‘Wicked Tuna’ on National Geographic ‘The Numbers War’ recap

Tonight's episode of “Wicked Tuna” the special breed of fishermen from Gloucester, Mass. is titled "The Numbers War." It is week three and so far three boats have each caught two bluefin tuna. The Pin Wheel with arrogant captain Tyler is in the lead with $12,275, Hard Merchandise is second with $11,896 and FV-Tuna.com, last year's winner in third with $10,744.

The Bounty Hunter, yet to catch a fish, but deckhand Scott is dedicating his season to his father who he lost to cancer just two months ago. They are taking out a group of amateurs who chartered his boat. It is difficult to catch fish with amateurs aboard, but hopefully they will have a good time and catch a few.

Captain Dave Marciano is headed with the Hard Merchandise to his honey hole again in Stellwagen Bay. Captain Dave Carraro hopes to find his lucky spot too. They have equipment to keep track of the best places to fish and where others have caught good fish. Dave saves them on his tracker. Tyler wants to try different things, not by staying in the same spot; it is too boring.

An amateur fisherman catches a tuna, but it is too small to keep, a few pictures, and back in the sea. Another bite, and another baby, they must be on a school, as the third one comes up to say hi and good-bye within minutes. Suddenly, there is another on the line, and this is no shortie. Having amateur fishermen on board is tough, and the fish pulled the hook out by not keeping the line tight. It could have been a $10,000 fish, but that is why they call it fishing and not catching.

Dave is looking on the spotter with no luck, finally they hook one as Jason works to bring it in; then the fish pulls the hook, and Jason is no amateur.

Captain Ralph of the Odysea goes to his honey hole and finds the FV-Tuna.com in his spot. The name-calling and yelling ensue, but Dave stands his ground. The Bounty Hunter has another one on the line, but it gets away. The fish are pretty smart today.

Tyler is using a method called a green stick, to have multiple lines of bait with a hydraulic reel that pulls in the fish as soon as they bite. It is expensive because it is trolling and must be keeping the boat running as it drags the bait across the shallow water. Sure enough, it works as they bring one aboard that weighs 144 pounds and pays $15 per pound for a bounty of $2,160.

The Bounty Hunter is hoping to reel in their first fish of the season, but nothing is biting.

The FV-Tuna.com had no luck where they were yesterday, although they were accused of taking the Odysea's honey hole. So today they are in Ipswich Bay. They see lots of birds and whales, and that is a good sign, because there is feeding and the tunas usually follow the whales. Finally, the reel is spinning as the Bounty Hunter watches through binoculars. Sandro got the harpoon in him, and they pull him aboard. Back to the dock, he weighs 308 and goes for $20 for a total of $6,160.

Bounty Hunter is getting up early and heading to Ipswich Bay. As FV-Tuna.com heads in, Captain Dave sees them on their same numbers. Dave text messages him; thanks for fishing on my numbers. Just then, the Bounty Hunter gets a bite as Dave watches from afar. As the fish nears the boat, Captain Ralph misses twice with the harpoon, but finally gets him, and they bring him in; right on Dave's numbers. He weighs in at 183, and goes for $20 and brings in $3,660.

Now the standings have changed; FV-Tuna.com leads with three fish and $16,904. Second place with three fish is Pin Wheel with $14,435. Hard Merchandise has two and $11,896 with Bounty Hunter with one for $3,660. As the fishing is getting better more "Wicked Tuna" are sure to be caught.