Essdras M. Suarez/Globe Staff

An employee of James Hook & Co. in Boston showed off a large lobster.

Essdras M. Suarez/Globe Staff

As lobster prices have plunged in a saturated market, the succulent treat has increasingly become a bargain.

Essdras M. Suarez/Globe Staff

Greg Reid of Chelmsford photographed a tank of lobsters at the James Hook & Co.

Essdras M. Suarez/Globe Staff

Justin Foley, 16, with James Hook & Co. in Boston, prepared a lobster to go.

Wendy Maeda/Globe Staff

As he worked on his traps ­under a morning sun, Nathan Bolcome said the season began with great promise.

Wendy Maeda/Globe Staff

“We caught so many right away,” said Bolcome, resulting in a lower return in price.

Wendy Maeda/Globe Staff

“The price started out low and never had a chance to get higher. There were just so many,” said Balcome.

Essdras M. Suarez/Globe Staff

Marine specialists say lobsters this year shed their shells earlier than anyone could remember, a likely result of warm waters.