New Discovery Series ‘Harpoon Hunters’ Debuts, Showcasing Cape Cod’s Tuna Quest

“Harpoon Hunters,” a new Discovery TV series set in Cape Cod, premieres on January 24 at 9 p.m. The show depicts the fierce competition among harpooners hunting Atlantic bluefin tuna. Captain Niko Chaprales, starting this tradition at a young age, provides insights into the intense challenges faced by these fishermen, while honoring his late father’s legacy in the industry.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Cape Cod, a new Discovery Channel series titled “Harpoon Hunters” will launch on January 24. This reality show dives deep into the exhilarating pursuit of Atlantic bluefin tuna, following passionate harpooners as they engage in a fierce competition each summer.

Among these dedicated fishermen is Niko Chaprales from Bourne, captain of the boat Ezyduzit. He began his harpooning journey at just nine years old, wielding an electrified 10-foot spear designed for catching these magnificent fish. Chaprales captures the essence of this ancient fishing method, saying, “To think that this type of fishing has been prevalent for literally hundreds of years, and here I am in 2024, knowing that I have the same kind of feeling that these guys back in that day had.”

The competitive spirit runs high on Cape Cod, where generational families vie for the chance to reel in the best bluefin tuna, each potentially valued at a staggering $10,000. “You have a very small quota, and you have all these guys competing for the same fish,” Chaprales explains, highlighting the intensity and scarcity of their target.

Mastering the art of harpooning involves an array of techniques, one of which is tracking the elusive “splash”—every ripple and disturbance in the water could indicate a nearby tuna. Acutely aware that proximity is key, Chaprales often struggles to make precise throws from a distance of 10 to 12 feet, requiring skill and intuition to anticipate the fish’s movement.

Niko’s passion for harpooning was ignited by his father, Bill, a respected harpooner committed to the rights of his craft. Though Bill passed away in 2022, his legacy endures through Niko’s crew and the Ezyduzit. “It’s surreal to have a crew that was trained by my father on a boat that my father made,” Chaprales reflects, cherishing the continuity of their shared dedication to fishing.

Tune in to witness the thrilling adventures of Chaprales and his fellow harpooners when “Harpoon Hunters” premieres on January 24 at 9 p.m. on the Discovery Channel, celebrating the rich heritage of fishing on Cape Cod.

The upcoming series “Harpoon Hunters” explores the high-stakes world of bluefin tuna fishing on Cape Cod, illuminating the challenges and traditions of this age-old pursuit. Captain Niko Chaprales embodies the spirit of the harpooners as he honors his father’s legacy while competing for prized catches. Viewers can expect intense competition and emotional depth when the show debuts on January 24 at 9 p.m. on Discovery.

Original Source: www.capecodtimes.com