narrator: the outer banks,
200 miles of
pristine coastline,
stretching from southern
virginia to north carolina,
but don't let that
pretty exterior fool you.
she may be cute
on the surface,
but she's mean
as hell underneath.
Jason futch: oh, it's
cold and it's rough.
Welcome to north
carolina in february.
Nick gowitzka: ooh.
narrator: you want shipwrecks;
we got shipwrecks,
5,000 of them.
the outer banks have been
claiming boats for 500 years.
it's the graveyard
of the atlantic.
netting just some
cute little nickname,
just ask the captains.
Dave marciano:
we're losing it.
Jason muenzner: hey,
hey, we're losing it.
Tj ott: oh, my god.
This is the worst thing you
ever wanna see in your life.
narrator: so, why do these
fools keep coming back?
to track down some
of the sweetest seafood
money can buy.
Man: this is as good
as it gets right here, man.
narrator: that blue gold,
that jumbo charlie,
that bluefin tuna.
Tyler mclaughlin:
that's like 700.
Britton shackelford:
whoo, get on it!
Tyler mclaughlin:
pow goes the breaker!
Man: good lord.
Oh, yeah.
narrator: just one of
these beasts can land you
a five figure payday.
Man: there we go.
narrator: so, this season,
these boys are gonna gamble
with everything they've got.
Man: take it out again.
Come on, quick, quick.
narrator: in some of the worst
conditions they've ever seen.
Tj ott: come on,
hang on, hang on.
Man: hold on, hold on.
Holy...
Oh, look on the side.
Oh my god, jarrett!
Tyler mclaughlin: we're leaving
the competition in our dust.
narrator: in the most
competitive season yet.
Man: woo-hoo!
Tj ott: come on,
tough guy, let's go.
I'm gonna throttle him.
narrator: so,
put out some lines.
Ed gross: first
day of season, 2017.
Hey, hey, hey.
narrator: and give
them the bird.
Tyler mclaughlin:
go fishing, dude.
narrator: you ready
for this new season?
Dale lisi: oh, hell yeah.
Tyler mclaughlin:
yeah, buddy.
narrator: welcome...
Man: yeah.
narrator: to the outer banks.
Greg mayer: new season,
I'm ready to go.
Jason futch: yeah, man.
Greg mayer: we
gotta get rolling.
I'm greg mayer, I'm the
captain of the fishin' frenzy.
We've done well.
Last three years,
we ended up on top.
Billon hollingsworth:
oh, man, it feels good.
Jason futch: here it is.
Billon hollingsworth: oh.
Greg mayer: nice
start of the season.
I've been bluefin
fishing for a long time.
I've caught fish with a
lot of different mates,
Several different boats.
There we go.
Jason futch: aye, aye skip.
Greg mayer: the
bottom line is,
I'm the one that makes it
happen and I have no intention
Of being in second place.
We caught the first fish
last year and I can't see
Anything standing in
our way of doing it again.
Nick gowitzka:
I'm jacked up.
First day of the season.
Happy to be here,
a little choppy.
We're gonna put a
couple of baits down,
See what we come up with.
I'm nick gowitzka
and this season,
I'm the captain
of little shell.
This is my first
season as a captain.
Past three years I've been on
the highest producing boat in
The fleet, the fishin' frenzy
and we've won every year.
We're on.
Woo-hoo, there he goes.
I've been in this bluefin
fishery for a long time.
Yes!
I've been pretty
successful at it.
This season, I decide it's
time for me to be a captain
Myself and prove that
I can get it done, too.
We came out here to fish.
That's exactly what
we're gonna do.
The season opens
today, this morning,
And we wanna be the
first boat with a bite.
Looks like frenzy is
getting an early start, too.
Greg mayer: there's
one down here at 30...
That's definitely one.
I lost nick, but,
you know, it's a mate,
I can always
find another mate.
For a long time, it didn't
make a difference who I had in
The c*ck, we were
still catching fish.
And I have every
intention of ending on
The top of the
pack this year.
Billon hollingsworth:
a couple marks here.
We might a get a bite, we're
a little bit deep, 20 fathom.
There's a little bit of
pressure starting this season,
We're three-time champs,
but just because nick's gone
Doesn't mean the
frenzy can't be number one.
Greg mayer: I
think we're okay.
Nick gowitzka: tunas
right on the bait, cliff.
Greg mayer: come on, we
got to get a bite here.
Nick gowitzka: go off, go off.
Greg mayer: I need a nibble.
Nick gowitzka: come on, baby.
[reel unspooling rapidly]
We're on, we're on.
Brandon: got him.
Nick gowitzka: go,
go, go, go [inaudible]
Be ready to move
the boat, cliffy.
Got him on.
Brandon: okay, let's go.
Nick gowitzka: got a bluefin.
It look like a nice fish.
It's our chance here, boys.
Woo-hoo.
Jason futch: we are
marking them here at 20.
[beeping]
Here we go.
Yeah, that's gonna be a tuna.
Billon hollingsworth:
that was quick.
Jason futch: that's
what we want there.
Greg mayer: it's not nick, I'm
the one that makes it happen.
I have every
intention of ending on
The top of the
pack this year.
Jason futch: come on, baby.
We need this one,
we need this one now.
Nick gowitzka: they're going
forward, definite tuna now.
Anyway, we just
take our time now.
Brandon: okay, make
sure you're ready.
Nick gowitzka: I've been
fishing with greg for a long
Time and I wanna show him
and everybody else how much
I had to do with the
success on the frenzy.
You stay by them controls.
Brandon: all right, talk to
me nick, I can't see nothing.
Nick gowitzka: just go ahead
a little bit, all right?
Keep going ahead a
little bit, it's easy, easy.
All right,
slow right down.
Greg mayer: come on, baby.
We don't want you,
we need you.
Billon hollingsworth:
right here, I can see it.
It's right there on top.
We'll get him,
slow and steady.
Greg mayer: how you
doing there dirty?
Jason futch: oh, my
shoulder is burning.
Greg mayer: okay, let
me get on for a minute.
[snap]
Son of a [bleep]!
Pull them off.
