Can Wild Bill’s Crab Caller Experiment Net Him A Big Catch? | Deadliest Catch

Crab Fishing Experiment: High-Tech Meets Tradition in One of the Toughest Seasons

The stakes are high as Captain Wild Bill Kowski prepares to deploy his Opilio pots before an approaching Arctic storm. This season has proven to be one of the toughest on record, with quota numbers down 41%. Fishermen are scrambling to locate crab, as some areas have yielded hundreds while others remain barren. The unpredictability has forced captains to reconsider traditional fishing strategies and seek innovative solutions.

Years ago, placing pots anywhere was a viable strategy, but now, a more calculated approach is required. With unpredictable crab movement, captains must strategically spread out their gear, tracking patterns and adjusting course in real time. This year, Wild Bill is experimenting with new technology—crab calls—to lure crabs into the pots. The method is inspired by acoustic signals used successfully in sport fishing to attract fish to baited areas.

“I have some buddies who are high-tech with sounds in the water. They’ve successfully attracted fish, so I figured, why not crabs?” Bill explains. While the technology is unproven in the crabbing industry, the idea of creating a “feeding frenzy” has sparked his interest. If successful, the crab calls could revolutionize the industry, allowing fishermen to attract crab directly rather than relying solely on strategic placement and bait effectiveness.

The experiment involves setting one pot without a crab call and two pots with the device, repeating this pattern until all pots are deployed. The goal is to compare numbers and determine whether the calls make a noticeable difference. Scientific precision is key in evaluating the results, with variables like depth, water temperature, and competing food sources taken into account.

With all 100 pots launched, the crew eagerly anticipates results. However, early indications are not promising. While some pots yield impressive numbers—266 crabs in one, 306 in another—one of the crab call devices malfunctions, filling with water and rendering the speaker useless. The potential for technological failure is a major concern; the rough ocean conditions make delicate electronic equipment unreliable.

“Unfortunately, every single one of them is full of water,” a crew member reports. Despite their disappointment, Wild Bill remains optimistic, seeing this as just the first trial. Innovation takes time, and setbacks are expected. Improvements in the design and durability of the devices could make a significant difference in future trials.

While the high-tech experiment may have faltered, traditional fishing methods still prove effective. As the crew continues pulling up pots, they see steady improvement in their haul. “190 in this one—it’s looking a lot better,” Bill remarks, hopeful that conditions will improve. Experience and knowledge of crab behavior still reign supreme, proving that while technology offers promise, it cannot yet replace the intuition of a seasoned fisherman.

For now, the experiment is on hold, but the crew presses forward, relying on experience and determination to bring in a solid catch. One thing is certain—innovation may play a role in the future of crabbing, but the sea will always demand patience, resilience, and a little bit of luck. As research continues and technology evolves, the intersection of tradition and innovation will shape the future of this high-stakes industry.