Ep 3. Bluefin or Bust

As the third episode of the first season of Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks, "Bluefin or Bust" follows Southern fishermen in their pursuit of the elusive bluefin tuna in the waters off of North Carolina. The episode opens with a quick recap of the captains and their boats, and their hopes for the season. Captain Greg Mayer, the newest addition to the Wicked Tuna cast, is introduced in this episode.

The captains set out early in the morning to start their day of fishing. They all have their own strategies for finding the bluefin, using sonar, spotting birds, and relying on their experience and gut instinct. Captain Tyler McLaughlin of the Pinwheel boat is in the lead, but the other captains are not far behind. The competition is tight, and tensions run high as each captain tries to outdo the others and land the biggest catch.

As the day progresses, some boats have more luck than others. Captain McLaughlin's strategy pays off when he lands the first catch of the day, a 200-pound bluefin. However, other captains struggle to find any fish at all. Captain Britton Shackelford of the Doghouse boat is frustrated when he sees other boats catching fish, but he can't seem to find any himself. Captain Mayer also has a slow day, catching only a small yellowfin tuna.

The stress and pressure of the competition take a toll on the captains. Captain McLaughlin, who is known for his hot temper, gets into a heated argument with a rival captain over fishing territory. Captain Tami Gray of the Reel Action boat becomes emotional when she struggles to catch a fish, feeling the weight of providing for her family and crew.

Towards the end of the day, things start to heat up. Captain Mayer finally catches a bluefin tuna, but it's not as big as he had hoped. Captain McLaughlin catches another bluefin, this time a much larger fish weighing in at over 400 pounds. This move puts him in the lead, and the other captains become even more determined to catch a big fish before the day is over.

In the final moments of "Bluefin or Bust," one captain pulls ahead with a monster bluefin tuna catch, while others still struggle to get even a single bite. The episode ends with a cliffhanger, as viewers are left wondering who will come out on top and take the lead in the competition.

Overall, "Bluefin or Bust" is a tense and exciting episode of Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of commercial fishing and the determination of the Southern fishermen who pursue this difficult and dangerous profession. With its stunning ocean views, high-stakes competition, and colorful cast of characters, this episode is a must-watch for fans of the show and anyone interested in fishing and the ocean.