.

• No Claws – Maine lobsters lack claws, unlike warm-water lobsters. The flavorful claw meat stays intact.

• Soft-Shells in Summer – Newly molted lobsters have softer shells in summer, making the meat more tender and succulent.

So if you want the world’s best lobster experience, you’ve got to try it fresh from the Maine coast!

When Lobster Season Peaks in Maine

The best time for lobster in Maine is summer. From June to October, mature lobsters shed their shells to grow larger ones. These soft-shell lobsters have sweeter meat and crack open easier.

However, thanks to hardy local fishermen, you can enjoy fresh Maine lobster year-round. Lobster fishing continues in the cold months, just further from shore.

No matter when you visit Maine, you can feast on just-caught lobsters. But to try the ultimate soft-shells, come in summer!

Where to Buy Live Lobsters in Maine

For the freshest lobsters in Maine, buying them live is the way to go. Here are some top spots to pick up live lobsters for cooking yourself:

• Directly from Lobstermen – Many small harbors let you buy right off the docks from lobstermen. This is as fresh as it gets!

• Seafood Markets – Markets across coastal Maine sell live lobsters. Ask for the day’s catch.

• Lobster Pounds – These are essentially seafood retailers right on the water. Pounds hold lobsters fresh in tanks.

• Grocery Stores – Even large grocery chains like Hannaford sell quality live lobsters from tanks.

• Online Companies – Websites like Maine Lobster Now offer overnight shipping of live lobsters caught to order.

I recommend buying from lobstermen, pounds, or local seafood markets for peak freshness. And check out lobster fishing towns like Boothbay Harbor and Rockland.

Ask the sellers questions to learn about their lobster sources and handling practices. This ensures you get the top quality.

Finding Fresh Lobster at Local Restaurants and Shacks

Of course, not everyone wants to cook their own lobster. Luckily, Maine restaurants pride themselves on serving the freshest lobsters around.

Here are some tips for finding tasty fresh lobster dishes out:

• Lobster Shacks – Casual seaside lobster shacks are a classic choice. They have fresh lobsters daily and cook them to order.

• Upscale Restaurants – Many fine dining restaurants in coastal towns also serve fresh lobster dishes in creative preparations.

• Lobster Rolls – These signature Maine sandwiches contain freshly picked lobster meat. They make eating lobster on-the-go easy.

• All-You-Can-Eat – Some touristy spots offer all-you-can-eat lobster meals for one fixed price. Just check reviews first to confirm quality.

• Ask Questions – Don’t hesitate to ask your server how and when they source their lobsters to find the freshest options.

I recommend lobster shacks in fishing villages or visits to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, and Portland for excellent casual lobster fare. Just come hungry!

Enjoying Famous Maine Lobster Rolls

No article on eating lobster in Maine is complete without mention of the iconic Maine lobster roll. These beloved sandwiches contain chilled lobster meat drizzled with a touch of mayo or butter and served in a grilled New England style hot dog bun.

Some of the most acclaimed spots for lobster rolls along the Maine coast include:

• Red’s Eats in Wiscasset
• Five Islands Lobster Company near Bath
• The Clam Shack in Kennebunk
• Bite Into Maine in Fort Williams Park
• The Lobster Shack at Two Lights in Cape Elizabeth

The lobster roll provides a convenient and inexpensive way to sample the fresh taste of Maine lobster. They’re a must during any lobster-focused trip to Maine.

Lobster Boat Tours for the Full Experience

For the ultimate hands-on lobster experience in Maine, join a lobster boat tour.

These tours take you out on the water with real lobstermen as they haul up traps and explain their processes. You’ll get to see lobsters fresh off the boat and often enjoy an onboard lobster lunch.

Some top spots for lobster boat tours include:

• Boothbay Harbor
• Rockland
• Bar Harbor
• Portland
• Kennebunkport

Going out on a lobster boat lets you fully appreciate all the hard work that goes into bringing these Maine delicacies from ocean to plate.

Conclusion

As you explore the rocky coastline on your lobster quest, take a moment to appreciate the pristine marine habitat that produces such a perfect crustacean. Maine’s clear, cold waters have been ideally suited for lobster for centuries.

And after your first sweet, tender bite, you’ll immediately taste why Maine lobster is considered the world’s best. So get ready for the ultimate lobster experience on your next visit to Maine – the lobster capital of America!