Bummer man,
damn it, that sucks.
Jason futch: try again.
Greg mayer: get
bait in the water.
Billon hollingsworth: I
got one ready right here.
Greg mayer: get
it in the water.
It really hurts
to lose this fish.
Now, I can only hope we can
get another shot to get that
First fish of the season.
Billon hollingsworth: it
pulled the hook and, you know,
We didn't do anything wrong.
Sometimes,
it just happens.
Ain't much you
can do about it.
Put another bait
down, all you can do.
Greg mayer:
that's a bummer, man.
Cliff spencer:
if I can take him,
You want me
to take him, nick?
Nick gowitzka: yeah, hold
on, I'm gonna ease him right,
Don't go anywhere, cliff.
All right, go ahead a little
bit, get towards the fish.
There's the swivel, so,
slow, slow, back up, back up.
All right, here's my
swivels in the rod tip.
All right, stop.
All right, brandon.
Go ahead, stick him,
go ahead, go ahead.
Brandon: I can't see him.
Nick gowitzka: go ahead,
go ahead, go ahead.
Brandon: I don't got a shot.
Nick gowitzka: go ahead,
go ahead, go ahead.
[snap]
God.
He just was crazy
ivan and we weren't ready.
The fish just went
under the boat too fast
And cut himself off.
It sucks.
Sometimes, you win,
sometimes, the fish win.
But, man, it would've
been nice to land the
First fish of the season.
Well, we got us a bite.
Cliff spencer: damn
right, it was a tuna.
Nick gowitzka: it was.
What is it now?
Cliff spencer:
uh, still a tuna.
Nick gowitzka:
it's still a tuna.
It's just not our tuna.
Brandon: if you
ain't never lose one,
You ain't
never caught many.
Cliff spencer: you're
right about that.
Britton shackelford:
caine, you got it going on?
Caine livesay: yes sir,
ready to roll, cap.
Britton shackelford: ready
to get the show on the road.
Losing nick is a
huge blow to frenzy.
Greg has a huge
target on his back.
And now, without nick,
he's more beatable than ever.
Caine livesay: maiden
voyage this morning.
We have been busting our
hump trying to get this boat
In order to go fishing.
Man: ready
to catch some fish.
Tj ott: ah, you got
to start the lines, man.
Start this season's...
Hey, let's go,
we're going fishing.
This isn't gonna be
a cakewalk for greg by
Any means this year.
Everyone's gunning for him.
Nobody wants to see him
win a fourth year in a row.
And beating greg
starts with landing the
First fish of the season.
Ed gross: good to be back.
Dale lisi: we got in this
first day get a couple of fish.
Everything is
pretty much ready.
Let's do this.
Yeah man,
all right, guys.
Everybody wants
that first fish.
It can be big money.
There's nothing on the market
yet and those fish pay a lot.
Will hathaway:
spring lines off?
Dale lisi: yeah, I
got the spring line.
Will hathaway: let's party.
Ed gross: everything's clear.
Dale lisi: plus, anyone who
gets a tuna before frenzy has
A great shot in
finally stealing his crown.
Will hathaway: put
us on the meat, cap.
Man: ready, steve?
Man: yes, sir.
Charlie griffin: we're gonna
show this crowd how it's done.
Setting the stick out here.
Let's check the drag here.
Looks good and
we are in business.
Steve hall: it'd be nice to
get one right now where it's
Nice and calm,
nice and pretty.
It's pretty unusual.
Charlie griffin: this year,
I got a guy named steve hall
Working with me.
I've known him for about
the last 25 or 30 years.
And he really knows his
way around the green stick.
A green stick is a 40-foot
pole that's attached to our
Main line with the breakaway.
We attach a device called
'the bird' to the end of the
Line which
helps attract tuna.
It also creates
tension on our main line
That elevates the bait.
This is awesome, brother.
Awesome.
When the fish bites, the
breakaway will snap and the
Main line is reeled
in with the bandit reel.
If the reels of fortune
is gonna take down the
Fishin' frenzy this
year, we're gonna have
To make sure everything
we're doing is on point.
All right man, we're
finally, we're in business.
All's we need now is
a little bit of luck.
Tuna fishing, baby, yeah.
Tyler mclaughlin:
back in the obx,
Brother with the
secret weapon.
It'd be nice to hook a bite
right in the middle of all
These boats and the new boat.
Let them come by and take a
look at what it looks like
When we're down and tight.
We finished in second last
year down in the outer banks,
Finished in second
up in gloucester.
It's great that I've
been really consistent,
But my goal is
to be number one.
So, this year, I made
the big investment and
I bought a brand new
boat to help me get there.
I'm not even factoring the
little shell in the equation.
The only thing I'm
focused on is frenzy.
The new boat is a lot faster
than the old boat by, like,
Five miles an hour
and that's huge down here
Where speed's the game.
You got to get out
to the grounds in those
Short weather windows.
Now, I have a boat that
I can fish all the weather.
I wanna be the top dog,
so I got to start winning.
It's all about beating greg.
Nick 'duffy' fudge:
let's get it done, baby.
Tyler mclaughlin: hopefully,
we're the ones to put the
First one in the boat.
[beeping]
Come on, tunas.
Nice mark,
there's the mark.
Come on baby, oh yeah.
Nick 'duffy' fudge: number
one goal coming down this
Season is
taking frenzy down.
With the new boat,
we can finally compete.
We're just gonna try
to fish harder than him.
Tyler mclaughlin:
come on, tunas.
Greg mayer: come on,
we got to get a bite.
Jason futch: oh, we'll
get our turn again.
Greg mayer: they were up
here frothing second ago.
There they are, right there.
Off of my starboard side.
See 'em?
Jason futch: yeah,
right here, look.
Right here, yeah.
Roll her out the
window here, 50 yards.
Yeah, look at them.
Greg mayer: jig
that flat, yeah.
Jason futch: good lord.
Whoo, bad a*s.
Greg mayer: come on, baby.
Tyler mclaughlin:
come on, fish.
[beeping]
[snap]
Oh, here we go.
Like come on, got them on.
Duffy, big bite on
the stick, brother.
