Deadliest Catch Crab Fishermen’s Tour

Ketchikan, Alaska • May 28, 2015

🚢 A Bering Sea Legacy in Calm Alaskan Waters

Just after noon, we boarded a vessel with a storied past—the Aleutian Ballad, a former commercial crab boat made famous in season two of Deadliest Catch. Once nearly capsized by a rogue wave in the unforgiving Bering Sea, the Ballad now operates tours in the protected waters of southeastern Alaska, offering guests a rare behind-the-scenes look at the commercial fishing industry—without the danger. Once aboard, we were greeted by a member of the crew who delivered a brief safety introduction before launching directly into the day’s demonstration.

⚓ Demonstrating the Tools of the Trade

The tour began with a detailed walkthrough of Alaskan commercial fishing techniques. Using real gear, the crew demonstrated how longlines are rigged—with baited hooks or crab pots spaced along thick marine rope that spans the ocean floor. We learned how different types of bait are selected to attract Dungeness and king crab, depending on species, season, and ocean conditions.

The demonstrations used authentic working equipment, including steel crab pots, coiled lines, gaff hooks, and bait jars. Each tool was explained with clarity and relevance to real-world operations. These hands-on lessons were conducted against a backdrop of Alaska’s forested shoreline and distant snow-covered ridges, as the vessel cruised slowly through the surrounding waters.

🌲 Cruising Through the Tongass Narrows

As the Aleutian Ballad progressed, we traveled through the Tongass Narrows, a critical waterway separating Revillagigedo Island (home to Ketchikan) from Gravina Island. This corridor serves as a major thoroughfare for floatplanes, ferries, and fishing vessels operating along the southeastern coast.

Dense stands of Sitka spruce and western hemlock rose along either side of the narrow channel, and small, rocky islets emerged intermittently along the route. The sea itself was calm and glassy, perfectly mirroring the overcast sky—a signature feature of Alaska’s temperate rainforest environment.

🦅 Stop 1: Island of Eagles

Before arriving at the crabbing grounds, the captain veered toward a scenic inlet off Annette Island, part of the Annette Island Reserve—the only Native reserve in Alaska and home to the Metlakatla Indian Community. The island, located within the Tongass National Forest, is especially well known for its extraordinary bald eagle population.

As the vessel approached, dozens of bald eagles came into view—perched on driftwood, standing in shoreline trees, or soaring overhead in wide, slow circles. To enhance the experience, the crew tossed fish into the water, prompting several eagles to dive and retrieve their catch with striking precision. The boat paused here for uninterrupted viewing, and nearly every guest moved to the railings for photographs and a closer look at these protected birds.

💙 Our Favorite Moment:
Seeing the eagles in such density—perched on driftwood, diving into the water, and taking off in synchronized flurries—was a surreal moment.

🦀 Stop 2: The Pots Are Hot

At the designated site, the crew began the crabbing demonstration, using a hydraulic winch system to haul up steel mesh pots from the seafloor—each pre-baited for the tour. As the first pot surfaced, it revealed a mix of marine life: Dungeness crabs, sunflower starfish, and a surprise visitor—a large Pacific octopus tightly suctioned to the inner frame.

The animals were carefully handled and presented to the group, with informative commentary on species characteristics, behavioral traits, and sustainable fishing practices. Each creature was safely returned to the sea after its brief display.

Crew members continued to engage with guests during the demonstration, sharing firsthand stories from their years working in the Bering Sea. One recalled being swept overboard during a storm and the harrowing rescue. Another described a near-loss of equipment after forgetting to secure a line. These stories, told with humility and detail, underscored the reality of life at sea.

🚢 Return to Port

Following the demonstration, the Aleutian Ballad began a slow and steady return to Ketchikan. The crew remained on deck, continuing to engage with passengers, answer questions, and pose for photos as the rugged coastline of Ketchikan gradually reappeared in the distance.

✅ Who Is This Tour Best For?

📰 Tour Summary

Excursion Disclaimer:

Descriptions of shore excursions on OceansAfoot reflect individual travel experiences and are not official representations of the cruise lines or tour providers mentioned. All information is based on personal participation, publicly available facts, or traveler observation.

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