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Maine Reels in Record-Size Lobster

But don't worry: 27-lb 'Rocky' doesn't end up on a dinner plate

By Mark Russell,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 27, 2012 9:47 AM CST

(Newser) – A big catch in Maine: a 40-inch, 27-pound lobster was trapped in a shrimp net two weeks ago, and it turns out that "Rocky" is the largest crustacean ever landed in the state. "All the weight is in the claws," said a Department of Marine Resources official. "It would break your arm." Still not convinced of Rocky's stature? Reuters compares his size to that of a 3-year-old child. But there's no need to fret about the giant's fate: Maine laws prevent fishermen from keeping lobsters that measure more than 5 inches from eyes to the top of the tail, so Rocky has been returned to the water. The biggest lobster on record weighed in at 44 pounds, and was caught near Nova Scotia in 1977.

Maine State Aquarium Director Aimee Hayden-Rodriques holds a 27 pound, nearly 40 inch long, lobster caught by Robert Malone off the coast of Maine near Rockland, Maine on Feb. 17, 2012.
Maine State Aquarium Director Aimee Hayden-Rodriques holds a 27 pound, nearly 40 inch long, lobster caught by Robert Malone off the coast of Maine near Rockland, Maine on Feb. 17, 2012.   (AP Photo/Maine State Aquarium)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
AnonymousCommenter
Feb 27, 2012 12:32 PM CST
Reminds me of Pinchy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsTO57M3KgA
wyle
Feb 27, 2012 10:38 AM CST
I'm glad to see old Rocky got another chance with Maine's catch and release rule.  I used the same rule when dating back in high school.
truefreedom
Feb 27, 2012 10:06 AM CST
Rocky would go good with garlic & butter sauce, a Porterhouse steak (medium raw), baked potato with chives & sour cream and Ceasar salad:)
 

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