Big bite.
That was so cool, man.
I look back, I was like,
"oh, we just missed one."
And then, all I see is
just, pow goes the breaker.
Clear the riggers.
This is the first fish I've
ever hooked on my new boat,
So it's very exciting
and at the same time
I don't wanna lose it.
I don't want any bad luck.
Right next to tj,
right next to frenzy.
You better get used to
the new boat doing this a lot.
Fightin' fish.
Pow goes the breaker.
Tj ott: unbelievable.
Tyler mclaughlin:
first one of the year.
Nick gowitzka: oh boy.
Tyler mclaughlin:
picking up right where we
Left off of north.
Greg mayer: no [bleep].
Hearing tyler's
hooked up, that hurts.
But he hasn't
landed it yet.
Like we learned
again this morning,
You better not count that
chicken before it hatches.
Jason futch: billon,
whoa, bad a*s.
Greg mayer: come on, baby.
Billon hollingsworth:
I see it.
Greg mayer: come on
jig your flat line!
Man: come here, jig it.
Jason futch: that
was bad a*s, man.
[beeping]
[reel unspooling rapidly]
Greg mayer: there he is.
Jason futch: there he is,
got em on, cap!
Greg mayer: freestyle.
We're coming for
you now pinwheel.
Tyler mclaughlin:
first one of the year.
Hell yeah, whoa,
whoa, whoa, whoa.
What the hell?
Bro, it's all tangled up.
Duffy, we can't
lose this fish.
Tyler mclaughlin:
first one of the year.
Right next to frenzy.
You better get used to
the new boat doing this a lot.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
What the hell?
Bro, it's all tangled up.
Big mess.
We're hooked up to what
could be the first fish caught
Of the season, but
all our lines are tangled.
Get a gaff.
One wrong move and
this tuna is gonna say,
"See you later, bye."
Hold this clip.
Duffy, we can't
lose this fish.
Greg mayer: first fish
of the season here.
Let's tie this one up.
Jason futch: all right.
Greg mayer: it come off.
It broke, pulled off.
Damn it.
We've had two chances at
the first fish of the season
And we're 0 for 2.
All I can do now is hope
tyler has some bad luck, too.
Billon hollingsworth: maybe
we'll get another shot here.
Greg mayer: didn't last long.
Pulled the hook.
Tyler mclaughlin:
okay, it's all clear.
Yeah, there's a keeper.
Nick 'duffy' fudge: yeah.
Tyler mclaughlin:
yeah, baby.
Nick 'duffy' fudge: all right.
Tyler mclaughlin:
whoa, yeah.
Nick 'duffy' fudge: tail rope!
See you later, bam!
Both: bam.
Tyler mclaughlin:
uh-huh, woo, yeah buddy.
Nick 'duffy' fudge:
all right, brother.
Tyler mclaughlin: yes, take
that right in the middle of
The fleet, right
next to every boat.
Nick 'duffy' fudge: yeah,
right next to greg and tj.
Tyler mclaughlin: aaah,
how you like me now?
Woo, frenzy's been the
top boat down here last three
Seasons, but now,
my new boat is gonna be
A huge weapon for me.
Nick 'duffy' fudge: all right.
Tyler mclaughlin:
whoa, yeah buddy.
Getting that first one, it
definitely is gonna be, like,
Ripping at greg.
He thinks he's the
man in the outer banks,
But the kids
are here to play.
Nick 'duffy' fudge: 75.
Tyler mclaughlin: yes.
Nick 'duffy' fudge:
way to go, t.
Tyler mclaughlin: whoa, hey,
getting 'em the new boat, whoa.
Greg mayer: tyler.
In the last three years,
that's the first time tyler's
Had any fish before me.
So now, we give him
a little head start.
I figure maybe we, we've
leveled the playing field now.
Tyler mclaughlin:
whoa, yeah, buddy.
Nick gowitzka: got
a long way to go.
One fish ain't gonna
make or break us.
Ed gross: do you think
tyler's new boat's bigger than
Nick getting
his own operation?
Probably, right?
Dale lisi: yeah, I do.
Ed gross: yeah.
Dale lisi: I hate
to say it, but I do.
Tyler mclaughlin: we're
picking up right where we left
Off in gloucester.
Putting tail ropes on them.
Big bite on the
stick, tunas on deck.
Charlie griffin: come
on, oh boy, here we go.
We're gonna check this out and
see what's going on with nick.
Man: you got to go around
buzz around nick, dude.
Charlie griffin: I've been
hearing all about the new boat
In the fleet,
the little shell.
I think it's about time
we stop by and give him
A southern welcome.
Hold on, so, I'm
gonna buzz him,
Rock his boat a little bit.
Brandon: nick come
to me and talked with me
About running the boat.
So, this is a great
opportunity for me and...
Charlie griffin:
watch out, boys.
Trying to get one on
the high-speed rig.
Cliff spencer: damn,
that's just funny.
Charlie griffin: go
around for another pass.
Man: hey, go back
there and ask them if
They're marking them.
Charlie griffin:
come on, boys.
Hold on.
Cliff spencer: here
he comes again.
Nick gowitzka:
cliff, get that g*n.
Man: hey, y'all marking
them or what?
Cliff spencer: hey, why
are you doing this, skip?
Charlie griffin:
have you seen any tuna?
Nick gowitzka: yeah, I
think it was a shark.
Cliff spencer: I figured
I'd drop a, you know,
High-speed ballyhoo out there.
[g*nshots]
Hey, that's my bait, cuz.
That was some...
Gott dang, that ain't right!
Charlie griffin: he
ain't very smart, is he?
Nick gowitzka: hey, oh,
no, she's still there, cuz.
That's what you get from
rocking a little ship, charlie.
You can always count on
charlie griffin to lighten the
Mood out here, and most
of the time, we need it.
Charlie griffin: have
a good season, boys.
Good luck against greg.
Nick gowitzka: thanks, guys.
We'll be seeing you.
Charlie griffin:
to a good season.
Nick gowitzka:
all right, guys.
I'll see you down there.
[gusting wind]
Britton shackelford:
yeah, no good.
