Lucky Catch Cruises – Tour Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Zoom out. What’s the big picture here? Gather on Long Wharf in the city's Old Port , and jump on board for some lobstering with your small group. Each of the small company's three vessel takes no more than 20 for comfort. So it's smart to snag tickets in advance, since the boats fill up—particularly in the summer season. Tell us about your fellow tourees. You've got the be willing to get a little wet to make the most of any lobstering experience, and you can't be shy about slimy things, or put off by crustaceans in general. With one or two exceptions, our tourees leaned in to all of the above, embracing the inside (and hands-on) look into the hard work and know-how that goes into being a commercial Maine lobsterman. How are the guides? Run by a tight-knit company of lobstermen and their friends and crew, the excursions are designed to offer a first-hand glimpse into the daily routine of catching lobster. And these guys are the real deal; when not bringing passengers along, they're indeed out there on the waters, still hauling in their traps. On the 90 minute tours, they efficiently and expertly bring guests into their world, patiently and humorously explaining why certain areas bring in a better catch than others, how to check a trap, what their daily routines are, and what the selling process is. Anything you’ll be remembering weeks or months or years from now? Apart from the educational component (which is genuinely fascinating, and carries throughout the tour), what stays with you after the tour is over is the camaraderie. It's palpable among the crew, stays strong even when hard work is being done, and is warmly extended to guests. So by the time you're back on dry land, you've got a better understanding of the kind of attitude that keeps these guys going out there, doing such an iconic and challenging job day after day. So: Who will like this best? Let the ultra-squeamish stay home; this seafaring tour delivers a fun, hands-on understanding about one of New England's most important industries. It's a fascinating educational mini-journey into the heart of Maine culture, and an up-close look at where one of the country's most prized foods comes from." - Alexandra Hall