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Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour From Ketchikan
At your pre-selected departure time, meet your ship’s crew members at the main cruise ship dock in Ketchikan, and follow them the short distance to the Aleutian Ballad, the 107-foot (33-meter) ocean-going vessel that will maneuver you through the waterways of the Inside Passage.
Once you’re on board, have a seat in the heated and sheltered amphitheater on the lower deck, or take advantage of the views from the open-air upper deck. Your crew will then ‘tie loose’ and head away from the dock. While you make your way to the fishing grounds, stay warm with a cup of provided coffee, tea or hot chocolate, and learn a bit about the Aleutian Ballad’s history as a commercial fishing boat, including how it became famous on season two of Deadliest Catch, when the boat was hit by a 60-foot (18-meter) rogue wave and lived to tell the tale.
As the boat pulls up to the fishing station, watch the crew go to work baiting the fishing gear with salmon and squid and throwing the long-line barrel pots overboard. Then stare in wonder as sea creatures of all kinds are hauled up from the water and onto the deck of the boat: rockfish, gray cod, ratfish, wolf eel, Dungeness crab, box crab, octopus, prawn and more. Bering Sea king crab will also be hauled up in 700-pound (320-kg) crab pots.
After the crew expertly sorts through the catch, the fish and other marine life will be placed in a tank on the deck for your observation. Take photos and even touch some of them before they are released back into the water.
In addition to what comes up on board, other native wildlife may also be in the area — keep your eyes peeled for whales, porpoises, sea lions and eagles. After the crew has stowed all the fishing equipment, feel free to ask any questions while you head back to the dock — the crew loves to share stories about life at sea!
