Deckhand Lied To Wild Bill To Get Onboard The Cape Caution | Deadliest Catch

The Tensions and Triumphs of Crab Fishing: A Deep Dive into the 2015 King Crab Season

The 2015 Red King Crab season has been one of highs and lows, as experienced and new crews alike battle both the physical and emotional demands of life on the ocean. One of the standout moments of the season comes as Captain Wild Bill Wikowski and the Cape Caution cruise into Dutch Harbor, ready to offload a massive catch of nearly 100,000 pounds of Red King Crab. The sheer weight of the crabs, however, isn’t the only heavy burden on the boat. The crew’s dynamic is fraught with tension, as a new deckhand, Gerard Secrest, has become the source of significant strain on the team’s operation.

The Weight of Dishonesty: Gerard’s Fall from Grace

Gerard Secrest, a new hire brought on by Captain Bill’s son Zach, was given the responsibility of proving himself on deck. However, Gerard’s performance has been lackluster, causing an immense amount of frustration for the seasoned crew. Captain Bill, who has decades of experience and a reputation for running a tight ship, starts noticing that Gerard’s mistakes aren’t just typical errors but signs of deeper problems. As the situation worsens, it’s revealed that Gerard had been dishonest about his legal past. Despite being questioned about any outstanding warrants before the season started, Gerard had lied about his situation, a mistake that soon became impossible to ignore.

Captain Bill’s anger boils over when he learns that Gerard’s falsehoods could have serious consequences. For Bill, trust is everything. A man can be forgiven for mistakes, but betrayal through dishonesty is unforgivable. The mounting pressure eventually forces Bill to take drastic action. “I gotta let you go, cut and dry, man,” Captain Bill says firmly. This decision, although necessary, is not an easy one. Bill admits that the job has changed, and now, it’s not just about fishing but about navigating through personal issues and trying to keep the team intact.

As Bill confronts Gerard, the tension is palpable. “What am I supposed to do when I ask you if you have warrants, and you say no?” Bill questions. “You lied to me, you lied to everybody.” The situation escalates quickly as Bill expresses his deep disappointment, lamenting that this job used to be about fishing, not babysitting or dealing with personal drama. For many on board, Gerard’s departure is seen as the only way to restore some peace to the crew. “He couldn’t hide it,” says one of the other crew members, acknowledging that Gerard’s lack of honesty and competence on deck became clear to everyone.

The Aftermath:
The crew feels a sense of relief following Gerard’s exit. “It’s gonna be better on deck,” says one crew member. Without the constant tension and lack of trust hanging over them, the men are able to focus on the work ahead. In a job as dangerous and physically demanding as crab fishing, it’s crucial for the crew to work in harmony. The removal of Gerard brings a sense of peace, and even crew members like Ronnie, who had often been at odds with him, can now breathe easier, knowing that the team can finally pull together without distractions.

When asked what lesson he learned from Gerard’s departure, Ronnie responds bluntly: “Don’t lie.” It’s a harsh but valuable lesson that highlights the importance of honesty, especially in an industry where trust is vital. The crew has always been like family, and now, with the distraction of one troublesome crew member gone, they are ready to face the challenges of the season head-on.

Meanwhile, On the Wizard: A Season of New Challenges and Old Stories

While Captain Wild Bill deals with his crew’s internal struggles, Captain Jonathan Hillstrand and his crew on the Wizard are dealing with their own set of obstacles. The Wizard is 260 kilometers northeast of Dutch Harbor, and although they’ve got good weather and pots in the water, a long soak ahead promises a lot of hard work to be done. However, amidst the demanding work, there is also camaraderie and shared experiences, especially between Hillstrand and his longtime friend, Captain Keith Colburn of the Time Bandit.

The two captains meet up to exchange insights about the season’s progress. Hillstrand, looking exhausted from the demands of the season, shares that things are going well, but he’s feeling the weight of the pressures. “We’re behind the eight ball,” Hillstrand admits. “But we’re just getting started.” The crew is still feeling the pressure, but they remain hopeful. There’s a lot of crab around, and as long as the crew stays focused, they’re confident that they will do well.

Despite the optimism, Hillstrand admits to his own struggles, including some trouble with managing the pressures of life on the water. “A lot of crap was catching up to me,” Hillstrand confesses, recounting a time when he ended up stuck at a bar when the boat was supposed to leave. “My brother had to come rescue me and drag me out of there,” he laughs. This moment of vulnerability underscores the emotional toll that life at sea can take on even the most seasoned fishermen.

Hillstrand also reflects on the emotional cost of the job, noting that he missed spending Christmas with his grandkids. “I spent Christmas out here last winter,” Hillstrand says, a trace of sadness in his voice. “I missed out on their six-year-old Christmas. I can never get that back.” The sacrifices that these men make—missing out on family milestones and holidays—are often the unspoken costs of a career on the water. While the work is grueling, it’s clear that the emotional rewards—like the camaraderie and shared experiences with fellow fishermen—offer some solace in the face of such sacrifices.

A Small Victory in the Face of Adversity

As the Time Bandit and the Wizard continue their respective journeys, both crews share a sense of camaraderie that transcends the usual competitive nature of the industry. In a rare moment of levity, Hillstrand jokes with Colburn about possibly being a good influence on each other, even though they both know the reality of their situation. “The only time we’re a good influence on each other is when we’re out here fishing,” Hillstrand laughs.

Despite the struggles, both captains remain committed to their work. Hillstrand even admits that if he were to seek therapy, it might not be such a bad idea to visit Colburn, reflecting the genuine friendship that exists among these fishermen, despite the hardships. As they part ways, there’s a sense of mutual respect between them, each understanding the difficult road the other is walking.

Conclusion: A Season of Resilience

The 2015 Red King Crab season has been marked by intense personal and professional challenges. From Captain Wild Bill’s tough decision to fire a dishonest crew member to Captain Hillstrand’s reflections on the emotional cost of life at sea, the season has tested the crews’ resilience. While the crabbing business is unforgiving and demanding, it also fosters deep bonds between the men who share this life. As these captains and their crews continue to navigate the waters, they rely on each other for support, recognizing that trust, teamwork, and honesty are the keys to surviving—and thriving—on the open ocean.

In the end, the season is a reminder of the emotional and physical toll that fishing can take, and the value of having a crew that can rely on one another, even when the odds are stacked against them. It’s a tough job, but for those who call it their livelihood, the rewards of camaraderie and success make it all worthwhile.