Andover Townsman, Andover, MA

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April 17, 2008

23-pounder is biggest ever at Hometown Seafoods Lobster is steamed, sold for $135

By Judy Wakefield

While the going rate for large lobsters is about $11 a pound at Hometown Seafoods, the store had a bargain on April 11 — a BIG bargain.

The popular seafood store on Chestnut Street had its biggest catch ever when a 23-pound lobster was reeled in with its regular order of haddock and cod. When the white fish was scooped up by fishermen in the cold waters off Gloucester, the crustacean was tangled in a net. (It was too big to be caught in a conventional lobster trap.) The fishermen gave the lobster to the store.

Gene Marshall Jr., of Hometown Seafoods, estimated the lobster to be more than 100 years old. He also predicted it would sell. And it did — that day.

"A guy from North Andover came in looking for good-sized lobsters for a birthday party. I said, 'I got something better,'" Marshall said. "And he saved over $100."

Worth $253 at $11 a pound, the lobster was sold for $135 and steamed in a giant pressure cooker at the store.

"It took an hour and 15 minutes," Marshall said of the steaming. "I haven't heard otherwise, so I think it was good."

The 23-pounder was 5 pounds heavier than any lobster the store has ever sold.

"Our biggest ever was an 18-pounder two years ago, and it sold," Marshall said. "That was the Fourth of July. It's a novelty for people to have big lobsters."

Baked and stuffed, a 23-pound lobster will easily feed 12 people or make 24 lobster rolls, Marshall said. However, lobster meat from such a large lobster will not be as tender as lobster meat from a typical two-pounder, he said.

"He was old and had been around for awhile," Marshall explained.

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23-pounder is biggest ever at Hometown Seafoods Lobster is steamed, sold for $135
by By Judy Wakefield , , Thu Apr 17, 2008, 06:00 AM EDT
Arts/Entertainment

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