Jacob Knowles

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.

Early life

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]

Career

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]

Personal life

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 and fishing, hobbies he has also documented online.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t McDowell, Erin (September 4, 2024). "Meet Jacob Knowles, a 5th-generation Maine lobsterman who is sharing his unique career with legions of online fans". Business Insider. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Kurutz, Steven (October 28, 2023). "TikTok's Finest Lobsterman". New York Times. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
  3. ^ a b c Ponti, Aimsel (2024-10-28). "Join the millions that follow Maine lobsterman Jacob Knowles on social media". Press Herald. Retrieved 2024-11-16.