How to Buy Live Lobster: Expert Tips & Checklist

Shopping for a deal on live Maine lobsters at your local market or online? Buying lobster can feel intimidating the first time. What’s a good-sized lobster? Is a male better than a female? How do you know the lobster is fresh and healthy?

This guide walks you through the biggest mistakes to avoid when buying lobster — and how to make sure you get the very best. From spotting freshness signs to choosing the right size, you’ll know exactly what to look for when ordering live lobster online or at a seafood market.

By the end, you’ll shop with confidence and select restaurant-quality lobster every time — ready to create perfectly cooked lobster dishes at home.

Pick a Lively, Healthy Lobster (Freshness Checks)

Make sure you select a healthy, feisty lobster. Lobsters are graded by firmness and liveliness. The lower the grade, the softer the shell and the less hardy the lobster. Just because a lobster is alive doesn’t mean it is fresh. A healthy lobster should flap its tail and raise its claws when lifted.

Avoid a Sleeper Lobster: sluggish lobsters with droopy claws are called “sleepers.” They may still be alive but are near death — avoid them.

Mistake #1: Skipping Freshness Checks

• Do the claws droop? Weak = poor quality.
• Test the tail: if it doesn’t re-curl, it’s a bad one.
• Check for two long antennae. Missing antennae = long storage.
• Inspect the claw bands. Clean bands = fresh-caught.
• Avoid cracked shells or claws.

You don’t want lobsters that were swimming in the pounds for weeks. Lobsters held in a tank for a long time will eventually lose weight, and the claw meat will shrink. Zombielike lobsters that barely move and have droopy claws are called “sleepers”. Stay clear of these lobsters. 

Choose a Hard-Shell Lobster (Yield & Texture)

Hard-shell lobsters ship well because they are stronger and hardier. Equally important, hard-shell lobsters have more meat and better texture. Select a lobster that feels heavy for its size. Squeeze the sides of the lobster’s body; the soft shell will yield to pressure, while the hard shell will be firm. Soft-shell lobsters will always be cheaper than hard-shell lobsters, but they may not necessarily be a bargain in the end.

Mistake #2: Overlooking Red Flags

When scanning tanks or deliveries, there are warning signs that buyers often miss:

• ❌ “Sleepers” with weak or no movement
• ❌ Cracked shells or missing claws
• ❌ Tanks that are overcrowded or cloudy
• ❌ Any strong fishy or ammonia smell

If you see more than one of these red flags, skip the purchase.

Male vs. Female Lobster (Taste, Roe, Claws)

To identify male and female, turn the lobster on its back and look at the first pair of swimmerets (appendages where the body and tail meet — see our lobster anatomy guide »). The male lobster’s legs are thick and stiff, while the female’s legs are soft and delicate.

Generally, there is no taste difference between a male and female lobster. It’s a matter of preference in picking a male or female lobster, but here are the significant differences:

• Adult males will have bigger claws.
• Only female lobsters have roe inside, which some consider a delicacy.
• Female lobsters will have larger tails.

Mistake #3: Assuming One Gender Tastes Better

It’s a common misconception that one gender is more flavorful. In reality, taste depends far more on freshness, shell condition, and storage than on whether it’s male or female. If you want roe, ask for females — otherwise, choose based on overall health and shell quality.

Best Time to Buy Maine Lobster (Seasonality & Price)

• Spring–Early Summer: More soft-shell lobsters, sweeter meat.
• Mid-Summer–Fall: Peak lobster season in Maine — plentiful supply, often lower prices.
• Winter: Hard-shell lobsters dominate — firmer texture, higher prices.

Generally, the best time of year to buy Maine lobsters for delivery is before Memorial Day (before the summer tourists arrive) and after Labor Day (when the tourists leave). In the summer, the catch consists of a high percentage of soft-shell lobsters, while hard-shell lobsters are sometimes hard to come by. Next to late spring, fall is another prime time to buy great lobsters. Learn more about the best times of year for lobster.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Seasonality

Don’t assume lobster costs or quality are the same year-round. Common mistakes include:

• ❌ Buying during the holiday spikes without expecting higher prices
• ❌ Overlooking that summer soft-shells yield less meat (you’ll need more per person)
• ✅ Timing purchases in fall or early winter for the best hard-shell value, or mid-summer if you want tender soft-shells fresh off the boat.

