Episode 32 - Lobster Fishing: Tech and Tradition with Jacob Knowles – Troll Co.

In this illuminating episode of the Ol' Boy Podcast, host Chad Ward dives deep into the life and work of Jacob Knowles, a fifth-generation Maine lobster fisherman. Knowles shares insights about the lobster fishing industry, his passion for aviation, and the unexpected success of his social media presence.

A Legacy of Lobster Fishing

Jacob Knowles' life is steeped in the traditions of Maine's lobster fishing industry. He grew up in a lobster fishing family, a lineage that goes back five generations. Despite considering a career in aviation during high school, the pull of the ocean was too strong. Knowles' deep-rooted passion for lobster fishing, combined with his skills as a private pilot, offers him a unique lifestyle that blends tradition with adventure. His 46-foot Jarvis Newmande boat, a semi-displacement hull known for its comfort in heavy seas, is central to his daily operations.

The Evolution of an Influencer

One of the most intriguing aspects of Knowles' story is his rise as a social media influencer. Initially, he didn't see much success with long-form YouTube videos, but the advent of short-form content on platforms like TikTok changed everything. His authentic and engaging posts quickly gained traction, helping him reach a broader audience.

Ward and Knowles delve into the topic of influencing and content creation. They emphasize that being an influencer should come with a level of expertise and genuine engagement with the audience. Knowles, who often finds it hard to categorize himself strictly as a "content creator" because he feels he is simply sharing his life, represents the kind of authentic, relatable influencer that people genuinely connect with.

Regulations and Sustainability in Maine's Lobster Fishery

The Maine lobster industry is highly regulated to ensure sustainability. One stringent rule is the owner-operator model, which requires boat owners to run their own boats. Regulations also limit each boat to a maximum of 800 traps, making it challenging for new entrants. Knowles discusses the various measures in place to keep the fishery sustainable, such as slot size limits for lobsters and notching techniques to mark females capable of breeding.

Despite the high costs associated with maintaining traps—escalating from $80 to $200 due to COVID-induced supply chain issues—the lobster prices have remained relatively stable. However, these regulations and the lottery system for other fisheries like scallops make it increasingly difficult for new fishermen to enter the industry.

Adventures Beyond the Ocean: Ice Fishing and Aviation

Knowles' sense of adventure extends beyond the ocean. He describes a memorable ice fishing trip that combined his two passions: flying and fishing. He and his crew flew to a remote camp and set up a wood-burning stove in their teepee. Ice fishing, with all its social aspects, is another hobby that Knowles enjoys despite the extreme cold.

Ward, a Florida native, shares his own ice fishing experiences, marveling at the effectiveness of the gear designed to keep anglers warm even in the harshest conditions.

Social Media and Unexpected Trends

One of the more surprising social media trends Jacob has tapped into is cleaning barnacles off lobsters. Initially starting as a joke, it became a popular content theme, akin to pimple-popping videos. People not only found it satisfying to watch but also appreciated the respect shown toward the lobsters. This respectful treatment extended to feeding lobsters before releasing them, a practice driven by social media engagement.

An unexpected highlight was the discovery of a unique lobster named Bowie, half-blue and half-orange, and half male, half female. The rare catch, shared widely on social media, brought significant attention from the press and fans alike. The viral story led to personal connections, such as a fan knitting a tribute to Bowie.

Diversifying Through Real Estate

Given the uncertainties in the lobster fishing industry, Knowles has diversified his income through real estate. He acquired cottages near the harbor in a foreclosure deal and spent considerable time renovating them, facing delays and challenges, including damage from severe storms. Despite setbacks, the cottages are now available for rentals. Knowles is even considering offering a package that includes lobster drops for guests, providing a unique, experiential element to their stay.

Conclusion: The Lifeblood of Small Businesses

Ward and Knowles wrap up the episode by reflecting on the hard work and risks involved in commercial fishing. Ward particularly highlights the owner-operator model in Maine, which underscores every boat being a small, independent business. For Knowles, combining new technology with traditional practices helps maintain a connection with younger audiences, preserving the future of the industry.

Listen Here "The average age of the fisherman is 55. So over the next 10-20 years, we're going to see a lot of fishermen leave and we're not seeing hardly, I mean, we're seeing a handful of people come back in, but the ones that are coming back in to replace them aren't the fishermen that those guys were."— Jacob Knowles

3 Fun Facts About Jacob Knowles

Jacob Knowles caught a rare half-blue, half-orange lobster named Bowie, which became a sensation on social media for its unusual coloration and dual sexes.

Cleaning barnacles off lobsters started as a joke but turned into a popular social media trend, with viewers enjoying the respectful treatment and even insisting the lobsters be fed.

Jacob takes pride in adhering to lobster fishing regulations established by his grandfather, aiming to protect the lobster population and ensure sustainable practices in the industry.