Entry No. 6: Redemption

Today was a day of redemption aboard the Time Bandit.  Each member of the crew had been suffering due to the poor fishing.  I have been watching each of them closely as several days of bad luck have come and gone. When we are not filming the crews in their best light, like when the fishing sucks, the pressure on deck is increased by the presence of the camera.  As each empty pot came over the rail I continued to film, knowing that something was going to have to change soon. As I peered through my camera’s viewfinder, I reflected back to my past king crab seasons.  I thought about my time on the Maverick a couple of seasons ago.  I smiled as I remembered that we had hauled an amazing king crab pot filled with 100 “reds.”

Although the fishing has been horrible, Capt. Johnathan Hillstrand is a confident guy.  In this house-aft boat, he virtually overhangs the deck.  His face is visible to the crew at all times.  The crew looks to him for reassurance.  When they get frustrated they also provide emotional feedback that reminds him of his responsibilities to each of them.  He has been under a lot of pressure.  It is his job to put the pots on the crab.   As we steamed to our new location, I looked at the computer monitor and noticed that there were at least 90 pots waiting for us.  Johnathan had high hopes.  The guys geared up and hit the deck.

From the first throw of the hook, we knew that our luck had changed.  The first pots came up huge -- 80s ... Wow!  After the empty pots, these seemed incredible. But they were only the beginning.  As the tempo increased it became clear that we were really on the crab.  These pots had a good soak on them and we were sure to see some numbers. Still, I don’t think anyone would have guessed that the fishing was about to go from rock-bottom to all-time-best.  But that is exactly what happened.

The Time Bandit struck gold. More king crab has come over the rail in the last 24 hours than I have ever seen hauled onboard in one fishing session.  When a pot came over with 114 crab in it I was amazed, but the numbers kept getting bigger and the crab were all very large and clean. Pretty soon all of the pots had more than 100 crab in them. Two golden pots had captured an amazing 156 king crab.  Ninety pots later the Time Bandit’s crew had filled her hold and turned the bow toward harbor.

The crew, elated with the fishing, celebrated with gusto and cheer. I feel lucky and honored to have been aboard on the day that each man on the Time Bandit credits as his best day fishing ever.  Today the crew of the Time Bandit pulled 90 pots for an average of 114 crab each.  It is possible that none of us will ever see a string like that again.

Comments

[Alaina]

I am SO ecstatic that the Time Bandit has finally caught up! It was heartbreaking knowing that their pots were turning up nothing. Go Time Bandit! Catch those crab and keep your hopes up! You KNOW you can do it! Thanks for keeping the fans in check with what's going on, these diary entries are great!

[susan]

I watched the big catch on Deadliest Catch last night. I whooped-hope the lady upstairs wasnt mad! So glad the Time Bandit got the 900.00. They deserved it!

[Mike Islas]

Which boat caught the most crab overall to finish this king crab season, not the side bet the guys had? Missed last nights episode.

[Daytona McGrady]

I am sooo happy that the Time Bandit got the 900 bones...that Blake from the Maverick wanted! GO TIME BANDIT!

[JDW]

Does anyone know the music tracks that were played on the May 8,2007 episode? How do I find out this info. Thanks

[Zemi]

My family thinks this show rocks!! Time bandit is our favorite. I don't know if karma or God was smiling on Jonathon and crew after saving that man's life, but we are so happy they won the bet and impressed how he gave some of it back to charity. You guys deserved everything!! Great job!

[Bella]

Congratulations to Cap'n Johnathan and the Bandit Boys! They deserved that crab. Their rescue of Jason was the most compelling and wonderful thing I've ever seen. My heart was in my throat, as they say, and I was caught between tears and laughter for a good hour after the show. After seeing that, it suddenly doesn't matter that I'm allergic to crab. (It's ironic, because crab is the only seafood I really like), but it doesn't matter. Not after that rescue. That's what life is really about, that's what being heroic is really about. Best...Crab...Ever!

[Bnikki]

I clapped so hard when the Time Bandit started pulling in those enormous pots! Way to go! It was heartwarming to see Jonathan when he rescued the man who fell overboard! He sure has a heart - such a guy!!! This is definitely my favorite show on TV! I watch the same show at least 3 times every week I love it so much. Bravo to all the captains and crew members! Keep up the good work!

[Christine]

That was a really nice gesture making a donation to the families of the men lost. I have been trying to find out information on donations for the families for a while, but I don't seem to get a response. Between that act of kindness and saving saving a man from the sea your lives should go in a positive direction for some time to come. You are a very good, kind people, and the world could use a few more like you.

[Cassandra Feist]

Congratulations to Johnathan and the Time Bandits!!! You so deserve it! I have been blessed to have personally met Johnathan on a memorable visit to Alaska with a couple girlfriends 6 yrs ago. He took us Halibit fishing (caught the limit!) and had a blast doing it! Great memories. I can honestly say he's a wonderful, caring and generous guy. Way 2 go!

[Ronnie]

I am also looking for the Blues tune that was played at the end of this episode. Anyone?

[Sandy]

I know the blues tune at the end of the show was Stevie Ray Vaughn.

Great show. Love it. Totally addicted. I too was glad they got the $900.

[Bucknky]

watched the show for the 1st time last week....makes one appriciate the work for a seafood meal...next time i have crab leggs will remember how much work and danger goes to get them..and a prayer for those who are lost at sea..

[Cindy]

I love this show. It is my favorite show on TV. I really don't have a favorite fishing boat or crew as I think they are all spectacular. It amazes me what they do and for sure they deserve every penny they earn. I admire them all.

[zeke]

I would also like to know the blues tune also, I dont think it is srv because of the vioce, its a higher pitch than he could sing it actualy sounds like Doyle Brahamhall II,hes the son of doyle brahamhall the guy who wrote songs for and with srv.

[zeke]

the song is "Leavin'" by Indigenous
they are an indian blues band

[Eric English]

Can I get the name of the song and group that were played at the end of The Redemption episode? Thanks, Eric English...

can someone tell me what happened to mike fortner that was on the time bandit i liked him but he is not there anymore.i hope he is alright.

can someone tell me what happened to mike fortner that was on the time bandit i liked him but he is not there anymore.i hope he is alright.

WHAT HAPPEN TO MIKE FORTNER

[tyohnee]

I love the show. The northwestern is my favorite, however i love the other captains and crews. I also agree that the production crew should on all the ships should write journal entries, it shows yet a deeper story to the show, and enhances it much more. Please all production crew, enter journal entries, with your stories, I love them!!!

I too watch the re-runs, in addition to the show. I did however miss last nights season finale, I hope it airs again, as I was very dissapointed not to see it.

Thanks for all you do, and keep the shows coming!

God bless all the captains and the crews with safety and health.