Outer Banks Fishing Represented on the Discovery Channel

The Discovery Channel is currently airing Swords:  Life on the Line, a show about the high-risk world of longline fishing for sword fish in the dangerous waters off New England.

The show is captivating, with a lot of action and some great characters and storylines.  One of the most interesting storylines follows a boat from the Outer Banks…technically Wanchese.

Wanchese is part of Roanoke Island, tucked between the Outer Banks and the mainland; a short drive from the beach.  It is completely enclosed by sound waters and removed from the vacation activity of the beaches.  It is a charming, quiet and picturesque village that holds tightly to its fishing roots.

Swords follows Big Eye, and three other fishing vessels, as they catch the elusive prey.

You can tune in on TV, or you can watch full episodes online.

Here’s the description of the OBX boat and its crew from the Discovery Channel website:

Fishing Vessel: BIG EYE
Wanchese, NC

Capt. Chris “Chomps” Hanson is in significant debt over his dilapidated boat and he is willing to do anything to catch fish, including breaking every rule there is. The boat is owned by his fiancé Anna. She’s the youngest longline boat owner in the fleet.

The Big Eye is a 58-foot, house forward, fiberglass boat that’s seen better days. The name is worn on the front and rear and it’s obvious that the vessel has fished for a long time. It’s a cramped vessel with few luxuries onboard beyond those needed for catching fish. With the exception of the electronics in the wheelhouse, the aged interior matches the exterior, with the whole boat looking worn and worked in. Under the hood it’s a totally different story though — the engines have been tricked out by the boat’s new young captain. With time being money, the added speed gives this boat a slight advantage over its sluggish competition.

THE CREW:
Woody Montague, deckhand
John Weekes, deckhand
Matt Carter, greenhorn