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‘Wicked Tuna’: Dave Marciano Reveals Why Crew Has to Be ‘More Animated’ When Fishing on Camera

For some people, being on camera comes naturally. For Dave Marciano and the Hard Merchandise crew on Wicked Tuna, though, this wasn’t the case. Honestly, this isn’t all that surprising. After all, the men and women on fishing vessels tend to be pretty busy when they find a herd of bluefin.

From tying the line to baiting the hooks to finding that sweet spot in the water, the job requires their full attention during these crucial moments. However, once the cameras came along, Marciano and his crew had to learn how to multitask – well, even more than they already did.

Recently, Captain Marciano explained what it was like having to be on camera while on the water for the first time. Without the Wicked Tuna cameramen, the Hard Merchandise crew wouldn’t have to talk nearly as much, explaining each step they take and why. To these anglers, that was like rubbing your belly and patting your head at the same time. Marciano admitted that there was an adjustment period, as speaking to the cameras was something none of them had ever done before.

“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 told Discover Gloucester.

“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.”

‘Wicked Tuna’ Star Recalls How Camera Crew Described Filming Direction

While some fans of Wicked Tuna might be expert anglers themselves, many of them are novices with a basic understanding of the equipment and industry. Likely, if the Hard Merchandise crew and voiceover didn’t explain their actions, we would miss many crucial aspects that make the show as exciting and captivating as it is. So, in order to be sure that Marciano and his crew thoroughly narrate their tasks, a member of the camera crew offered a valuable piece of advice to the anglers.

“I remember early on, the cameraman said to me, ‘I want you to explain things to me like you would explain things to your youngest daughter,’” the Wicked Tuna recalled. “‘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.”

Years later, narrating on the boat comes naturally to the Hard Merchandise crew. Now, as they prep their lines and fiddle with their equipment, they know to clue in the audience. Even though Marciano explains his thought processes to the cameras, it’s likely he still pictures his youngest daughter beside him instead.