It's rough.
Not just choppy, it's rough.
The outer banks is
a weather maker.
It's the northwest corner
of the bermuda triangle,
Graveyard of the atlantic.
Our popular adage is, "if
we don't like the weather,
Just wait five minutes
because it'll change."
Welcome to the outer banks.
Blowing, smoke on
the water, foggy,
You never really
know what to expect.
You just hope for the best.
Not for the faint of heart.
Tj ott: what do
you say, shack?
We see ya over there
in the mist.
Britton shackelford: smokey.
Tj ott: this is my fourth
year fishing the outer banks
And it's definitely
not easy on my boat.
The hot tuna is wide and much
lower in the water than a lot
Of these southern boats like
the doghouse that are designed
To cut through big
waves down here.
Should have seatbelts
for days like this, man.
Britton shackelford: yeah,
tj's boat is built for the
Type of fishing they
do in the summertime.
My boat, the doghouse,
it's got a high flair,
It's got a very sharp entry.
Tj, on the hot tuna, with
his boat, it's not easy.
Tj ott: all right, shack.
Good luck.
Catch them up, bro.
Britton shackelford:
crankin' on 'em.
Mike ott: good
old outer banks.
Whoo, everybody stay
away from the sides.
Jarrett przybyszewski:
yeah, I know, jinx us.
Tj ott: that looks like a
mark but from way down deep.
[beeping]
[snap]
Mike ott: good.
Jarrett przybyszewski:
fix them.
Tj ott: we got him on, boys.
Britton shackelford: yes sir,
I got a pretty mark here, guys.
[beeping]
[reel unspooling rapidly]
Caine livesay: got 'em on,
got 'em on, got 'em on, baby!
Got 'em on, that's
what I'm talking about.
It's a nice one.
Yoo!
Rougher than hell.
Would be a nice fish.
We need you, man.
We need you bad.
Stay onto the
hook, my friend.
Mike ott: it's on strong.
Tj ott: what direction is
this wave coming from now?
Holy moly.
Look at this weather.
I need a jacket.
I'm a sicko.
Mike ott: there he is.
That right
there is a bluefin.
Tj ott: swing it in.
It's not a keeper, is it?
Jarrett przybyszewski: short.
Tj ott: short fish is any
bluefin tuna that's under
All right, it's
got to go back.
By releasing this fish,
we're sustaining the species.
We're letting this fish grow
up to further the population.
If we don't follow
these regulations,
There may not be anything
left for the future.
Everyone can't be 73 inches.
Put the stuff back out,
hopefully find a keeper.
Jarett przybyszewski: I
don't think anything could have
Gone more wrong.
Other than somebody
falling off a boat.
Caine livesay: looking
good like we got a nice
Fish on here.
There's the leader.
Show yourself.
Britton shackelford:
he ain't big enough.
Greg, get your hook out.
We got to release him.
Caine livesay: about
two inches too short.
Again, the story of
my freaking life.
A lot of work for
nothing, my friend.
Charlie griffin:
tuna fishing, baby.
Steve hall: you're gonna wanna
put your other coat, skip.
Charlie griffin:
I'm fine, man.
Steve hall: whatever
you want, boss.
Charlie griffin:
what do I want?
I want a tuna fish.
We might not be as comfortable
as some of the other guys on
This bad rough, but
the boat does fine.
We're the little engine
that can, I think, you know.
I mean we are...
We have the smallest
boat, but having said that,
It's also a
tough little boat.
There you go, steve.
Steve hall: all right?
Charlie griffin: good.
Steve hall: out here we got,
we got some rough seas to
Deal with, you know,
especially for the size of
Boat that we're working on.
It's just part of it
and it's just something you
Got to deal with.
Charlie griffin: how's the
tuna gonna see my bait?
Come on, baby.
There is some blue-watch
this, watch this.
Steve hall: please, baby.
Come on, baby.
[beeping]
[snap]
Charlie griffin:
damn, there he is.
All right, man.
Whoo, we got it.
I don't know how
big he's gonna be.
He's gonna be up on
one of these front baits.
And you can ease it
along if you want, bud.
You know what I'm
saying, buddy?
Steve hall: yes, sir.
Charlie griffin: I'm
telling you, this is good,
This is what the
doctor ordered.
This is really,
I'm telling you.
This ain't no little fish.
Talk to me, steve.
Steve hall: I'm good.
Charlie griffin: huh?
Steve hall: I'm lovely.
Charlie griffin: all
right, here's your shot.
Steve, give me the other
gaff line quick, right here.
Steve hall: I'm losing him.
Charlie griffin:
come on, quick, quick!
Charlie griffin:
wait a minute,
I don't think I got much.
Get me, give me the
other gaff right quick.
All right, buddy.
Steve hall: I'm losing him.
Charlie griffin: come
on, quick, quick.
In the head, thank you.
Go get, go get a loop.
Go get a loop.
Steve hall: okay.
Charlie griffin: I'll hold
this, I don't need one.
Ah, damn, damn it.
Steve hall: all right?
Charlie griffin:
gott darn, man.
Okay, there you go, steve.
You got him right now, buddy.
Steve hall: okay, man.
Charlie griffin: whoo,
holy moly, got one.
It might be wet,
it might be rough,
We might have to hold on
with everything you got,
But we put our head down
when we got to work.
All right steve, let's
go right to them.
Steve hall: it feels great to
have the first fish because
The first fish is
always the hardest.
Charlie griffin:
here you go, boss.
Steve hall: great work, griff.
Charlie griffin: steve and I
are taking a whipping right now.
We're getting beat
up, but it was worth it.
Tuna fishing, baby, yeah.
Tj ott: come on baby,
come on, baby.
Where is the big herd?
If they were in the general
area right now, man,
They'd fine us.
Greg, on the fishin' frenzy,
leads the fleet every year.
I think greg definitely
underestimates us.
It's just been days where
we were next to greg and we
Caught fish and he
didn't catch any.
I know if it's a level playing
field and I'm out there as
Much as anyone else
we're gonna catch fish.
Mike ott: we haven't marked
anything yet, but I mean,
There's another few bites.
