Lobster Wars

Winter's coming on strong in New England and the offshore lobster fishing fleet is preparing for another week on the high seas. Five boats steel themselves for the coming battle against the elements and the other boats laying their trawls on this crowded stretch of ocean.

A deadly storm screams toward the lobster fleet. The crew of the William Bowe is slowed by bad weather and their numbers are down. While the Rachel Leah loses a trawl to a huge snarl, the Timothy Michael steams 140 miles north, right into the storm.

After three days battling ocean storms, the Coast Guard is called in to rescue a seasick cameraman on the Direction.The Dragon Lady is still fighting its way into Georges Bank, while the Timothy Michael hits a snarl that almost sends two crew members overboard.

Approximately 150 miles out at sea, the Timothy Michael steams through the rough waters of Georges Bank on her way back to shore. Most of the fleet is home between trips and the crews are making the most of it. Captains and deckhands spend time with their families before heading out again.

Territory becomes more important than ever as all the boats struggle with disappointing catches, a situation that drives the Rachel Leah into dangerous shipping lanes. Fishing eventually picks up, especially for the Direction,but 14-foot seas spell near disaster for the Timothy Michael.

Racing to make their last days of the year really count, all the boats go into overdrive, but troubles and barren trawls plague them all except the Direction. Back in port, the Timothy Michael faces one last snag -- a Coast Guard inspection -- but all the crews earn the ultimate reward for their hard work: time at home with their loved ones.