Ep 108. The Bait: Young Guns at the Helm

The Bait: Young Guns at the Helm is an episode from season 11 of the Discovery Channel reality series Deadliest Catch. The episode focuses on the young crew members who have stepped up to become captains of their own vessels. The show explores the challenges and risks associated with this new responsibility and how these young guns are handling the pressure.

The episode starts by introducing Jake Anderson, who has taken over the reins of the Saga after the passing of Captain Phil Harris. Jake's journey from a greenhorn deckhand to a captain in one of the most dangerous jobs in the world is a testament to his determination and hard work. However, he faces new challenges as a young captain, including managing a diverse team of crew members, making difficult decisions, and navigating treacherous waters.

The next young captain on the show is Sean Dwyer, who assumed command of the Brenna A after his father's death. Sean is determined to carry on his father's legacy, but he is aware of the enormous responsibility that comes with the job. He needs to prove to both the crew members and the other captains that he has what it takes to run a successful crab fishing business.

The episode then shifts to the Northwestern, where Sig Hansen is grooming his daughter Mandy to become a captain in the future. Mandy is a talented and ambitious deckhand who has her eyes set on a bigger role in the family business. However, as a woman in a male-dominated profession, Mandy has to overcome numerous obstacles to prove her worth.

The young captains are not the only ones featured on the episode. The Bait also takes a closer look at a veteran captain, Wild Bill Wichrowski, as he faces a season-ending injury on his ship. The injury leaves him with no choice but to hand over the reins to his inexperienced young deckhand, Nick McGlashan.

As the episode progresses, the young guns face multiple challenges, including rough weather, equipment failures, and crew conflicts. The show captures their struggles as they try to make a name for themselves in a highly competitive and risky industry. The younger captains also have to deal with the backlash of the more experienced captains, who are skeptical of their ability to handle the challenges of crab fishing.

Throughout the episode, The Bait offers viewers a behind-the-scenes look at life on a crab fishing vessel. From the mundane chores to the adrenaline-pumping moments of hauling pots, viewers get a glimpse of the harsh and often brutal conditions that the crew members face every day.

The Bait: Young Guns at the Helm is an inspirational episode that showcases the resilience and determination of the young captains who are trying to make it in the world of crab fishing. The show is a reminder that even in the most challenging circumstances, courage, hard work, and passion can overcome any obstacle.