Captain's Log: The Alibi

Some people find their calling in boardrooms or classrooms. Mike Campatelli found his at 10 years old, fighting a 410-pound striped marlin off the coast of Maui. That fish was so big it made newspapers across Hawaii and became the largest marlin caught that year. That moment would shape the rest of his life.

"I fell in love with the water ever since I could remember," Mike says. "The availability to go anywhere in the world or our region by boat amazed me. I knew it was always something I wanted to do."

Growing Up on Maine Waters

Mike's love for boating started on the lakes of Maine with family trips. Those early experiences on calm lake water eventually led him to something bigger—the ocean. The transition wasn't just about deeper water; it was about endless possibilities.

"I grew up boating in the lakes of Maine with my family," Mike explains. "As I got older I got to go into the ocean and I fell in love with the water."

This passion led him to the Landing School in Arundel, Maine, where he made it official. "I ended up going to a boat school called Landing School . Then I made the decision to spend the rest of my career on the water. Fishing, wakeboarding, tubing and doing all the activities on the water."

The Viking Dream

For Mike, only one type of boat would do: a Viking. "Ever since I went to boat school in Maine I have wanted a Viking. It was what I always dreamed of," he says.

That dream came true in Puerto Rico, where Mike and his father found the perfect boat—a 1998 47-foot Viking Sportfish Convertible with a 42-foot tuna tower. "My father and I flew down to look at it and it was perfect," Mike remembers. "They are fast and durable and just amazing."

Why "Alibi"?

Every boat needs a name, and Mike's "Alibi" has a fun story behind it. The name comes from the old tradition of using fishing as an excuse to skip work—and the little white lies that go with it.

"A lot of people like to go fishing when they are supposed to be at work so we joke that we will cover for them," Mike explains. "Started as a joke that turned into the real thing. We have a lot of husbands who come out fishing and then they tell their wives something else."

Epic Trips and Ocean Wildlife

The Alibi has taken Mike on some incredible journeys. The most memorable was bringing the boat from Puerto Rico to Massachusetts. After shipping it from Puerto Rico to Fort Lauderdale, Mike and his father drove it up the coast—a father-son adventure he'll never forget.

"We drove the boat up from Florida to MA. This was the best trip I have ever experienced and to be able to do it with my dad was amazing," Mike says.

Along the way, they saw amazing wildlife: humpback whales, great white sharks, and whale sharks. These encounters remind Mike why he chose this life—the ocean offers experiences you can't get anywhere else.

The Perfect Day

Ask Mike about his ideal day on the water, and he paints a clear picture. "Perfect day of fishing, beautiful sunset over the eastern horizon to go tuna fishing, all the rods are on the boat ready to go. Waiting to hear the moment of the line starting to sing that you might have a 1,000 lb fish on the line."

It's about preparation meeting opportunities—rods ready, boat cutting through the water, hoping this might be the day you hook something incredible. The day ends perfectly: "Headed back to Gloucester early in time for dinner."

More Than a Hobby

For Mike, boating isn't just what he does—it's who he is. "Boating has always been my life. No matter where we move we are always near the ocean. It's always been my lifestyle," he says simply.

He shares this passion with others too. Mike operates a 105-foot catamaran for whale watching, giving people who might not otherwise have the chance to experience the ocean. "I was fortunate to travel the world with my dad and fish and we really want to share the experience with everyone who may not have the opportunity near them."

Whether it's a three-and-a-half-hour fight with a bluefin tuna in the middle of the night, keeping spirits high on deck ("We focus on keeping a positive attitude while on the boat at all times"), or following the old superstition of never allowing bananas on board, Mike's life revolves around the water. He also charters his boat where others can plan to spend a day fishing through his website. 

Advice for New Boaters

Mike's advice for newcomers comes from decades of experience: "Start with a safety class before you get out in the water. Buy a reliable boat. If it's not, it's going to cost you a lot of money." 

Alibi and The Custom Captain

Of course Mike had to let us know what his favorite custom product was from The Custom Captain. 

“The Helly Hansen jackets are  amazing for the fall and winter season for that time of year for fishing. It's protective and keeps you warm no matter the elements. We also love  the long sleeve dri-fit fishing hoodie. It's a year round staple.”

A Legacy

The ocean offers more than just fun—it offers connection, adventure, and memories that last a lifetime. For Mike, it all started with that marlin in Hawaii thirty years ago, when a young boy got his first real taste of what it means to be alive on the water.