Wicked Tuna is a hit reality show airing on National Geographic. The show features groups of fishermen in the North Atlantic who have to make the dangerous journey to haul in the elusive Bluefin with tons of pressure to succeed.
Wicked Tuna‘s success on the National Geographic channel, means that it has hauled in plenty of fans. One Wicked Tuna Star, Dave Marciano, explained what it’s like to be met with fans when returning to harbor.
Many of the captains get fans at their home port, who love watching the ships come in. The show has been on for ten seasons and continues to grow its fanbase. Marciano talked about the phenomenon in an interview with Discover Gloucester.
“It’s crazy! It’s something I never imagined happening, but it’s also been a blessing. Sometimes it can take 20 minutes for us just to get off the boat because people are lined up watching us come in,” he said. While its no doubt tiring after what must be an exhausting journey, Marciano expressed that he’s always happy about meeting with fans.
“Even on the days when we’re tired after a long trip, I’m always happy to meet with fans,” he said. “It’s been a very humbling experience, and it’s good for the community.”
Being on ‘Wicked Tuna’ Turned a Once Quiet Crew of Fishermen into Talkers
Before Wicked Tuna, Dave Marciano’s crew was allegedly quite quiet and focused, but “quiet” very rarely makes for good TV. Beuse of this, the fishermen had to turn up the volume.
“It’s always a challenge. Before Wicked Tuna, we were quite reserved when we were fighting fish – we were focused, we wouldn’t say much at all,” Marciano explained to the publication. “Once we started filming, we had to learn to become more animated because we were making a television show, and we had to get into the habit of explaining what we’re doing and why we’re doing it.”
Apparently, this wasn’t easy at first. It takes a lot to get someone to change their ways, and explaining things is hard. But apparently, a conversation with. a cameraman where Marciano was told to explain what he was doing like he was explaining something. to his young daughter really helped. Marciano recounted a bit of that conversation.
“Remember the viewers may not know anything about commercial fishing; it’s your job to help people understand what’s going on.’ That really stuck with me,” he said.
Wicked Tuna certainly draws in viewers who know nothing about commercial fishing, but love to learn. That’s why it’s gathered an audience of both young and older viewers. If you want to check out Wicked Tuna for yourself, you watch it on Disney+.
