Equipment Failure? No Problem for Sig and Keith | Deadliest Catch

Crab Fishing in the Northwestern: Challenges and Triumphs

In the unpredictable world of crab fishing, every decision is crucial. Captain Sig and Keith, aboard the Northwestern, navigate through ever-changing conditions in their relentless pursuit of crab.

“Just setting this down a little bit west,” Captain Sig notes, acknowledging that overnight changes in the sea can significantly impact their catch. With the bairdi crabs constantly on the move, the crew must adapt swiftly.

As they set their gear, they deploy an aggressive strategy. “We’re carpet bombing and building a big cloud,” Captain Sig explains, chumming the waters to attract crabs. By packing twice the herring in half the area, they saturate the sea with an irresistible scent. “We set our gear as tight as we can get it so we can share the crab,” he adds.

While working together isn’t always the first choice, efficiency takes precedence. “Not a big fan of setting gear right next to somebody, but hey, if my number’s double, I’ll take it,” Captain Sig says, betting on a strong haul. “Between the two of us, we should be able to mop up our cabinet.”

However, the sea throws unexpected challenges. Suddenly, the ship’s autopilot system fails. “What the hell’s going on with this thing?” Captain Sig exclaims. “Steering’s gone. Arm steering compass missing.” The culprit? A seagull disrupting the satellite signal. “Throw some food out there, maybe he’ll eat it,” one crew member suggests.

With the satellite dish broken in half, Captain Sig is forced to steer manually. “That means you can’t leave this thing for one second,” he laments. The situation grows more dire as engine alarms blare. A hydro cooler leak causes the starboard engine to suck water into the air filter. “We just changed the air filter and stopped the leak,” the crew confirms, but the setbacks are taking a toll. “I can’t take this anymore. This boat, this boat—these alarms.”

Despite the turmoil, the crew presses on. “Let’s just find a way to catch our crab and get the hell out of here,” Captain Sig orders. The first pot comes up, and anticipation builds. “Just cross your fingers,” he mutters. As the pot surfaces, the crew cheers. “Crabs! That’ll work. That’s what I’m looking for!”

Numbers start adding up. “7-0, right on, man! The big cloud’s working.” The team’s strategy pays off as they pull in triple-digit hauls. “We’re stronger together, and that’s all there is to it,” Captain Sig acknowledges. “We’ve got our gear set super tight, and the crabs are just gravitating toward it.”

After a rocky start, a failing autopilot, and mechanical issues, the Northwestern and The Wizard finally secure their bounty. “I’m real glad we came out here to do this,” Captain Sig reflects. “At the end of the day, we got the job done, and that’s all that matters.”

For these fishermen, perseverance remains key. Through cooperation, quick decision-making, and sheer determination, they conquer the sea once again.