Can Time Bandit Make It To Dutch Harbour With 10-Day-Old Crab? | Deadliest Catch

Captain Jonathan Hillstrand’s Final Push: The Race Against Time

With the fall crab season in full swing, Captain Jonathan Hillstrand sets his sights on a million-dollar haul. His final task: securing the last 5,000 pounds of crab before racing back to Dutch Harbor with his 10-day-old catch. “Come on, come on to Papa!” he urges as the pots are pulled up one by one.

The tension rises as the first pots yield mostly female crabs. “That’s one crab for every hundred—only 1%,” Jonathan mutters, knowing that keeping the wrong catch could lead to hefty fines. With a $25,000 penalty for over-quota females and deckhands facing individual $5,000 fines, the crew must be precise.

Despite setting their pots between 220 and 240 fathoms, the results remain uncertain. “We might have a problem. We might lose a bunch of crab,” Jonathan warns. Determined to make the most of their time, the crew resets gear and pushes ahead, navigating 15-foot waves to reach their last three strings of the season.

A major snag halts operations. “We need block assistance!” yells Freddy as the tangled gear threatens their progress. “This is dangerous—God help us!” Jonathan prays as the crew struggles against the unpredictable sea. With lines under immense tension, one wrong move could prove fatal. “If that knot comes loose while your hand is in the loop, you’re going overboard. It happens fast, and it rips arms right off.”

The crew rallies together, securing the tangled gear without injuries. “That was nerve-wracking—very stressful,” Jonathan sighs. “But we worked safely, and no one got hurt. That’s how we do it—teamwork, Time Bandit style!”

As the final pots surface, anticipation builds. The first pulls yield disappointing numbers, but hope remains. “Just got to keep fishing, hold my head high, and keep going.” Then, at last—success! “Oh yeah, baby! That’s back in the numbers we need!” Cheers erupt as massive crabs emerge from the pots. “Look at that! That’s a huge crab!”

With the white and blue string saving the day, the crew celebrates. “When you’re on them, you’re on them!” Jonathan exclaims, relishing the moment. With stacks of golden crabs secured, it’s time to head home.

As the last pot is hauled aboard, Jonathan calls it: “We are going home!” The season’s final catch is in, and the crew can finally breathe a sigh of relief, knowing their hard work has paid off. Another legendary season aboard the Time Bandit comes to a triumphant close.