Mike ott: we got to get on top
of this fish and we got to get
On top of this fish now.
[snap]
Jarrett przybyszewski:
oh, there we go.
Get back,
get back, get back.
He's over here.
Take this.
Bubby, take this.
Take this.
Bubby, take this.
Cuz, he hit it so
hard, blasted it,
And he didn't clip the
entire rig underwater, which...
Mike ott: did anybody see
what drop he was on?
Tj ott: yeah, I bet
he's on the first drop.
See how he's going out?
Wait a minute, wait a minute,
something is weird here.
Looks like it tangled.
Mike ott: of course,
why wouldn't it be?
Right, stop the thing.
Stop the thing,
stop the thing.
What the [bleep]?
Jarrett przybyszewski:
it's tangled.
Tj ott: I don't know
what happened here.
Mike, I'm gonna need cutters.
Oh, wait,
but I can't cut this.
Mike ott: the hook,
just cut the hook off.
Tj ott: just
crank it all in?
Jarrett przybyszewski: yeah,
and I'll, and I'll just handline
The whole thing.
Tj ott: well, try to handline
it then, just be careful.
Handlining a fish
literally means just pulling
In the fish by hand.
Don't take a wrap.
Everybody stay
clear in that line.
When you're
handlining a fish,
You have to pay
extreme attention.
It may look simple, but
what he's doing is very,
Very technical.
Jarrett przybyszewski:
here we go.
Mike ott: be careful, guys.
Just take your time.
Jarrett przybyszewski: see?
It's working.
Try and get him.
Tj ott: if jarrett's hands
get caught up in the line,
He's going overboard,
there's no question about it.
Everybody stay
clear of that line.
Don't wrap him,
whatever you do.
Tell me it's under the boat.
Jarrett przybyszewski:
go forward a little bit.
Forward.
Tj ott: I am.
Jarrett, he's right here, look.
I can't see him.
Mike ott: I see
him right there.
He's down,
see him right there?
Tj ott: he's deep, he's deep.
Mike ott: where is he?
Jarrett przybyszewski:
there he is.
Tj ott: got him.
Get the gaff!
Michael, right here.
Mike ott: where is he?
Tj ott: by jarrett.
Get a tail gaff, baby, hey.
Jarrett przybyszewski:
mike, you're all tangled up.
Tj ott: oh, he's back, baby.
Yeah, pa-pow, baby, whoo.
Mike ott: whoo.
Tj ott: oh yes, thank you.
How come we can't
get an easy one?
Good job, jarrett.
Jarrett przybyszewski: yeah.
Tj ott: whoo.
Mike ott: whoo.
Tj ott: every fish is a team
effort, but for this one,
Jarrett really showed
that he's one of the best
Mates out here.
Handlining a fish is
no easy task and he did it
Like it was no problem.
Jarrett przybyszewski: yeah,
that's man versus beast right
There, blue gold.
Handlining a 300
to 400 pound bluefin,
That's a fun
time right there.
Tj ott: all right,
let's load this fish.
Whoo, nice one.
Yeah, we're back in
the blue fin groove, baby.
Nice.
Jarrett przybyszewski: nice.
Tj ott: that's one.
We're staying out
till we get two more.
Pa-pow.
Dennis: way to go,
first blood of 2017.
Tyler mclaughlin: yup.
Dennis: so you guys rock.
Tyler mclaughlin: thank you.
Dennis: let's see what we got.
Tyler mclaughlin: whenever you
bring a fish into the buyer,
There's always a great
feeling that comes with it.
But this is the first
fish of the year,
So I'm sure the paycheck's
gonna be extra sweet.
Pretty good-looking
piece for down here.
Dennis: let's see
what it weighs.
Tyler mclaughlin:
let's check it out.
What do we got?
Woman: 248 pounds.
Tyler mclaughlin: beautiful,
let's check out the inside.
When a buyer's
checking out your tuna,
He's looking for
good shape, good fat,
And a really good core.
The moment of truth.
Dennis: well, you kicked off
I'm really liking this fish.
It's plenty of fat here,
and the fat's really fanned out
Through, through
both lobes there.
Tyler mclaughlin: a poor
fish brings in $5 a pound and
The best fish can get
$20 or even $25 a pound.
Being the first
one of the year,
I'm hoping for
that big payday.
Dennis: the fat
content and good core,
This is a perfect fish for
sendai market in eastern japan.
I think the wholesalers will
be competing for this fish.
Tyler mclaughlin: so what
do you guys think you can
Do for me on this fish?
Dennis: $18.
Tyler mclaughlin:
wow, perfect, yes.
Thank you very much.
Dennis: well done.
Tyler mclaughlin: I'm
glad we made the right call.
Woman: good job, tyler.
Tyler mclaughlin:
thank you so much.
Tyler mclaughlin:
beautiful job, dude.
Nick 'duffy' fudge: yeah.
Tyler mclaughlin: glad we
went fishing this morning.
Nick 'duffy' fudge: me, too.
Tyler mclaughlin: this year,
I brought my new boat to the
Outer banks and it paid
off already with the first
Fish of the season.
Next stop, the
top of the fleet.
The next stop, I'm gonna be
on top pulling the ladder up
Running away from
the fleet like, "see you."
Team pinwheel,
great way to start the season.
Nick 'duffy' fudge:
right, brother.
Dale lisi: we're
in the right spot.
Couple marks right there.
Probably a tuna right there.
Nice little cherry b*mb.
Last year, the foolish
pleasures had a good year,
Just not a great year.
We started out real hot
the beginning of the season,
But frenzy passed us up
and we ended up in third.
Now I'm back again
with willbilly and ed,
And we're ready to give them
all a run for their money.
We definitely
want that crown.
If it can't be us, I just
hope it's somebody but greg.
Will hathaway: we got
two balloons ready.
We'll get set.
Ed gross:
we got two balloons?
Will hathaway: yeah, we try
to fish at night whenever the
Conditions allow us to.
If the fish
wanna bite at night,
Then we'll fish at night.
It's pretty
much up to the fish.
Put that one straight down.
