Keeping Lobsters Whole for the Trip Home

February 2, 2012

Question: Is it true that spiny lobsters must be kept whole (and not tailed) until brought into our home and ready for immediate consumption? That’s what I just heard but I thought they just needed to stay whole until they could be brought ashore so that size can be determined. That’s what we’ve always done. Is it OK to tail them once ashore? (Jim A.)

Answer: No. Lobster must remain in a whole, measurable condition, until being prepared for immediate consumption (CCR Title 14, section 29.90(e)).

Just start eating it if you get checked.

Besides, a few years ago, Jeff, Phong, and I went to SoCal and spent a few days goin for bugs. (nights) And it was tough going, but I managed to get a keeper on second night. Phong picked just as much meat out of the body as the tail....almost. I had alway just tailed them after being cooked, never again. I had no idea I was wasting so much awesome lobster meat in the past. Sure it is a little work to get it all out, but I think it is worth it, and part of the experience now, kinda like the legs on a crab vs the claws and body meat.