Our fishers work in some of the world’s most remote and dramatic coastlines. Mountains rise straight from the sea. Rugged, forested cliffs open into hidden inlets. Every pot hauled is a testament to knowledge, precision, and care. They are often third – or fourth-generation fishers—deeply connected to the environment and proud of their role. They fish in pairs or small crews, ensuring every lobster is treated with respect.
The Haggerty Family
For the Haggerty's, lobster fishing isn’t just a job—it’s a legacy. Based in Southland, the family has worked the southern coastlines for four generations. Jason, now running the operation, grew up watching his parents build their livelihood together—Garth at sea, Robin managing operations on land. “He was on the water, I was on the land,” says Robin. “We were both all in.”
The work is hard—long days, early starts, no room for shortcuts. But the connection to the ocean, the pride in the product, and the sense of family all keep them going. “Crayfish has been everything to us,” says Garth. “We built our lifestyle around it.”
Jerry Excell
Based on the rugged Southland coast, Jerry Excell is used to starting early and finishing late. “In the summer, we’re up at 3am to get the lobsters packed before the heat sets in,” he says.
Jerry runs a tight operation. He knows that quality starts on the boat—how the lobsters are handled, how fast they’re processed, how carefully they’re treated. “I’ve always said, if the quality’s not right, nothing else works.” He’s not looking for shortcuts—just results. And every Wild Legend lobster that passes through his hands reflects that standard.
"It’s a people business. If you haven’t got a healthy fish stock or fishermen to catch them, you haven’t got a business."
– Trevor Burkhart, Fisher.
"In the summer, we’re up at 3am to pack lobster for the helicopter. It’s onshore and in tanks before there’s any heat in the day."
– Jerry Excell, Fisher
A Fishers Day
Before first light, the boats are already moving. Lobsters are retrieved one pot at a time, inspected, and carefully placed into bins. Records are kept. Decks are cleaned between hauls. It’s hard, hands-on work—but it’s also a calling.
"A typical day is long. We start in the dark and finish near dark. Cold, wet, or sunny—it’s always full on."
– Jason Haggerty, Fisher