Alaska: Battle on the BayIn the desolate outreaches of Bristol Bay, Alaska, the most competitive fishing season on Earth takes place throughout four short weeks. 1,800 captains and their crews draw the battle lines to help save Alaska's ecosystem by reeling in a massive sockeye salmon payday. With potential fortune swimming just below the surface, five captains prepare to battle the unforgiving bay, the battering ram of boats jockeying for position and the law, which strictly monitors the season with recon choppers and police squads. On the bay, fishing for the nearly 44 million salmon is necessary for the environment, and arm of the law is long, tempers are short and every single decision is the difference between drawing a huge income and settling for pennies.
Let the Battle Begin!
Jan 8, 2015
Every salmon season on Bristol Bay is a war, but this year promises to be legendary. The price is historically high, the stocks of fish are huge and the only thing guaranteed is a battle on the bay.
The Big Gamble
Jan 15, 2015
High-powered high-liner Taran fires up his boat's dual jet engines to scour the bay and nets a promising first haul in Naknek. In Egegik, Luke and crew are dead in the water as they race to get the broken down boat the Jimmy Jeff back in action.
Bristol Bay Jackpot!
Jan 22, 2015
Kicking off the fishing in the Naknek district, the Ferrigno family quickly sets the bar with a monster haul. Also in Naknek, the high-octane Thunder is hot on the Salmon trail, but a freak encounter with another boat causes a terrible reversal of fortune.
A Whale of a Catch
Jan 29, 2015
The darkest day of Captian Luke's career turns to sunshine with some help from Mother Nature. In the Naknek district to the north, fishing starts strong for the Thunder but after a series of empty nets they set out for new - but risky - territory.
Peak Season
Feb 5, 2015
It's make or break time in Bristol Bay, Alaska and peak of the Salmon season arrives with a vengeance. Things are looking bleak for the crew of the Jimmy Jeff until Captain Luke's risky move of secretly fishing the shoreline pays out in red gold.
Fireworks
Feb 12, 2015
It's July 4th and Alaska Fish and Game has declared open fishing in Bristol Bay. As Captains scramble for their share of the record Salmon migration, Irishman Tom Walsh finally turns tables on fishing partner Vince and comes out on top.
The Grind
Feb 19, 2015
As the Bristol Bay Salmon season grinds to a close the crews are beginning to feel the fatigue. Captain Luke and the crew come to the rescue of a fellow captain and save him and his crew from a dangerous boat fire.
Cashing In
Feb 19, 2015
As the Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon run comes to an end, Captains battle for the last fish of the year and try to hit their season goals. Capt. Luke struggles to keep the Jimmy Jeff running long enough for him to hit 100,000 pounds.
