At Lobsterboys, we only ship wild-caught, premium hard-shell lobsters, because we believe better lobster starts with better choices—for your plate and the planet. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Hard-Shell Lobster?
Ahard-shell lobster has a fully developed outer shell and is packed with dense, flavorful meat. These lobsters have completed their molting cycle, meaning they’re stronger, firmer, and better for shipping and eating.
What Is a Soft-Shell Lobster?
Asoft-shell lobster has recently molted—shedding its old shell and growing a new, thinner one. While they may look similar on the outside, soft-shells contain significantly more water andup to 50% less edible meat per pound.
How to Tell the Difference Between Hard and Soft Shell Lobsters
Not sure what you’re buying?
Here are two simple ways to spot the difference:
-
Feel the shell: Soft-shell lobsters dent slightly when pressed. Hard-shells don’t.
-
Check the weight: Hard-shell lobsters feel noticeably heavier for their size due to higher meat content.
Why Hard-Shell Lobsters Often Cost More
You might see a price difference—and here’s why hard-shells are worth it:
-
✅ More meat per pound
-
✅ Better survival rate during shipping
-
✅ Harvested later in the cycle, often from deeper, offshore waters
They take more time and effort to catch, but you get what you pay for—premium lobster with rich taste and real value.
Taste Test: Hard-Shell vs. Soft-Shell
When it comes to flavor,hard-shell lobsters are hands-down the better choice.
-
Hard-shell: Sweet, firm, and full of flavor
-
Soft-shell: Often bland, watery, and lacking texture
If you’ve ever been disappointed by lobster, chances are it was soft-shell.
Can You Get Hard-Shell Lobsters in the Summer?
Yes—but most suppliers won’t go the extra mile.
Most summer lobsters are caught close to shore and are in the soft-shell phase. At Lobsterboys, we go offshore to sourcecold-water, fully mature hard-shell lobsters—even in summer.
Why Soft-Shell Lobsters Are Bad for Sustainability
It’s not just about flavor—it’s aboutprotecting the future of our oceans.
-
Soft-shell lobsters are vulnerable to predators
-
They have higher mortality rates during shipping
-
Harvesting them early disrupts reproduction and lifecycle balance
At scale, soft-shell harvesting puts unnecessary stress on wild populations.
Mature harvest = sustainable seafood.
What Kind of Lobster Does Lobsterboys Ship?
At Lobsterboys, we only ship:
-
Hard-shell lobsters
-
Wild-caught in-season
-
Never soft-shell, never factory-farmed
-
Caught by independent U.S. fishermen who follow sustainable practices
That means more meat, better flavor, and a more ethical choice for your table.
