I've caught plenty of lobsters that size. Before the lobster fad boomed (say... mid 80s? My culinary history is not too good), they were pretty common, actually. Of course, I don't know this firsthand (I was born, say... mid 80s), but all the fisherman I know tell the same story. It's the same thing that's happened to countless other fish populations; they're getting killed off, so the ones we see are smaller and smaller.
I can't say with any certainty how old a lobster would have to be to get that big, but I think 100 years is far too high an estimate. While the statistic that it takes about 7 years for a lobster to reach a pound is absolutely true, it's also true that once they get big enough, it suddenly becomes a LOT easier for them to find food. Lobsters are extremely territorial, and one that's twice (or more) the size of most of the others in the water will be able to get food whenever it wants it. I'd guess a 22 pound lobster is like... 30.
Oh, and I wouldn't want to eat him.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Blackthorn
Aaaah that my good friend is a myth
|
Not true. Big lobsters are tougher. Little ones taste better. And they're cheaper per pound, because everyone wants a big one. Because everyone's dumb.
A 22 poubd lobster would be one tough mother, and he wouldn't taste very good. My favorite are the 1 pound softshells. They taste the best, and they're the easiest to eat. Of course, that's just my opinion.