What Size Maine Lobster to Buy (Portions & Yield)

Lobsters come in different sizes, from under legal size to a whopping 20 pounds. They are sold by the weight of each lobster. Live lobsters are graded by size and by shell quality. It’s always best to buy a healthy, lively lobster, no matter the size.

If lobster is the main event, 1-1/2 to 2 pounds per person is in order. While some believe the big lobsters are tough and the smaller ones are sweeter, we believe it comes down to proper cooking. See our guide for picking a good-sized lobster.

📏 Choosing the Right Size Lobster

• 1–1.25 lb “Chickens” → tender, sweet, and ideal for boiling/steaming.
• 1.5–2 lb “Selects” → more meat per lobster, great for grilling.
• 2–3 lb “Jumbos” → impressive presentation but harder to cook evenly.

👉 For most home cooks, 1.25–1.5 lb lobsters strike the best balance between flavor and portion size. Once you’ve selected your lobster, check our lobster cooking times by weight guide for perfect results.

PRO TIP: Ask if culls are available. Culls are lobsters missing one claw, usually less expensive and good for a recipe calling for cooked lobster meat.

In Maine, lobster carapaces – the distance between the bottom of the eye socket to the end of the largest shell – must measure 3 and 1/4 to 5 inches. Maine state law forbids fishermen from keeping any lobsters that measure more than five inches from the eye to the start of the tail. Learn more about lobster conservation and preservation.

FACT: A lobster with no claws is called a ‘pistol’ or ‘bullet,’ often the result of a fight. Did you know lobsters can regenerate their claws?

Mistake #5: Misjudging Size & Weight

• ❌ Assuming jumbo lobsters give you more meat (they don’t)
• ❌ Buying undersized lobsters (illegal in many fisheries)
• ✅ Stick with the sweet spot: 1.25–1.5 lbs per person for the best results

Maine vs. Canadian Lobster (Same Species)

While Maine lobster is known for being the best-tasting lobster in the world, Canadian lobsters are in fact the same species: Homarus americanus. Maine and Canadian lobsters are both fished out of the same ocean and are both known as the American lobster. The real difference is where and when they are caught. Canada has specific legal seasons for lobster fishing, whereas lobster fishing in Maine occurs year-round, with peaks in late summer.

The better lobster depends more on factors like the lobster’s shell quality, health, and vitality, highlighted in this buying guide. Sometimes, Maine lobsters are just not firm enough to ship. Many times, great, good hard-shell lobsters are caught in Maine; other times, they may come from the waters of Canada or even New Hampshire and Massachusetts. In short, we strive to source the best of the best lobsters.

Don’t be fooled by Rock lobster or Spiny lobster — these are warm-water varieties and not in the same class. You’ll often see these cheaper species marketed as lobster tails at warehouse clubs. Rock vs. Maine Lobster: What’s the Difference? »

Both Maine and Canadian fisheries follow strict conservation practices. Learn more about sustainable lobster fishing and how these practices ensure quality.

Mistake #6: Thinking Maine and Canadian Are Different Species

Don’t assume “Maine” and “Canadian” mean two different lobsters. They’re the same species — Homarus americanus. What matters most is:

• ✅ Shell quality
• ✅ Handling and storage
• ✅ When and where they were harvested

The label alone doesn’t guarantee better taste or value.

Lobster Color Myths

When shopping for live lobsters, don’t be surprised by the dark green, brown, or blackish color. Lobsters can vary in these color shades depending on where and when they are caught, but only turn bright red after cooking. The color of the lobster has no impact on its quality or the taste of the meat. For more about lobster colors and to see some rare colored lobsters, click here.

