Ep 9. Something's Fishy

In the ninth episode of Alaska: The Last Frontier season 1, titled "Something's Fishy," the Kilchers are hard at work preparing for the winter season. As they are heavily reliant on hunting and fishing for survival, the family heads out to the nearby rivers and streams to catch as much fish as possible before the harsh winter sets in.

The episode begins with Atz Sr., Atz Jr., and Nikos heading out to the river to catch some salmon. The trio sets up a trap called a fish wheel, which uses the river's natural flow to catch fish. Atz Jr. explains the process of catching salmon and how it has been passed down from generation to generation in their family.

Meanwhile, Eivin and Eve head out to the ocean to catch some halibut. They take their boat and go deep into the ocean to find the best spot to fish. The couple explains the importance of halibut in their diet and how it is one of the main sources of protein for them.

On the other hand, Otto and Jane are busy building a smokehouse to preserve the fish they catch. They explain the process of smoking fish and how it helps in preserving them for months. They also talk about the importance of preserving the food they catch as they have to rely on it throughout the long winter months.

As the Kilchers are busy with their work, they face a setback when they find out that someone has stolen their fish from the trap. The family is left devastated as they have put in a lot of effort in catching the fish, and it is their primary source of food for the winter. However, they do not lose hope and set out to catch more fish.

Later in the episode, the family gets together to celebrate Losar, the Tibetan New Year, as Eve's mother is Tibetan. They talk about the significance of Losar and how it is celebrated in Tibet and other parts of the world. The Kilchers also take the opportunity to have a feast, which includes the fish they caught earlier.

Overall, "Something's Fishy" is an episode that depicts the Kilchers' way of life and their struggles to survive in the harsh Alaskan wilderness. It highlights their deep connection to nature and how they rely on it for their survival. The episode is a great introduction to the Kilchers and provides viewers with a glimpse of the unique lifestyle they lead.