As the curtain rises on bluefin season, the fleet discovers an abundance of thriving stock, reeling in a record-breaking haul. Not only are the bluefins colossal, promising a fortune at the scales, but with the Chatham fishery tapering off, Captains engage in a high-stakes pursuit for a fresh hotspot. The competition ignites in the icy waters of Maine and the familiar fishing grounds near Gloucester. The race for the top spot becomes a gripping showdown, where victory is anyone’s game.

Season 13 Episode Descriptions 

“The Herds Are Here” premieres March 3 at 9/8c

The fleet, hoping for a successful season, becomes excited as the Gloucester bluefin fishery opens. As captains and crews navigate the erratic waters, forging alliances and stoking rivalries, massive fish and record catches set the backdrop for intense rivalry. An engrossing trip into the core of bluefin fishing is promised for this season.

“Early Season Monsters” premieres March 10 at 9/8c

The Gloucester fleet competes fiercely to outshine their rivals as a wave of enormous fish overwhelms the scene. Captains and crews traverse the turbulent waters in an attempt to maintain their position at the top of the scoreboard, with the stakes higher than ever. As the fierce struggle plays out, a season full of rivalries, massive catches, and excitement is promised.

“We’re Not Quitters!” premieres March 17 at 9/8c

On Hard Merchandise, tensions rise as the crew struggles to make their first catch, almost reaching breaking point. Captains compete fiercely with one another as their areas become battlegrounds over desirable fishing spots. Allies are put to the test and methods are stretched to the limit in the unrelenting chase of success, setting the stage for an engrossing episode full of high-stakes drama and the unpredictable turns of the sea.

“Maine or Bust!” premieres March 24 at 9/8c

Captain Michelle Bancewicz of the No Limits takes a risk and ventures into unexplored territory in Maine. They had a successful start to the season after their gamble came off with an abundant catch. Watchers are in for an exciting ride as the risk-taking decision plays out, experiencing the excitement of discovery and the benefits of bold movements in the unwavering chase of success on the wide sea.

“Last Chance for Chatham” premieres March 31 at 9/8c

Heading back to Chatham, the Hot Tuna and other vessels encounter a range of outcomes as they navigate the erratic waters with varying degrees of success. Meanwhile, local cooperation between the F/V Tuna Dot Com and the Wicked Pissah takes center stage. The episode will highlight the captains’ and crews’ perseverance in navigating the ups and downs of the competitive fishing season, with a dynamic blend of victories and challenges.

“Even the Losers Get Lucky Sometimes” premieres April 7 at 9/8c 

The season is off to a fishy start, but two captains struggle to gain ground. Captain Jack Patrician of the Time Flies has been on a tough losing streak as he and mate, Anders Strickland, grapple to find their groove as a new team. Meanwhile Captain Michelle Bancewicz needs to trust her gut instead of following the crowd.  

“Dangerous Alliance” premieres April 14 at 9/8c

Halfway through the season, the DotCom, Wicked Pissah alliance continues to be a force to be reckoned when Paul saves Dave from disaster on the water and reaps the good karma that comes with it. Meanwhile, the rest of the fleet pulls out all the stops in hopes of making up ground in the standings before it’s too late.  

“To Get It Done, Two is Better Than One” premieres April 28 at 9/8c 

With captains Dave on Dot.com and Paul on Wicked Pissah working together and leading the fleet, middle-of-the-pack Captain Jack and new mate Anders on Time Flies go it alone, gunning for the front runners as they battle monster bluefin. Meanwhile, Tyler on Pinwheel and Marciano on Hard Merchandise form their own alliance seeking to gain an advantage. 

“Coming In Hot” premieres May 5 at 9/8c

Former champion Bob Cook on the Fat Tuna sits behind four boats on the leaderboard. With the quota for blue fin tuna season rapidly dwindling, he breaks out of the pack catching two fish and makes a run for the number one position. Meanwhile, the alliance between Wicked Pissah and F/V Tuna Dot Com remains strong and keeps them both at the top of the fleet. 

“Three-Way Throwdown” premieres May 12 at 9/8c 

With the quota getting smaller everyday, the fleet fights to make big moves. But while Dot Com, Fat Tuna and Wicked Pissah engage in a three-way battle for the top spot, the duo on Pinwheel faces a series of setbacks. After a brutal loss and boat malfunctions, Captain Tyler McLaughlin fights to stay in the race. 

“Triple Threat” premieres May 19 at 9/8c 

With the quota rapidly dwindling Fat Tuna fights to hold on to their razor thin lead over Wicked Pissah and DotCom as alliance mates Paul & Dave continue to work together to try and regain the top spot. Meanwhile, the rest of the fleet races to close the gap as they hold out hope for a late season comeback.   

