Ep 12. Pineapple Mafia

In season 9, episode 12 of Wicked Tuna, titled "Pineapple Mafia," tensions are high as the competition heats up among the fishing crews. The episode follows the captains and their teams as they navigate the waters in search of the elusive bluefin tuna, which can fetch a high price on the market.

The first half of the episode focuses on the crew of the Pinwheel, led by Captain Tyler McLaughlin. The crew has been struggling all season to catch enough fish to stay afloat financially, and tensions are beginning to boil over. With only a few days left in the season, the Pinwheel heads out to the fishing grounds with a renewed sense of determination. However, they soon discover that they are not alone - another boat, the Hot Tuna, is fishing in the same area.

The Hot Tuna is captained by TJ Ott, who has been having a banner season so far. His crew has been consistently catching large fish, and they are currently at the top of the leaderboard. As soon as the Pinwheel pulls up next to them, tensions flare. The two crews exchange insults and accusations, each claiming that the other is encroaching on their territory.

Despite the animosity between the two boats, both crews manage to catch a few tuna before the day is over. The Pinwheel ends up with a slightly larger haul, and they go back to port feeling somewhat vindicated. However, they know that the competition is far from over.

The second half of the episode follows the crew of the Hard Merchandise, captained by Dave Marciano. Marciano is a seasoned tuna fisherman who has been in the game for over 30 years. His crew is made up of his nephew Jay and longtime friend Rick.

At the beginning of the episode, the Hard Merchandise is in last place on the leaderboard. Marciano is determined to turn things around, but he knows that they are running out of time. The crew heads out to the fishing grounds with a plan to catch a big fish and hopefully move up in the rankings.

Things start out slow for the Hard Merchandise, and they begin to feel discouraged. However, their luck changes when they spot a school of tuna jumping nearby. Marciano and his crew quickly maneuver the boat into position and drop their lines. After a few tense minutes, they hook a massive tuna.

The rest of the episode follows the crew as they struggle to reel in the fish. The tuna is incredibly strong, and it puts up a fierce fight. At one point, Jay falls overboard and has to be pulled back onto the boat by his uncle. Finally, after what seems like an eternity, the crew manages to get the fish on board.

When they weigh the tuna back at the dock, it is revealed to be one of the largest catches of the season. The Hard Merchandise moves up several spots on the leaderboard, and Marciano is elated. The crew celebrates their victory over dinner at a local restaurant, feeling grateful for the rewards that the sea has provided them.

In conclusion, "Pineapple Mafia" is a tense and exciting episode that showcases the competitive nature of tuna fishing. Despite the rivalries between the crews, each captain and their team share a deep love and respect for the ocean and the fish they catch. The episode is a great example of the camaraderie and challenges that the fishermen face, making it a must-watch for fans of the show.