Hunting Giants
Drawing on an old-world tradition from New England’s whaling history, the harpoon is still used locally to catch Atlantic Bluefin Tuna.
There are only about 30 permits issued each season to “stickboats”, a downeast style boat rigged with a 20-30 foot pulpit protruding from the bow. Widely regarded as one of the most sustainable forms of fishing, harpooners walk the pulpit, sight their target, and throw an electrically-charged harpoon humanely killing the fish almost instantly.
Among this tiny class of fishermen, few boats actually catch and land bluefin tuna on a regular basis. Widely regarded as one of the best boats in the world, the Elizabeth Ames hails from Ogunquit, Maine and travels hundreds of miles each summer in search of this elusive species. Over the years, we’ve caught up with our childhood friends, brothers Ben and Chris Weiner, about their craft and way of life pictured here Hunting Giants.