We're all fishing for our
families and that pretty much
Means we're all
fishing around the clock,
Especially if we're still
looking for our first fish.
Dale lisi: we got
a mark right here.
Will hathaway: I got them
on the screen right now.
Dale lisi: come on, man.
Come on, fish.
Ed gross: where does that go,
in the bag?
Will hathaway: there
he goes, got him on.
Ed gross: got him on now.
Whoo.
Dale lisi: got him
on, got him on.
Will hathaway:
smoker baby, smoker.
Ed gross: we got a
nice fish on here.
We just setup pretty even,
we got a nice fish on.
Dale lisi: we got our first
bite of the season and we're
Hoping it's a good one.
Lots of things that can
go wrong on a night bite.
Can't tell if we could
get it out there,
But we're hoping
for the right one.
Will hathaway: dale, we're
gonna have to go forward.
Forward to your left.
Keep going, keep going, keep
going, keep going, dale.
Dale lisi: what
we got going on?
Will hathaway: spin me
a little bit more, dale.
Dale lisi: I cannot
see anything, so.
Will hathaway: forward,
forward, watch out.
No, don't
pull forward, dale.
Don't pull forward.
Dale lisi:
damn it, willbilly.
Will hathaway: dale, we're
gonna have to go forward.
Forward to your left.
Keep going, keep going,
keep going, keep going, dale.
Dale lisi: what
we got going on?
Will hathaway: spin me
a little bit more, dale.
Dale lisi: I cannot
see anything, so.
Will hathaway:
forward, forward.
Watch out.
Dale lisi: damn it, willbilly.
Will hathaway: alright, hold.
Dale lisi: you're
good, you're good.
We're hooked up to our
first fish of the season.
It's gonna be a
struggle because I can't see
A damn thing.
We've just got to stay
focused and willbilly's got to
Communicate with me
what the fish is doing.
What we got going on?
Ed gross: it's right on
the corner here, dale.
Dale lisi: that's probably
him about 50 feet down.
Will hathaway: yeah, yeah.
Dale lisi: big mark
on the screen, will.
And right now, it's just
a big mark on my heart.
Down 40 feet.
We got color, we got color.
Will hathaway: straight
to us, straight to us.
Ed gross: nice shot
will, nice shot.
Dale lisi: pretty
work on that, will.
Nice shot, will.
Ed gross: nice shot.
Dale lisi: nice job, guys.
Pretty work on everything.
Ed gross: well,
it ain't here yet.
He's going forward, dale.
Will hathaway: no, don't
pull forward, dale.
Don't pull forward.
Ed gross: all right, pull his
tail up, can you pull him up?
Got him.
Hell, yeah, brother.
Hell, yeah.
Dale lisi: oh, man.
This is how we were
hoping to start the season out.
If you come out
here scared to death,
You're not gonna get a bite.
Get a bite, that first one is
tough to get on the boat and
We got us a decent fish.
Will hathaway:
yeah, 87 inches!
Dale lisi: 87!
Ed gross: nice, 87, hell yeah.
Will hathaway: 87,
nice, nice, perfect fin.
Will hathaway: bluefin tuna
about to go on the market.
That's good for the
foolish pleasures.
Dale lisi: frenzy's
empire is crumbling.
What's up, bubba?
We got one for you.
Bubba: excellent,
send it up.
Will hathaway: arriba.
Dale lisi: what
do we got, bubba?
Bubba: we got 318 pounds.
Dale lisi: good,
let's see how it looks.
Bubba: let's go.
Well, nice greasy fish.
There's good shape on it.
This is what I like here.
Not a bad color on it.
The core is perfect.
No burn at all.
All that, got good fat,
good shape, great core.
Dale lisi: what
are you thinking?
Bubba: $20 a pound.
Ed gross: hell, yeah.
Will hathaway: nice.
Dale lisi: oh, oh, oh,
yes, thank you.
Bubba: appreciate it.
Will hathaway: thank you.
Dale lisi: $20 a pound is a
great price for any fish and
It's an awesome way
to start this season.
We'll see you
on the next one.
We're heading back out.
Bubba: thanks, guys.
Dale lisi: thank you.
Charlie griffin: hey,
what's up, dennis?
Dennis: first blood for
the reels of fortune.
Charlie griffin:
finally, finally.
Finally caught one.
Dennis: I hope
it's a good one.
Let's get it off so we can
get you back out fishing.
Charlie griffin: yes, sir.
Boy, I'm glad we got this
first one behind us yesterday.
Hopefully, this fish will
have good quality and we'll
Get good money for it.
Dennis, what do
you think, buddy?
Dennis: 217, charlie.
Charlie griffin: there you go.
Good deal, good.
Dennis: let's check her out.
Charlie griffin: well,
I hope it's a good one.
Drum roll, please.
Woman: pretty good.
Charlie griffin: oh, man.
Dennis: it looks pretty there.
Really nice and translucent.
It's a nice fish.
I think they'll be
competing for this in tokyo.
Charlie griffin: good.
What do you think?
Dennis: $22 a pound.
Charlie griffin: there you go.
Steve hall: come on,
that's awesome.
Charlie griffin:
all right, steve.
Dennis: nice job.
Steve hall: yes sir,
thank you, dennis.
Charlie griffin:
$22 a pound.
That's the best any
fish has got so far.
This fish right
here says that steve and
I are gonna
be able to do it.
Steve and I are gonna
make a great team.
I'm looking forward to
the rest of the year.
All right, we've
got the small tuna,
Now we need some big ones.
Nick gowitzka: just
gonna sit out here,
Just gonna take our time,
and do it right, you know,
Versus trying to hurry
and get something wrong.
It's kind of choppy
this morning.
It's gonna get choppier, too,
so I put my big boy pants on.
We've been out here
for a couple days now.
And people
are catching fish,
But we're still
waiting our turn.
As a new
captain this season,
I'm worried about
me and my family.
Brandon and his family.
Cliff and his family.
It weighs heavy on me.
I think it about all the time.
How is it looking?
Cliff spencer: everything
looks good, man.
Nick gowitzka: I know I can
catch fish and I know I can
Put these boys on some fish.
