Joe Kaknes is a retired fisherman from Gloucester, Massachusetts. He was born in 1950 and grew up in the Bay View neighborhood of Gloucester. His family background is a mix of Greek and Irish heritage. Joe Kaknes is known for his experiences in the fishing industry, particularly swordfishing, and his insights into the challenges and changes faced by fishermen over the years.

Francisco Ferreira, known as "Captain Jeff," is a respected commercial fisherman with a rich background rooted in his birthplace of Portugal. He has established his homeport in the bustling fishing community of New Bedford, Massachusetts. With a focus on both scalloping and dragging fishing techniques, Captain Jeff operates aboard the fishing vessel Apollo, a remarkable boat holding dual licenses for scalloping and dragging. Beyond his role as a capable mariner, Captain Jeff maintains a strong connection to the family-owned business, F & B Rubberized.

Lars Vinjerud, a Norwegian-Irish American, is a former fisherman and captain who now serves as the Owner and President of Fleet Fisheries. Born on June 18, 1959, in Hackensack, New Jersey, Vinjerud moved to New Bedford at the age of nine or ten. His early fascination with the waterfront led him to start working in the fishing industry at a young age. He quit school in eighth grade and hitchhiked to Alaska, where he spent three years king crabbing and salmon fishing. Upon returning to New Bedford at 18, he joined a scallop boat.

Paul Nosworthy, a retired shoreside business owner from Fairhaven, Massachusetts, possesses a wealth of maritime knowledge and experience. His career began with boat repairs and sailing on tall ships like Westward, Pride of Baltimore, and Clearwater. With a foundation in diesel mechanics, he established New England Marine Engineering, specializing in industrial refrigeration and electrical repairs for New Bedford's fishing fleet.