Jacob Knowles | |
|---|---|
| Born | Jacob Knowles August 31, 1993 Maine, United States |
| Occupation(s) | Lobsterman and content creator |
| Instagram information | |
| Page | |
| Followers | 891 thousand (May 17, 2025) |
| TikTok information | |
| Page | |
| Followers | 3.3 million |
| YouTube information | |
| Channel | |
| Subscribers | 2.4 million |
| Views | 1.6 billion |
Jacob Knowles is an American lobsterman and social media content creator based in Winter Harbor, Maine. A fifth-generation lobsterman, he documents his work and sustainable fishing practices through videos shared on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, where he has amassed a following.
Knowles is from Winter Harbor, Maine, a small fishing village known for its lobstering industry. [1] He is a fifth-generation lobsterman, part of a family tradition extending back several generations in Winter Harbor and neighboring harbors. [1] He first went lobstering with his father at the age of four or five. [1] Knowles’ family members were also involved in lobstering. [1] His mother joined him on the boat during his early years. [1] He has a twin sister, who is not involved in lobstering but is married to a lobsterman. [1]
By the age of 13, Knowles acquired his first skiff, which allowed him to start lobstering with 150 traps. [1] This early experience was primarily educational but also introduced him to the business aspects of lobstering. [1] During his teenage years, he gradually upgraded his equipment and boats. [1] By the time he was 16, he was running his own crew and managing his operations independently. [1]
Knowles has been a full-time lobsterman for most of his life, beginning as a teenager. [1] His work typically involves early morning starts and long days managing hundreds of lobster traps off the coast of Maine. [1] [2] Lobstering remains his primary occupation, although he has also leveraged his expertise and daily experiences into a social media presence. [1] [2]
In 2020, Knowles posted a TikTok video explaining the sustainable practice of notching the tails of egg-bearing female lobsters to ensure their protection and sustainability for future generations. [2] The video went viral and marked a turning point in his transition to becoming a social media content creator. [1] Since then, he has gained millions of followers across platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. [2] [3]
He creates videos documenting his daily life as a lobsterman, offering insights into sustainable fishing practices, lobster biology, and the challenges of the trade. [2] [1] His videos often feature unique or rare lobsters, demonstrations of traditional fishing techniques, and interactions with his crew. [1] [3]
Knowles' social media success has led to sponsorships with brands such as BetterHelp and CapCut. [2] [3] He uses earnings from these partnerships to support his family and crew, which includes a videographer added in 2023. [2]
He has discussed the physical demands and risks of lobstering, including the dangers of being caught in ropes and the challenges posed by Maine’s limited-entry licensing system. [1]
Knowles is married and has three children. [2] His family life is closely connected to his career, and he occasionally brings his children aboard his boat to share the experience. [1] He has expressed a desire to pass on his knowledge and tradition to his children, while leaving the choice of pursuing lobstering to them. [1]
In his spare time, Knowles enjoys hunting, fishing, and flying his plane. [1]
