>> male narrator: THE
MISSISSIPPI RIVER. SHE'S GOT ALL KIND
OF NAMES OUT THERE. THE BIG MUDDY.
OLD BLUE. THE MIGHTY MISS.
BUT FOR THOSE OF US WHO LIVE AND WORK OUT THERE...
>> WE CALL HER HOME. LOVING THIS RIVER'S
LIKE LOVING A WOMAN. >> WHOA!
>> narrator: I MEAN, SHE'S BEAUTIFUL.
SHE'S COMPLICATED. >> MITCH!
>> narrator: JUST WHEN YOU THINK YOU GOT HER FIGURED OUT...
BOY, SHE'S GONNA SURPRISE YOU... >> LET'S GO!
>> narrator: AND YOU RUN AFOUL OF HER...
>> OH, [bleep]! >> MAN OVERBOARD, MAN OVERBOARD!
>> SHE'LL REACH UP THERE AND DROWN YOU.
>> narrator: THE LAST ICE AGE ENDED ABOUT 10,000 YEARS AGO.
GLACIERS MELTED, AND MASS AMOUNTS OF WATER
CAME RUSHING SOUTH, CUTTING THROUGH ALL THE LAND
AND DEBRIS, AND THAT'S WHAT CREATED
THIS RIVER. NATIVE-AMERICANS
WERE USING THESE WATERS A COUPLE THOUSAND YEARS
AGO FOR HUNTING AND GATHERING. IN FACT,
THEY CALLED HER "MIZZIZZIBBI," WHICH MEANS "GREAT RIVER,"
AND THESE WATERS HAVE LIVED UP TO THAT NAME.
BY THE 1800s AND WITH THE INVENTION OF STEAM BOATS,
OLD MISS HAD BECOME THE MOST VALUABLE MODE
OF TRANSPORTATION IN WHAT WOULD BECOME THE UNITED STATES.
SHE RUNS 2,300 MILES LONG, FROM HER HEADWATERS IN MINNESOTA
THROUGH THE NATION'S HEARTLAND, ALL THE WAY
DOWN TO THE GULF OF MEXICO. SHE'S ALWAYS BEEN
THE MAIN ARTERY THAT KEEPS THE COUNTRY PUMPING,
AND TODAY, THE GREAT RIVER MOVES HALF A BILLION TONS
OF GOODS AND EXPORTS EACH YEAR. MIDWAY DOWN THE RIVER,
YOU'LL FIND THE GATEWAY TO THE WEST
AND ALSO TO COMMERCE ON THE MISSISSIPP.
IT'S ONE OF THE BUSIEST INLAND PORTS IN ALL THE UNITED STATES:
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI. ALONG HER BUSTLING BANKS...
>> ALL RIGHT, GUYS, LET'S GO. >> narrator: A TUGBOAT CAPTAIN
AND HIS CREW ARE SETTING OUT ON A NEW MISSION.
>> YOU NEED TO GET YOUR THONG PACKED UP
AND READY FOR THAT TRIP. >> OOH!
[bleep] SLAMMED YOU, DIDN'T SHE?
>> HEY, BRYANT, ARE YOU THERE? >> [bleep],
YOU DESERVED THAT ONE. >> narrator: WHILE THE CREW
LIKES TO ENJOY A FEW LAUGHS, MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT,
THIS IS SERIOUS BUSINESS. CAPTAIN BRYANT TUBBS IS A THIRD
GENERATION SON OF THE RIVER. HIS FAMILY'S BEEN TUGGING BOATS
OUT OF THE ST. LOUIS HARBOR SINCE THE GREAT DEPRESSION.
>> MY GRANDPA WAS A CAPTAIN, MY DAD, AND THEN MYSELF.
THERE'S A LOT OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR ME
TO LIVE UP TO THAT EXPECTATION THAT WAS LEFT TO HIM.
>> narrator: BRYANT KNOWS THESE WATERS LIKE THE BACK
OF HIS HAND, AND THERE AIN'T NO JOB
HE AND HIS TUG CAN'T DO. >> RESCUE SUNKEN BOATS, PEOPLE,
RECOVER A FEW BODIES, AND I MOVE CARGO
UP AND DOWN THE RIVER. NO JOB TOO SMALL OR TOO BIG.