“End of Sea Monster Season” premieres May 26 at 9/8c 

In the final days of the season, three former champions – Dave Carraro on FV-Tuna.com, Paul Hebert on Wicked Pissah, and Bob Cook on Fat Tuna battle it out for the top spot. But, with monster fish to catch and mega paychecks to cash, it’s still anybody’s game. And one captain proves that when he risks his life to catch two fish in two days and shakes up the ranks by jumping into the final mix.  

A strange winter united the village of Port Protection. Now, big ambitions fuel the younger generation while one old-timer faces a foe he can’t beat.

Season 5 Episode Descriptions

“The Dark Days are Over” premieres March 5 at 9/8c

​​The hardened youngbloods and seasoned sourdoughs of Port Protection have their fates reshaped by the lingering shadows of a severe winter. The episode presents a moving story of adaptation and survival as the town struggles with the long-lasting effects of the winter months. Through the dramatic changes that occur, viewers are led on an emotional journey that provides a window into the unbreakable spirit of those who live in Port Protection.

“Packing Heat” premieres March 12 at 9/8c

In this suspenseful episode, Carl shows off his savage hunting prowess by going on a covert hunt for a deer. Troy bravely dives into the icy waters, and Curly and Mary take on the difficult task of taking down a dangerous structure. As Veronica takes on the challenge of falling a tree by herself for the first time, the tension builds, adding layers of suspense and danger to the Port Protection story. As the locals make their way across the untamed and unpredictable landscape, viewers are in for an exciting trip.

“Still Icy” premieres March 19 at 9/8c

The community must deal with the brutal reality of survival as winter’s unrelenting grip tightens over Port Protection. Dedicated to supporting their families, some risk the harsh environment to find vital food. The moment Carl latches onto a deer in his crosshairs, representing the precarious equilibrium between the merciless wilderness and the human soul, the stakes rise. A harsh winter in Port Protection sets the stage for an exhaustive investigation of resourcefulness and resiliency in this episode.

“Tree of Death” premieres March 26 at 9/8c

Curly’s skills come into play in a pivotal scene when he helps to remove “danger trees” that are leaning over Jiggy’s house. But when a safety rope fails and the scenario quickly becomes a battle for life and death, the operation takes a dangerous turn. The dramatic Port Protection saga begins as viewers are thrown into an emotional narrative that pits the raw power of nature against the frailty of human existence.

“Professor Chainsaw” premieres April 2 at 9/8c 

The residents of Port Protection struggle to keep their community safe and successful in spite of Mother Nature. Carl and Morgan reclaim old skiffs for a sustainable garden. Sam, Troy and Sarah attempt to remove and reclaim a mast from a sunken ship in the cove. Matt tries to remove an obstacle blocking passage to Point Baker. And Curly helps Jiggy eliminate Danger Trees threatening his home. 

“The Beaver Trap” premieres April 9 at 9/8c 

Sam ascends to a rotten boat roof when he and Squibb attempt to salvage an unwieldy and heavy mast. Meanwhile, Oliver descends into an abandoned boat for a valuable piece for a much-needed project. Breanna and Veronica take Sarah on an adventure to teach her the Alaskan art of clamming. And Curly and Mary encounter unsettling signs on their search for beaver. 

“Any Blood Will Do” premieres April 16 at 9/8c

Oliver, Carl, and Matt fish with slinky pots for the first time and catch more than they bargained for. Curly builds a fish table and tries for halibut to break it in. Breanna, Terri, and Kris teach Veronica to haul logs out of the woods. And Sam repairs a wood stove that serves as the beating heart of his home. 

“Chaos Always” premieres April 23 at 9/8c 

Milestone achievements are only possible with steep challenges for the people of Port Protection. Matt helps Carl drag a massive barrel above his house. Mike “Jiggy” Nichols struggles to pull a salmon. Oliver and Breanna motor off to a new bay to find treasures and trout. And Squibb designs a new dock for his house – but can he build it? 

“Rode Hard and Put Away Wet” premieres April 30 at 9/8c

Community members dive in together on some important aquatic projects. Squibb addresses a potentially deadly issue for the Bay, the Gothic gets some much-needed improvements before fishing season starts, Oliver and Breanna get a major upgrade to their floating spa, and Carl cashes in a favor to finally get running water in his forever home. 

“Don’t Look Back” premieres May 7 at 9/8c

Port Protection takes advantage of summer weather to harvest Nature’s bounty. Dave Squibb and Kris scour the beach for precious firewood. Oliver, Breanna, and Troy try to resurrect a valuable anchor from its watery grave. Jiggy and Gail take nephew Ethan and neighbor Veronica on an adventure at sea. And Curly takes a long-time resident on a “last hurrah” before they leave for a new life in Craig.