There's a new feature attraction in Ballard and it's the Sea Star, one of the boats from the television series Deadliest Catch.

The boat was retired from the crabbing business in 2005 and still serves as a chase boat for the Discovery Channel crew of the Deadliest Catch.

Videographers use the Sea Star to get footage of five boats: Cornelius Green; Northwestern; Time Bandit; Wizard; and Early Dawn.

"The boat to boat action, that was us. You see a lot of shots from outside those boats, all that was filmed here," said crewmember and co-owner Gary Stewart. The main boats are shot with five mounted cameras and two roving cameras.

Sea Star owner Larry Hendricks came up with the idea to hold boat tours. He first displayed the boat in Ketchikan, Alaska then moved it to Ballard's Fisherman's Terminal.

Rich Quashnik, Phil Harris, Jack Harris and Edgar Hansen are also co-owners of Sea Star. They have rent/lease options on it.

The Sea Star was built by Marcos Shipyard in 1969 and has a reputation for being well built and sturdy.

"It was the most modern and fancy boat in the fleet at the time. She is still sea worthy," said crew member Mike Day.

An addition has been built onto the boat that serves as the tour's entrance and gift shop.

Crew members show people the equipment and let children hold the King crabs. Visitors can feel free to roam.

Seven flat screen televisions have continuous video loops with introductions by Hendricks and other crew.

"There's no time limit. People can feel free to browse. We try to make them feel at home," said Stewart.

Cod fish and chopped herring are used for bait. King crabs are attracted to the blood from the cod and the oil from the herring.

Once in the water, a crab pot can remain on the bottom for up to three days.

Crab fishermen rely on years of experience to know where to lower the pots.

King crabs are a delicacy. Alaskan King crab can sell for up to $20 a pound or more.

"Alaskan crab is the best, bar none. The Alaskan name on any fish product is a big deal," said Stewart.

Out at sea, the crew will sometimes treat themselves to King crab. They boil it in seawater.

"Fresh out of the ocean, there's nothing like it," said Stewart.

Fishing is a hazardous profession. Stewart has been on two boats that sunk, leaving the crew to abandon the ship.

Fortunately, both times the crews were rescued quickly.

He has seen crewmembers break their legs or smash their fingers, but has not seen anyone die at sea.

"It's very dangerous. You can eliminate danger if you concentrate and do things in a safe way. Carelessness is when danger happens," said Stewart.

The captain has private quarters. The rest sleep in cramped quarters, four each in two rooms.

"If you don't get along, it will be a long season," said Stewart.

A 1966 graduate of Ballard High School, Stewart said fishing was one of the job opportunities available at the time. His step dad was a fisherman.

"It was in my family. I gravitated to it," said Stewart, who was a carrier for the News-Tribune as a kid.

Fishermen who work all the seasons, about seven months out of the year, can average $75,000 to $125,000 annually.

The Sea Star is moored west of the memorial at Fisherman's Terminal.

Dean Wong may be reached at 783.1244 or deanw@robinsonnews.com