Belfast Lobster Fishing: Haul Real Traps in Penobscot Bay

You haul the traps yourself, not watch someone else do it

Climb aboard a working lobster boat in Belfast, Maine, and haul real traps from Penobscot Bay while learning the tools and techniques of Maine's fishery. Small groups, local knowledge, and genuine waterfront work, not a tour narrated from the rail. Choose fishing alone, add a classic Maine lobster feast at Young's Lobster Pound, or extend into a sunset cruise back across the bay.

The experience

The boat leaves Belfast for Penobscot Bay, and you step into the rhythm of a real working waterfront. You'll learn how lobster traps are set and hauled, then take part as traps come up from the water: lobsters, crabs, and whatever else the bay holds that day. A local guide walks you through the tools, the techniques, and the stories behind Maine's iconic fishery, including how it's managed to keep thriving. Every trip is different: fog, sun, wildlife, and the catch itself shape what you see and do.

The three options let you build the day you want. Lobster Fishing Only keeps it to the water and the work: about two and a half hours on the bay. Add the Feast, and you step ashore at Young's Lobster Pound for a VIP stop and a classic Maine shore dinner: steamed lobster, corn, clams, chips, drawn butter, lemon. The Ultimate Maine Experience loops back onto the bay after the feast for a sunset cruise, so you end the day watching the light change over the water you just worked.

Small groups mean real participation, not a crowded rail. Bring layers (salt air and open water cool fast), and expect to get wet. The boat rocks, the work is physical, and that's the point: this is what the fishery actually feels like, not a sanitized version of it.

What’s included

• Hands-on lobster trap hauling in Penobscot Bay.
• local guide in English.
• small-group boat experience.
• classic Maine lobster feast with steamed lobster, corn, clams, chips, drawn butter and lemon (included on Feast and Ultimate options only).
• VIP stop at Young's Lobster Pound (Feast and Ultimate options only).
• sunset cruise across Penobscot Bay (Ultimate option only).

Options for this experience

3 options

Lobster fishing only, no meal includedGuide in English · Available from 30 Jun 2027

Belfast Lobster Fishing Experience with a Feast, Mid Coast MaineGuide in English · Available from 22 May 2027

The Maine Experience at Its Best!Guide in English · Available from 16 Aug 2027Lasts 3 hours. Lobster Feast plus Sunset Cruise: Haul up real lobster traps, have a feast at Young's Lobster Pound, then sail out into a stunning Maine sunset. The ultimate experience.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 22 May 2027

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by The Back and Forth

Is this one for you?The Lobster Fishing Only option suits anyone who wants the real work and the waterfront without a meal commitment or extra time ashore. Choose the Feast if you want the full trap-to-table arc in one afternoon. The Ultimate Maine Experience is built for travelers who want everything (fishing, food, and the bay at sunset) in a single day.

Traveler reviews

4.79★★★★★★★★★★

24 verified traveler reviews

5 ★22

4 ★1

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly do I do when I haul a lobster trap?

You help pull the trap line from the water using the boat's winch, then gather around as the trap breaks the surface. You'll see what's inside (usually lobsters and crabs), and learn how the catch is measured and sorted. The guide handles the technical parts. You do the hands-on work and ask questions.

Is the lobster feast included in every option?

No. Lobster Fishing Only includes the boat experience and nothing else. The other two options (Belfast Lobster Fishing Experience and Feast, and The Ultimate Maine Experience) both include a VIP stop at Young's Lobster Pound with a classic Maine lobster shore dinner. Only The Ultimate Maine Experience adds the sunset cruise.

How long does the whole thing take?

The boat experience runs about two and a half hours. If you choose the feast option, add time ashore at Young's Lobster Pound. The sunset cruise on The Ultimate Maine Experience extends the day further, though the exact timing depends on the season and sunset.

What if the weather is bad or we don't catch anything?

Fog, sun, and breeze all shape the day. That's part of the experience. The boat operates in normal working conditions. The guide will let you know if conditions aren't safe. The catch is never guaranteed, but you'll still haul traps, learn the work, and see what the bay offers that day.

Do I need experience or special fitness to do this?

No experience needed. The work is physical but manageable for most people. The guide will show you how. Hauling traps involves pulling and lifting, so let the crew know if you have any concerns about your back, shoulders or knees. Infants can ride in a stroller. Service animals are welcome.