Mainetain Charters

Ben Kaler’s passion for the ocean started at an early age.  As a Boothbay native he spent summer weekends on Damariscove Island at the family camp and helping fill bait bags on his father’s lobster boat. During high school and college Ben’s love for the ocean grew and you could find him working his summers as a sternman on local lobster boats or unloading local fisherman’s catch at his father’s lobster pound on the east side of the harbor. After graduating from the Virginia Military Institute, Ben served his country in the United States Marine Corps as an infantry officer with tours in the South Pacific and Iraq.   Retiring in 2006 from the Marine Corps due to combat wounds, today, Ben works by day with fellow Veterans and after hours he and his son Jack offer local guests an opportunity to experience the Pursuit 26CC - F/V Summer Girl.  Jack, Ben’s 15 year old son, works as mate on striper trips and is a great addition to the operation with his knot tying abilities; mad fishing skills, and knowledge of how to work lures when not using live bait.   If you want to fly fish he is your guy.  Jack loves the top water and will dial you in on the fish at sunset. Captain Ben started, what has become, the Annual Card Cove Association Saltwater Youth Fishing Derby which entering its 3rd year. Captain Ben saw this as an  opportunity to get everyone on the water, fishing, with a cookout and awards following the derby.   This event has become a highlight for the volunteer captains and Ocean Point.