OUR FISHERMEN PARTNERS
At True Fin we work with over 30 fishermen who take great pride in the quality and sustainability of their catch. We couldn't do what we do without their commitment and hard work. Meet some of the professional fishermen who sustain us all.
JOE LETOURNEAU
F/V LADY REBECCA
Newburyport, MA
After running his own mechanics garage and working a desk job, Joe discovered his passion for commercial fishing in 2015. Not one to stay still for long, Joe is a self-described workaholic. When not working on his boat or gear, he loves to go recreational fishing with his two sons. Joe has partnered with scientists to contribute to marine research from his vessel and voluntarily participates in electronic monitoring. While Joe catches everything from tuna to halibut to mackerel to haddock, his favorite fishing is jigging for large pollock, and he likes to eat all fish about the same.
VINCENT BALZANO
F/V NORTHERN LIGHTS, F/V NORTH STAR
Portland, ME
A 3rd generation fisherman from Portland, Maine, Vincent brings us many fin fish species and scallops harvested from one of his two commercial fishing vessels. When not fishing, he serves on the New England Fishery Management Council, and his favorite and most important job is as a husband and a father of two sons. He most appreciates a nice day of fishing…the rare day when everything goes well, like the weather, catch, prices, and operations. Vincent’s favorite Gulf of Maine fish to eat is haddock.
DAN HARRIMAN
F/V LILLIANA GRACE, F/V DEJA VU II
Portland and Cape Elizabeth, ME
Captain Dan is a 5th generation Maine fisherman who lives within a half mile of his immigrant forbearers who had been fishermen in Denmark. He started by lobstering when he was ten years old, and today brings us weir-caught mackerel, squid, and even bonito. In addition to commercial fishing, Dan does other work on the waterfront building moorings and offering crane services for the fleet. When he’s not working, he loves to travel and roam the country. His favorite part of fishing is the heritage. And, unlike most other business transactions, Dan says, when you show up with fish, everyone is happy. His favorite fish to eat is whiting, but his favorite to catch is mackerel.
EBEN NIEUWKERK
F/V SHANNON CHRISTINE
Kennebunkport, ME
Captain Eben Nieuwkerk has been fishing since he was 5 years old and is going on 25 years now. He is a second-generation fisherman out of Kennebunkport who switched from lobstering and now owns three fishing vessels. His favorite species to fish for is monkfish. What does he like about fishing? “I like the unknown. I like the hunt. You never know what’s going to happen. The change of scenery and every day is different. I’m out there doing my own thing.”
JACK PATRICAN
F/V FAR FLOATER
Gloucester, MA
Captain Jack Patrican loved fishing from a young age. After college he decided to start living the dream and made the leap, starting with fishing charters and eventually working his way commercial fishing. Jack fishes out of Gloucester for both bluefin tuna and mackerel. You can find him on seasons 10-12 of National Geographic’s Wicked Tuna. He likes the challenge of fishing, being on the water, and making a living doing what he loves.
CRAIG STEWART
F/V CARL & CO
Portland, ME
Captain Craig Stewart is a lifelong dayboat scallop harvester and dedicated advocate for Maine's fishermen through his work on the board of the Maine Lobsterman's Association and the Maine Fishermen's Forum. Landed right here in Portland, Maine, the dayboat scallops Captain Craig catches are unmatched in quality and freshness.
KRISTAN PORTER
F/V BRANDON JAY
Cutler, ME
One of our favorite scallop harvesters, Kristan also catches lobster out of Cutler, Maine. He would be a 4th generation fisherman if his father didn’t get seasick, resulting in the occupation skipping a generation. His favorite part of being a fisherman is the independence. When not fishing, he serves as the President of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, sits on several fishery management advisory panels, and spends time with his family. Kristan’s favorite thing to catch is scallops, and his favorite seafood to eat is corned hake.
JAMIE HAYWARD
F/V HEIDI ELISABETH
Portsmouth, NH
A gill net fisherman out of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Jamie followed in his father’s footsteps fishing for lobster at just 12 years old. By the time he was 33, he had his own commercial vessel. Jamie loves the environment of fishing and the element of surprise, never knowing what will turn up in the net, and he believes strongly in working with scientists to ensure long-term sustainability of the fishery. His favorite fish to catch are pollock and haddock, and he loves baked and fried flounder or haddock.
TIM DAGGETT
F/V ANNE MARIE
Portland, Maine