We're gonna stay out
here until we get them.
Cliff spencer:
everything was real good,
We just got to see
if a fish likes it.
Brandon: here's our arch
nemesis, the frenzy.
Billon hollingsworth: now that
nick's gone and the boat is a
Lot cleaner, my ears
don't hurt as much,
Things are a little
more peaceful.
Greg mayer: fishin' frenzy
has been the top boat for
The last three years.
My first mate, nick, he went
and became a captain himself.
But I'm here to prove that
frenzy can still get it done.
After losing two
fish this week,
We've got to get
one in the boat.
Nick was a great mate but
this steering wheel right here
Is what catches
the fish on this boat.
Right now nick's in my sights.
Nick gowitzka: there's
a good mark, 175 foot.
Greg mayer: come on,
a couple marks here.
Definitely looks like fish.
I need a nibble.
Cliff spencer: oh, big bite.
Brandon: big bite, big bite.
Nick gowitzka: big bite.
Oh, got them on.
Cliff spencer: woo.
Nick gowitzka: get the riggers
in, get the riggers in.
Put it right in the boat.
[Inaudible] right in the boat.
Got a bluefin.
It look like a nice fish.
Take our time, just
try to make it count.
We got all day
to catch him, woo.
Get up there and
holler where we are,
Tell them where we're at.
Cliff spencer: hey, we
got a big bite on our stick,
Greg mayer: nick
just got a bite.
Nick, nick has got them on.
Billon hollingsworth: nick
has got them on, on the stick.
Jason futch: really?
Greg mayer: I wanna be
the one getting the bite,
But as long as somebody
is getting a bite,
We know there's fish around.
Billon hollingsworth:
there he is flatline.
Got one on.
Jason futch: hook
up, I like it.
Greg mayer: come on, guys.
Let's show nick how it's done.
Nick gowitzka: there you
go, just take our time.
It's nice, man, pulling
that ball still.
Cliff spencer: yeah,
he's a nice fish.
Nick gowitzka: down
about two spots.
Greg mayer: how
about it, dirty?
What do we got?
Jason futch: hopefully
it's the one.
It's just still
taking a little bit.
Nick gowitzka: it's
definitely a nice fish to,
To be fighting us on this
bandit reel this hard.
Right now it's just a bite and
hopefully we can turn it into
A fish.
How you like me now, frenzy?
Ck gowitzka: this is my
first bluefin as a captain.
So, it's gonna mean a
lot to me to get him.
Right now it's just a bite and
hopefully we can turn it into
A fish.
We're stoked right
now, it's a big fish,
It's gonna be a big
paycheck for me and the crew.
I may be a new
captain but that doesn't
Mean we can't be the best.
Got the frenzy right here off
our stern, just goes to show,
You hook a tuna, creeps
come out of the woodwork.
Greg mayer: if we
catch this first one,
We'll be in the black,
which is what we want,
To be right here on top.
Fishin' frenzy's hooked
up again, no surprise there.
I'm sure nick's looking to
beat the frenzy this year.
Get in line.
When he sticks them,
back the drag off,
I'll get a tail gaff
and you get the tail rope,
Simple and easy.
Nick gowitzka: uh, yeah,
guys, show frenzy I can
Get them without him.
Okay, we're
gonna back up here and
Try to look
at him here, okay?
Put her in gear,
circle that way.
Greg mayer: let me get
on it for a second.
Jason futch: color,
color, color.
Get ready with dart, billon.
Greg mayer: good take him.
Billon hollingsworth:
come on, baby.
Jason futch: got him.
Greg mayer: tail gaff here.
Billon hollingsworth:
I got you.
Greg mayer: hold on, hold
on, my loop come undone.
Amateur hour.
There we go.
Jason futch: woo.
Greg mayer: just like
riding a bike, dirty!
Jason futch: that's right.
Greg mayer: how about it?
Jason futch: yeah,
buddy, thank you.
Greg mayer: it's nice when
everything goes smooth.
Billon hollingsworth: 92.
Greg mayer: I like that.
I'm here to prove that frenzy
can still get it done until
Someone outfishes us we're
still the boat to beat.
We got one on deck that's
sets the tone for the season.
Nick who?
Okay, game over, just
like riding a bike.
Cliff spencer: frenzy got his.
Nick gowitzka: sounds like
we're playing catch-up, boys.
We got to land this one.
All right, slow
right down now.
Go ahead, cliff.
Cliff spencer: get
your dart ready.
Nick gowitzka: turn the boat.
There you go.
Just easy, easy, easy, easy,
not fast, just turn it,
Slow right down,
back up a little bit.
There you go.
Hold on, brandon,
wait until I raise.
Slow her right down,
cliff, slow her right down.
Hold on, wait, wait for it.
Good job, brandon.
Get the tail, get his
tail, tail rope, tail rope,
That's always the same.
Brandon: which side?
Nick gowitzka:
left side of cliff.
Cliff spencer: go
right around the tail.
Go on, brandon!
You got him, brandon.
Brandon: ain't got him.
Nick gowitzka: the rope ain't
all the way tight on his tail.
I want it tighter.
There we go, yeah, we got
him boys, he's ours, yeah.
Cliff spencer: hey,
good job, nick.
Nick gowitzka: the first fish
for the season takes a lot of
Pressure off of us.
We've got one, you can't
catch two until you catch one.
And it feels good to
catch our first fish right
Around the frenzy's bow.
Thanks for playing.
We just grabbed one off
on the tail right there.
Charlie griffin: if there's
definitely gonna be a,
A good heavy duty competition
between nick and frenzy,
That's gonna be about
as good as it gets.
Nick gowitzka: little shell
is on the board, boys.
Tyler mclaughlin: all right,
little shell, go to work,
Catch them up, prove to me
what I've been thinking the
Whole time, nick, you've been
greg's secret ace in the hole
This whole time.
I love little shell and frenzy
going at it because they're
Not worried about
the pinwheel,
And I'm gonna sneak up
and beat both of them.
Nick gowitzka: ready?
Go.
Brandon: it's gonna
come close to the biggest one
I ever caught.
