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.[2] He is a fifth-generation lobsterman, part of a family tradition extending back several generations in Winter Harbor and neighboring harbors.[2] He first went lobstering with his father at the age of four or five.[2] Knowles’ family members were also involved in lobstering.[2] His mother joined him on the boat during his early years.[2] He has a twin sister, who is not involved in lobstering but is married to a lobsterman.[2]
By the age of 13, Knowles acquired his first skiff, which allowed him to start lobstering with 150 traps.[2] This early experience was primarily educational but also introduced him to the business aspects of lobstering.[2] During his teenage years, he gradually upgraded his equipment and boats.[2] By the time he was 16, he was running his own crew and managing his operations independently.[2]
Career
Knowles has been a full-time lobsterman for most of his life, beginning as a teenager.[2] His work typically involves early morning starts and long days managing hundreds of lobster traps off the coast of Maine.[2][3] Lobstering remains his primary occupation, although he has also leveraged his expertise and daily experiences into a social media presence.[2][3]
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.[3] The video went viral and marked a turning point in his transition to becoming a social media content creator.[2] Since then, he has gained millions of followers across platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.[3][4]
He creates videos documenting his daily life as a lobsterman, offering insights into sustainable fishing practices, lobster biology, and the challenges of the trade.[3][2] His videos often feature unique or rare lobsters, demonstrations of traditional fishing techniques, and interactions with his crew.[2][4]
Knowles' social media success has led to sponsorships with brands such as BetterHelp and CapCut.[3][4] He uses earnings from these partnerships to support his family and crew, which includes a videographer added in 2023.[3]
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.[2]
Personal life
Knowles is married and has three children.[3] His family life is closely connected to his career, and he occasionally brings his children aboard his boat to share the experience.[2] He has expressed a desire to pass on his knowledge and tradition to his children, while leaving the choice of pursuing lobstering to them.[2]
In his spare time, Knowles enjoys hunting, fishing, and flying his plane.[2]
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