It’s opening day of the Outer Banks bluefin season, and the captains battle it out to make the season’s first catch.

After colliding with Bonner Bridge, Captain Marciano and Captain Griffin struggle to regroup. The boats are banged up, but it’s too early to tell whether they can salvage their seasons or if they’ll have to hang up their rods.

Charlie Griffin joins the crew of the Reels of Fortune before picking up his boat from the mechanics. Later, the northern captains play a prank on Tyler McLaughlin.

Fishin' Frenzy have a slight lead over Reels of Fortune; Hot Tuna asks Reel Action for assistance; Doghouse is relying on their greenhorn to bring in the catch.

At the start of the 11th day on the water in North Carolina, treacherous winter weather in the Outer Banks fishing grounds forces captains to push their limits. Southern boat Reels of Fortune holds a meager lead over last year’s local champion Fishin’ Frenzy, while northern boat Hard Merchandise and local all-female team Reel Action have yet to catch a fish.

In North Carolina’s bluefin tuna fleet, family is at the forefront of the fight to fish hard and make money. On Fishin’ Frenzy, First Mate Nick Gowitzka faces a family emergency unfolding on land that tests his resolve on the water. And Captain Dave Marciano of Hard Merchandise draws on the support of his wife and daughter far away in Gloucester, Massachusetts, as well as a local family fishing operation to help him get through his slump.

In this episode of Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks, seven crews face the Outer Banks hoping to reel in a fish big enough to keep. But with the luck they have had, prospects are not looking so good. The Fishin’ Frenzy crew lucks out with a big catch and cashes in. With barely a bite, the Doghouse is forced to head in and trust that another day at sea will bring them a big catch. The Hot Tuna crew hopes that their dry spell will end and, with the final reel, they catch one of their largest tuna yet, cashing in over $9,000 for it.

With the North Carolina season coming to a close and Reels of Fortune battling Fishin’ Frenzy for the top spot, all of the crews desperately struggle to land a fish and secure a paycheck. The Reel Action crew fights to catch up but takes a serious blow when they snag a shark; Tyler and Paul lose a “monstah” paycheck; and Dave and the crew of Hard Merchandise attempt to finally end their dry spell, or they’ll have to cut the season short and head back to Gloucester.

With just five days left before the close of the season, the fleet is feeling the pressure. An accident leaves the Reel Action stuck at the dock, giving Captain Tami and her crew a late start, and tensions onboard reach a boiling point. Meanwhile, the Doghouse and Fishin’ Frenzy have the top spot in sight and are scrambling to keep catching before time runs out. And Captain Griff on the Reels of Fortune finds himself in a dangerous situation while navigating Oregon Inlet — a battle where experience and quick thinking are all that stand between life and death.

It’s the final two days of the season, and three Southern boats — the Fishin’ Frenzy, the Reels of Fortune and the Doghouse — are all within striking distance of the top spot. As the clock ticks down, the captains are desperate to put meat on deck. The stakes have never been higher: one pulled hook means disaster, but one last catch can mean going home a champion.