Deadliest Catch has captivated viewers for over 15 years, providing an inside look at the thrilling and dangerous world of Alaskan king crab fishing. One of the most popular reality shows on television, Deadliest Catch follows brave fishermen aboard fishing vessels in the treacherous Bering Sea during the stressful king crab season.
While the show provides drama and insight into the crab fishing industry, many fans are left wondering – just how long does the king crab season last? Here’s a deep dive into the length of the season and why it can vary from year to year
Overview of the King Crab Season
The Alaskan king crab season generally takes place between October and January each year. During this period, boats head out to catch their lucrative quota of giant red king crab and smaller opilio crab.
The king crab season kicks off in October as crews race to haul in their share of red king crab. This is the most valuable crab, with individual crabs weighing up to 15 pounds each. The red king crab season lasts 6-8 weeks.
After a short break, the boats head back out in January to target opilio crab, also known as snow crab. Smaller in size, opilio crabs are still highly sought after. The opilio crab season lasts around 3-4 weeks.
So in total, the Alaskan crab season spans 3-4 months from start to finish. However, a number of factors can impact exactly how long crews are able to fish each season.
Why the Length Varies
The king crab season usually begins in early October and wraps up by late January. But several elements can alter the exact dates and length of the season each year:
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Crab Quotas – State wildlife agencies set quotas that limit the total amount of crab that can be caught If quotas are lowered, the season may be shortened
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Crab Supply – Poor hauls and low crab populations may force fisheries managers to impose an earlier closing date.
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Weather Conditions – Stormy, freezing weather can create unsafe fishing conditions, shortening the viable season.
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Boat Breakdowns – Mechanical issues can force boats off the water for repairs. This cuts into fishing time.
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Captain’s Choice – Some veteran captains may choose to finish fishing early if quotas are met quickly.
So while a typical king crab season on Deadliest Catch lasts 3-4 months, the unpredictable nature of crab fishing means it could be slightly longer or shorter each year.
How Long are Crab Fishing Trips?
During the crab season, boats don’t remain at sea continuously for the full 3-4 months. Instead, most vessels take shorter trips that last several weeks at a time.
The standard crabbing trip for boats featured on Deadliest Catch is about 3-4 weeks. The crew heads out to their fishing grounds, catches crab for several weeks straight, and then returns to port to offload.
After a brief break of a few days, the boats then head back out for another multi-week trip. This cycle continues, with 1-2 weeks of fishing followed by a short break, until the season ends.
Some boats choose to take longer trips, staying out for 5-6 weeks straight or more. Other captains prefer quicker trips of just 2-3 weeks. It comes down to the captain’s preference and what works best for that vessel.
But during the height of crab season, the fishermen featured on Deadliest Catch can expect to spend 4-6 weeks at a time living and working aboard their boats, facing rough seas and brutal weather conditions along the way. The show documents this challenging lifestyle.
Grueling Lifestyle of a Crab Fisherman
While viewers only see a fraction of the crab season on Deadliest Catch, the fishermen endure the grueling season for months on end.
Crews usually take a couple months off around May to September to recharge and repair their boats before the crab season ramps up again. But even during the offseason, it takes hard work and preparation to get ready for the next year.
Once that first October trip arrives, the fishermen enter an intense period of nonstop work and perilous fishing that consumes their life for the next 3-4 months. It’s a demanding career that keeps crab fishermen at sea far away from home for weeks at a time during the Alaskan winter.
Deadliest Catch may only showcase a small snapshot, but the full king crab season requires grit, determination, and sacrifice during the most dangerous months of the year. Experienced fishermen have what it takes to survive and thrive in this risky profession season after season.
So while the crab season may seem short from a viewer perspective, it represents the most pivotal and challenging period of time for Bering Sea fishermen each year.
How long is crab season on ‘Deadliest Catch?’
Many reality shows make fans ask, “Was that real?” from their perspective couches. However, theres not much to script on Deadliest Catch, especially when theyre navigating the scary Bering Sea waters. While those watching at home would rethink being immersed in a deadly sea, the Deadliest Catch fishermen consider the sea their second home, as they spend a lot of time in the water during the year.
Deadliest Catch follows the fishermen during the busy crab season between October and January. The October season marks the king crab season and lasts until the January opilio season. The season could sometimes last longer, causing the fishermen to endure harsh winds, shorter days, and being away from loved ones for longer.Article continues below advertisement
Wrapping Up King Crab Season | Deadliest Catch | Discovery
FAQ
How long is the king crab season?
The season typically runs from October to January, with the peak harvest happening in October and November.Oct 1, 2024
Why do they cut king crab season short?
Several theories for the precipitous drop in the crab population have been proposed, including overfishing, warmer waters, and increased fish predation. As a result, the current season is very short and in the 2010 season, only 24,000,000 pounds (11,000,000 kg) of red king crab were landed.
How long is the Alaskan Opilio crab season?
Opilio, or snow crab, is generally fished in the new year and into the early spring. The season runs through May. Alaska Department of Fish and Game area management biologist Ethan Nichols said nine vessels are actively participating in the Bering Sea commercial fishery.
Why was the Alaska King Crab season closed?
The closure of the fishery in 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 was a necessary pause after mature female biomass plummeted to concerning lows.Oct 2, 2024
Can you catch a king crab on ‘Deadliest Catch’?
You can come aboard the “Aleutian Ballad” crabbing vessel as seen on season 2 of the Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch”. Depart Ketchikan Alaska for a 3 hour trip to catch king crab, snow crab, octopus, fish, prawns and more. This tour also features some of the best eagle viewing on the planet.
How long is Deadliest Catch crabbing season?
With a typical season of Deadliest Catch ranging anywhere from 10 to 23 episodes a year, it’s only a minimal look at the many months that the men and women are out at sea. Typically, the crabbing season lasts between October and January. Of course, weather conditions and the amount of resources in the seas can alter the total length.
Is ‘the Deadliest Catch’ about the Alaskan king crab?
The Discovery Channel’s “The Deadliest Catch” highlights the dangers faced by Alaskan fishermen while fishing for crabs. The show has given the Alaskan king crab a dramatic allure, and the fatality rate of Alaskan fishermen, due to drowning and hypothermia, is one of the highest among workers, according to the Department of Labor Statistics.
Will ‘Deadliest Catch’ continue?
Almost two decades into its small screen run on Discovery, “Deadliest Catch” continues to thrill reality TV fans with its exploration of the high-stakes world of Alaskan king crab fishing. And if the current season’s success is any indication, the Bering Sea-set reality series will likely keep doing so for many more to come.
How long do Alaskan king crabs stay at sea?
Additionally, depending on the fisherman, their time at sea can change. As conditions are ever-changing, the Alaskan King Crab website reveals that crews can typically be out for three to four weeks at a time before unloading and doing it all over again.
How long can a king crab crew be out?
As conditions are ever-changing, the Alaskan King Crab website reveals that crews can typically be out for three to four weeks at a time before unloading and doing it all over again. They have to follow certain legal requirements, such as only keeping the male Alaska King Crab, and quota limits are strictly enforced.