Mistake #7: Judging Lobster Quality by Color

A common misconception is that shell color signals flavor or freshness. In reality:

• ❌ Brightness or darkness of a raw lobster’s shell means nothing for taste.
• ✅ Rare color variations (blue, yellow, calico) are genetic quirks, not quality indicators.
• ✅ Focus on freshness signs (movement, smell, shell integrity) instead of color.

Where to Buy Live Lobster (Local vs Online)

It’s always fresher to buy direct from the source. If you cannot buy from the boat (from a licensed fisherman), stay close to the water. Look for lobster pounds and lobster co-ops that move hundreds of pounds of product daily.

LobsterAnywhere.com has shipped live Maine lobsters nationwide for 25+ years and maintains cold-chain handling from pound to door.

Mistake #8: Ignoring Price & Value

A lobster that’s “too cheap” usually comes with trade-offs: soft shells, lower meat yield, or poor storage. On the other hand, premium pricing may include:

• Hard-shell, full-meat lobsters
• Proper handling and shipping
• Sustainable harvest practices

Always compare the price per pound to the meat yield before making a decision. For current market rates and seasonal price trends, see our complete guide to lobster prices.

Mistake #9: Underestimating Shipping & Online Orders

Ordering online is convenient, but mistakes happen when buyers aren’t careful:

• Not checking for a live-arrival guarantee
• Failing to inspect the packaging on delivery
• Cooking a dead lobster (unsafe — contact the seller instead)

A sluggish lobster may revive if chilled; a dead one should never be eaten.

Lobster Storage and Quality

Lobsters generally do not live much beyond a day out of water. Live lobsters are very perishable and require a controlled saltwater environment and strict temperature control to remain alive and healthy. The better lobster outlets routinely maintain modern storage facilities. They use chillers and biological filters to create a clean, cold seawater habitat that lobsters love. Some lobster outlets, located right on the water, pump in fresh ocean water into their holding tanks.

Mistake #10: Poor Handling & Storage

Even the healthiest lobster can spoil quickly if stored the wrong way:

• ❌ Never keep lobsters in fresh water (kills them)
• ❌ Don’t seal them in airtight plastic
• ✅ Do keep them cold, damp, and ventilated
• ✅ Cook promptly for the best flavor

Even the healthiest lobster can spoil quickly if stored incorrectly. For complete step-by-step storage instructions, see our detailed guide on storing live lobster.

👉 Never freeze a live lobster. Only cooked lobster meat should be frozen. For step-by-step instructions, see our complete guide: How to Freeze Lobster »

Seafood Markets and Grocery Stores

Don’t live near the shore? Shop at a busy fish market with fast-moving inventory. You want a place that flies in lobsters daily. Supermarkets and club stores should be your last resort. Avoid fish markets where lobster tanks are poorly maintained. Watch out for the following:

• Overcrowded tanks with little room for lobsters to move about.
• A small number of lobsters may indicate little or no turnover.
• The water is murky, cloudy, or exhibits evidence of green algae and/or mold.
• Evidence of dead or mutilated lobsters.

Online Lobster Purveyors

As you will discover, there are plenty of lobster companies online. How do you know you purchased a great lobster online? How do you know which lobster company to choose?

• Shop at a lobster company, not a gourmet food shop, mail-order steak company, or drop shipper.
• Offers strong, hard-shell lobsters, ideal for shipping.
• Provides a guaranteed delivery date and time, along with a tracking number.
• Read verified reviews from real customers.
• Check how long the seafood company has been in business. Do they have a track record?
• Guarantees that your lobsters arrive fresh and alive on the requested date. What happens if you receive a dead lobster? Or your order does not even show up? See our Happy Cracking Guarantee.

Learn more about why LobsterAnywhere is the best place to shop for lobster online. Click here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Maine Lobster

Final Word

Buying lobster doesn’t have to be intimidating — but it does require a careful eye. Avoid these mistakes, stick with trusted sources, and you’ll always enjoy lobster at its sweetest and most satisfying.

Hungry for more detail? See our complete guide on How to Tell If Lobster Is Fresh for a step-by-step inspection checklist.