Interview by Paul Salfen
The premiere of Wicked Tuna’s 11th season airs on National Geographic on Sunday, February 27th at 9/8c, and I thought you might be interested in having Captain Bob Cook of the Fat Tuna on your show on Thursday, February 24th or Friday, February 25th to discuss the premiere and what audiences can anticipate for the new season.
The bluefin tuna fishers of Gloucester, Massachusetts were put through the wringer last season, as they faced a pandemic that turned everything upside down. In Wicked Tuna’s newest season, the captains seek to get meat back on the deck, and rise above the challenges from last year. With buyers now open seven days a week, and payouts returning to pre-Covid prices, the captains feel the pressure to catch, and deliver “monstah bluefin” back to the docks. As the fishery looks to get back on its feet and markets stabilize, the captains must make up for last year’s low prices, and get out on the water to make a paycheck.
Every bluefin is as good as gold.
The new season of #WickedTuna starts Feb 27 at 9/8c on National Geographic pic.twitter.com/Ostwe0IfhV— Wicked Tuna (@WickedTuna) January 30, 2022
With a few Wicked Tuna seasons under his belt, Captain Bob Cook has his sights set on finishing ahead of all of his competitors. A successful businessman, Bob values efficiency and precision and employs a methodical style of fishing that allows him to focus on getting results and putting meat on the deck. His methods have proven success in the past, and as the market rebuilds from last season, Bob is determined to continue his run.
As captain of the Fat Tuna, Bob Cook has been fishing for bluefin for over 15 years, pulling in 30 or more fish each season. Although he usually ties up in nearby Beverly, MA,, he has fished around the Gloucester fleet for years, and he’s eager to dock alongside them this season and show them a thing or two. When he’s not commercial fishing, Bob runs a popular pizzeria. With a wife at home and a business to maintain, he needs to have a strong season, even if it means making a few enemies along the way.
