Rodney and Anna Mason, owners of Ship to Shore Lobster Company of Owls Head, buy lobsters and crabs from local fisherman at their working waterfront wharf. All of the Ship to Shore boats go out in the morning and return in the afternoon of the same day so these products are as fresh as you can get. Seafood from Penobscot Bay is world renowned for its delicious flavor.
Take a stroll around eyeing the lobster and savoring the experiences of Owls Head’s oldest working wharf. Enjoy the fresh coastal breeze while watching local fishermen off-load their daily catch. Listen for the sound of boats maneuvering around the maze of mooring buoys that dot the harbor, the sea birds squawking as they dive for food, and watch hard working boat crews ready their boats for the next day’s adventure. The wharf can be an exciting place, and relaxing at the same time!
History of the Wharf
The wharf has had a long and enduring history supporting many generations of fishermen and their families. At one point, the wharf supported as many as 42 sea captains from Owls Head.
Known as the Asa Combs Wharf in the Civil War era, it is the oldest wharf in Owls Head. The wharf was held by the Arey family until 1873. Captain Lewis Arey ran the local store and owned the only wharf on the harbor, which contained the coal pocket and fish buying business.
When the wharf was acquired by the current owners/operators, Rodney and Anna Mason, the buildings were completely renovated to facilitate operations, re-purpose antiquated equipment and improve overall service to mariners, the local community and visitors alike.
For additional history click here.
A Working Wharf
Ship to Shore is a working wharf where visitors can see first hand the work being performed to support busy fishermen and mariners, their boats and crew. When you enter the wharf, you'll encounter an array of equipment including lobster traps, lines, various colored buoys, and bait buckets used in day-to-day operations. Continuing around and past the Gift Shop, you'll see boats heading out or returning to the wharf from a long day of lobstering.
The hoist on the dock may be busy lifting up the day’s catch from a returning lobster boat, or lowering bait that will be used on the next trip out. A boat or two may be taking on fuel readying itself for the next trip into Owls Head Bay or Penobscot Bay.
You may also get a glimpse of the holding crates under the wharf. Fresh lobster offloaded from boats are stored here in sea water before being sold to buyers. When you order a fresh lobster from Ship to Shore, you get a fresh lobster - it goes from the boat to the holding tank to the steaming pot!
Speaking of fresh lobster, we do cook lobster on site at the wharf so you'll see some picnic tables with Owls Head residents and visitors enjoying steamed lobster. Select a lobster from our salt water tanks, then choose your picnic table; in just a few minutes you'll be enjoying a freshly steamed Maine lobster right here on the wharf, surrounded by picturesque views of the harbor!
For more pictures of our working wharf click here.
Ship to Shore Lobster Company
7 Wharf Street
Owls Head, ME 04854
Tel. (207) 594-4606
email us at:
Lat. 44.050
Long. -69.031
Live Lobster at the Wharf
Ship to Shore Lobster Company, LLC www.ShiptoShoreLobster.com