It could have been a
ten-pounder and it would've
Been the biggest
one I ever caught.
Nick gowitzka: call
it out, cliffy.
Cliff spencer: 98 and a half.
Nick gowitzka: 98 and
a half, it's a big one.
Pretty work, guys.
Cliff spencer: this is
a huge relief for us.
I thought in the beginning of
the season that nick could do
A good job and
captain the boat.
After landing this first
fish I know he can.
Nick gowitzka: little
shell is on the board.
Give 'em hell, little shell!
First one for
little shell, man.
We're jacked up.
Come out, big boy, 98-incher.
We got this one right
in front of the frenzy.
Dennis: it's gonna be really
competitive this one I think.
Nick gowitzka: yes sir, it's
gonna be good fishing I hope.
Dennis: let's check it out.
Nick gowitzka: hey, girl.
How you doing?
Christy: good, how are you?
Nick gowitzka: hey,
gwennie, how you doing?
Christy: it's a
beautiful fish, guys.
Nick gowitzka: yes, thank you.
Daddy has got a nice fish.
Having christy and gwen come
down and see my first bluefin
Is very, very special to me.
I'm super proud to be able to
share this with my family and
For them to be there on the
first one is really special.
First fish in the
season gwennie.
Christy: bigger than you.
Nick gowitzka: way
bigger than you.
You little skinny thing.
Brandon: bigger than
all of us, ain't he?
Nick gowitzka: that
fish will eat you.
So what have we got, dennis?
Dennis: 518 pounds.
Nick gowitzka: all right,
nice one.
Brandon: that's awesome.
Nick gowitzka: nice
one, that's awesome.
Brandon: way to
go little shell.
Nick gowitzka: yes, sir.
Dennis: let's see what
the quality is all about.
Nick gowitzka: this is the
biggest fish caught so far.
Now if we can get a good
enough price to beat the
Frenzy, that'll be
icing on the cake.
Dennis: big and fat, this
fish has very fine fat all
The way through both lobes.
I'm seeing very fine fat.
It's not perfect but
it's still pretty good,
If the core is good it's
gonna be a sharp fish.
Nick gowitzka: here
we go moment of truth.
Oh, I likey, me likey.
Dennis: it's not
a cherry core.
It's a large fish,
I like the fine fat.
Nick gowitzka: what
are we looking at,
What's the bottom line?
Dennis: I'm gonna
pay you $16 a pound.
Nick gowitzka: all
right, yeah, all right.
Brandon: good job, yeah.
Nick gowitzka: we ain't
working for free no more, boys.
Cliff spencer: no, sir.
Nick gowitzka: thank
you, thank you, buddy.
Dennis: good job.
Nick gowitzka: after this
trip I got a feeling greg mayer
Is gonna be playing
catch-up with the little shell.
He's gonna be
playing second fiddle.
Dennis: well done, well done.
Cliff spencer: yes
sir, thank you.
Nick gowitzka: I
appreciate it, dennis.
Dennis: be safe, thank you.
Greg mayer: safe again.
Hey, man.
Dennis: how fun
was it out there?
Greg mayer: it was beautiful.
Dennis: well, let's
see what you got.
Greg mayer: all right
see what we got here.
Hold on, that's good.
How big is it?
Dennis: 471 pounds.
Billon hollingsworth:
woo, he's fat.
Dennis: really
nice shaped fish,
Let's go
and see what we got.
Greg mayer: this
is a big fish,
If we can get a good
price per pound,
We'll be right on
top of the fleet.
Picking up where we
left off last season.
Dennis: I'm really
loving the fat in.
Really nice dense
oil band here.
Let's check out the core.
Greg mayer: ooh.
Dennis: really nice.
Greg mayer: so
what do you think?
Dennis: $18 per pound.
Billon hollingsworth:
I'll take that.
Greg mayer: way to start.
Dennis: nice fish,
way to go, guys.
Greg mayer: that's, you
know, that sounds great.
This fish is worth a lot
more money than pinheads,
And I'm not too worried about
little shell's little fish.
The frenzy is back on top,
we're still the boat to beat.
Get back
with another one, uh.
narrator: after two days of
fishing in the outer banks,
reigning champion fishin'
frenzy's domination continues
but new boat little shell
is less than $200 behind.
good quality fish for foolish
pleasures and reels of fortune
put ahead of last season's
runner-up pinwheel.
meanwhile hot tuna has
a fish on board they have
to yet to weigh in.
Tj ott: hang on,
hang on, hang on.
Jarrett przybyszewski: whoa,
that was like a 15-footer.
Tj ott: just getting
going here this morning,
It's pretty sloppy out,
shack is here, greg is here,
Foolish pleasures, right now
we're just gonna give it hell,
It's a little rough, so the
conditions aren't the best.
Mike ott: that might be the
biggest wave I've ever been a
Part of, right there.
Tj ott: we caught a good sized
tuna two days ago but fishing
Regulations allow each boat
to catch three fish a trip,
So we're staying
out here for more.
Hopefully, we all
go home happy.
Jarrett przybyszewski: it's a
little sporty out here today.
Greg mayer: whoa, when you
fish in the outer banks in the
Winter time, you've got to
keep your head on a swivel,
You never know where that
next wave is coming from,
And it could get you.
It could get your boat,
it could wash overboard.
Like surfing out here today.
Will hathaway: oh,
it's another one.
Ed gross: nice flat
beautiful day out here.
Dale lisi: water in the
outer banks is real cold,
They can be in the 30s.
If you end up in the water
it's only minutes before
Hypothermia can set in.
Tj ott: no, no.
Oh god, hang on, hang on.
Mike ott: hold on, hold
on, no, look on the side!
Hold on, oh my god, jarrett!
Tj ott: jarrett
went overboard.
Mike ott: oh, my god.
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04x01 - Fighting Frenzy
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American reality television series about commercial tuna fishermen based in the Outer Banks who fish for the lucrative Atlantic bluefin tuna off the coast of North Carolina.
American reality television series about commercial tuna fishermen based in the Outer Banks who fish for the lucrative Atlantic bluefin tuna off the coast of North Carolina.