The North Atlantic bluefin tuna are hungry but as a new season of Wicked Tuna begins, Gloucester’s famed captains are even hungrier to prove they are the best of the fleet. The G.O.A.T boat – the Greatest Boat Of All Time. The twelfth season of National Geographic’s hit series WICKED TUNA kicks off with all-new back-to-back episodes premiering Sunday, Feb. 26, at 9/8c. Produced by Lionsgate’s Pilgrim Media Group, WICKED TUNA will also air internationally on National Geographic in 171 countries and 43 languages. Back seasons of the series are available to stream on Disney+.
Last year’s season ended with a frenzied race to the finish, with four boats scrambling to catch the final fish that would make all the difference. Captain Bob Cook of the Fat Tuna (@CaptainBobCook) finished at the top of the fleet last season and is out to prove that his success was no fluke. But he will have to defend his title against a fleet of worthy competitors, including the youngest of the bunch, Captain Jack Patrican of Time Flies (@Time_Flies_Charters). Patrican was the runner-up last season, proving that experience isn’t always necessary to finish at the top.
Meanwhile, Captain Dave Carraro of the FV-Tuna.com (@TunaDotCom), has won the title more than anyone else in Gloucester, and the four-time champion is determined to use his experience to finish on top this year. Captain Tyler McLaughlin of the Pinwheel (@PinWheelFV) is also no stranger to winning and has a new boat that he believes will give him the competitive edge to bring home the title. And fan favorite Captain Dave Marciano of the Hard Merchandise (@FVHardMerch), coming off a strong season last year, returns in competitive spirits as he aims to prove his place at the top of the fleet.
And looking to put last season behind them are Captain Paul Hebert of the Wicked Pissah (@PissahTunaPaul), who floundered after a falling out with his mate derailed his chances, and Captain T.J. Ott of the Hot Tuna (@tjhottuna), who struggled to compete while grieving with the passing of his beloved dog, Reba.
But these Gloucester veterans will have to contend with a new captain who is already making big waves in the industry. Captain Michelle Bancewicz of the No Limits (@fv_no_limits) joins the fleet with her first mate Lea Pinaud. Bancewicz caused a splash last year after a video of her catching a 600 lb bluefin tuna by herself became a viral sensation, and she’s got the skills and the drive to shake up the competition.
Filmed on location in Gloucester, Massachusetts, and the surrounding waters, WICKED TUNA follows a group of salty fishermen from the nation’s oldest seaport as they make their living the way it’s been done for centuries — rod and reel fishing, one catch at a time — all in pursuit of the bluefin tuna. The series gives viewers an in-depth look at the intense battles, fierce competition, crushing losses and major paydays of the country’s toughest captains. For commercial fishermen, the directive is simple: Catch a fish or go home without a paycheck.
Wicked Tuna: Who’s the G.O.A.T. Boat (1201)
Premieres Sunday, February 26 at 9/8c
As the Bluefin season opens, Gloucester’s toughest competitors kick off the battle for the first fish of the season and for the title of “G.O.A.T.” or “Greatest Of All Time.” Government restrictions limit the fleet to one fish per day and only four days of fishing per week. With such strict constraints, the winning boat will prove itself to be the GOAT!
Wicked Tuna: Push It to the Limit (1202)
Premieres Sunday, February 26 at 10/9c
A new contender arrives to disrupt the ranks of Gloucester’s finest, as Captain Michelle Bancewicz and First Mate Lea Pinaud of Fishing Vessel No Limits make their entrance into the competition. While the fleet is split between fishing local and making the run south to Chatham, Michelle and Lea look to make their mark on the tuna world.
Wicked Tuna: A Whole New Pissah (1203)
Premieres Sunday, March 5 at 9/8c
The bluefin bite is on as the fleet searches far and wide for the biggest payday possible. One Captain seeks redemption from last season’s financial woes and loss of respect from the fleet, but will his new positivity be enough to earn the respect he so desperately desires? Only time will tell if repentance comes with a paycheck.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
