Ep 1. Heading Out to Sea

In Deadliest Catch season 2 episode 1, titled "Heading Out to Sea," viewers are taken back to the frigid waters of Alaska's Bering Sea as the crab-fishing fleet faces another perilous season. The episode begins with the captains and crew members preparing their boats, stacking supplies and supplies for the journey ahead, and making last-minute repairs. Each member is aware that the dangers of the sea are real, even though they have done this before. In the Bering Sea, anything can happen, and it could take only a few seconds for things to turn deadly.

The episode dives deep into the lives of the commercial fishers and how dangerous and demanding crab fishing can be. The crews are quickly reminded when a couple of rogue waves hit during their journey out to sea, leaving most of them soaked and nervous. The episode primarily focuses on five vessels, including Time Bandit, Northwestern, Wizard, Cornelia Marie, and Maverick, all battling to catch as many opilio King Crab as possible in the shortest possible time.

The crew of the Time Bandit, including the Hilstrand brothers, is feeling the pressure to perform. They had a rough season the previous year, and they cannot afford to have a repeat. Captain Andy Hillstrand's goal is to pull in forty pots a day with the help of his protégé, Neal Hillstrand. Along with them is new member Scott Hillstrand, who is eager to prove himself to the crew.

On the Northwestern, Captain Sig Hansen is trying to balance the safety of his crew with his ambition to catch enough crab to turn a profit. He is a seasoned captain and a great leader, but his fisheries experience will once again be tested.

The Cornelia Marie is led by Captain Phil Harris, who is known for his reckless and cowboy-like attitude towards fishing but his past catches up with him.

The Wizard, captained by Keith Colburn, is also fighting its own battles as the captain has a stern reputation. The captain also learns that his right-hand man, Monty Colburn, is facing a family emergency, which could put his position on the crew in jeopardy.

Lastly, Captain Craig Leake kicks off his career on the Maverick, hoping to make a name for himself in the crab fishing industry. With his team and vessel ready, he's eyeing for a big catch, but his inexperience might work against him ahead of solving some issues with the vessel.

The episode shows how seasoned fishermen are constantly battling the high seas, harsh weather, malfunctioning equipment, and sleep deprivation in their attempt to catch as much King Crab as possible. However, the stakes are high, and every bad decision made might cost them their lives. Seeing the hard work that goes into just preparing for a season of crab fishing is awe-inspiring.

Overall, "Heading Out to Sea" shines a spotlight on the dangers, complexities, and uncertainties that fishermen face every day in the Bering Sea. It paints a vivid picture of a profession that is high-risk and high-reward. The episode is a testament to the skill and bravery of the fishermen while also highlighting the hardships they endure in the world's toughest job.