WE'LL DO IT ALL. WHAT'S UP, MOOSE?
GOOD TO HAVE YOU BACK ON THE BOAT, MAN.
OLD MOOSE BACK ON THE BOAT. HAD HIM AWAY FOR A WHILE,
BUT NOW HE'S BACK. >> I'M GLAD TO BE BACK
ON THE CREW. IT REALLY FEELS
LIKE IT'S AT HOME, YOU KNOW? GETTING BACK INTO THE GROOVE.
IT'S BEEN A WHILE. HERE YOU GO, CAP.
>> ALL RIGHT. >> BEEN A MINUTE SINCE I'VE BEEN
IN THE WHEELHOUSE. >> LAST HOUSE MOOSE WAS
IN WAS IN THE BIG HOUSE. >> YEAH.
PENITENTIARY WASN'T EASY, BUT IT'S...
>> AIN'T EASY. >> IT'S--IT'S NECESSARY
SOMETIMES. >> [laughs]
AND WE ARE READY TO GO. [horn blaring]
WE ARE HEADED TO KAMPSVILLE, ILLINOIS,
TO PICK UP THE OLD<i> AMERICA.</i> BRING IT BACK HERE TO ST. LOUIS.
THE BOAT'S BEEN SITTING FOR QUITE A WHILE.
>> narrator: TUBBS IS TAKING HIS TEAM ON AN 80-MILE JOURNEY
UPSTREAM TO ILLINOIS TO BRING BACK A RIVERBOAT
THAT'S BEEN STUCK FOR YEARS. >> WE JUST GOT THE CALL
AT MIDNIGHT LAST NIGHT TO LEAVE TO GO GET IT,
SO WE GOT A DEADLINE, AND THIS PROBABLY
THE WORSEST POSSIBLE TIME TO DO A JOB LIKE THIS
BECAUSE OF THE WATER SO HIGH. >> WE'RE AT FLOOD STAGE
RIGHT NOW IN THIS AREA WE'RE AT. IT'S ABOUT 7 MORE FEET
OF THE WATER GONNA BE UP ON THE--UP
ON THE--THE ROADS, AND THOSE CARS WON'T BE ABLE
TO TRAVEL LIKE THEY ARE. >> narrator: IN ANY GIVEN YEAR,
THE WATER LEVEL ON THE MIGHTY MISS CAN RISE
OR FALL BY 15 FEET OR MORE. THE CYCLE STARTS EVERY WINTER.
HER HEADWATERS AT THE NORTHERN TIP FREEZE UP.
THAT SLOWS THE RIVER FLOW AND KEEPS THE WATER LEVEL
SHALLOW IN THE SOUTH, AND THIS YEAR WAS ONE OF
THE COLDEST WINTERS ON RECORD. BUT WHEN SPRING CAME,
THE FROZEN WATERS THAWED, AND RIVER SURGE
WENT RUSHING SOUTH, THE KIND THAT HADN'T BEEN
SEEN IN A GENERATION. AND RIGHT NOW,
THAT WATER IS RUSHING INTO ST. LOUIS.
SHE'S COMING WITH A HEAD OF STEAM
AND PUTTING THE PRESSURE ON BRYANT TUBBS AND HIS CREW.
>> PRETTY TREACHEROUS WITH THE HIGH WATER THAT WE GOT.
THE BOAT THAT WE'RE GOING TO GET IS ACTUALLY SO BIG THAT IT
WON'T FIT UNDER MOST BRIDGES. SO WE HAVE TO--WE GOT TO REALLY
CHECK ALL OF OUR CLEARANCES AND SEE WHAT WE HAVE.
>> narrator: WITH EACH PASSING HOUR, THE WATER RAISES X FEET.
IF TUBBS DOESN'T GET THIS JOB DONE ON SCHEDULE,
IT COULD BE A ONE-WAY TRIP. >> WE WON'T MAKE THE BRIDGES
IF WE'RE NOT BACK HERE WITHIN A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME.
WE'LL BE STUCK UP HERE, AND WE WON'T BE ABLE TO DO NOTHING.
>> I GOT MY TRUSTY BIBLE. KEEP MY BIBLE IN MY BAG
WITH ME, SO I SAY A PRAYER AT NIGHT FOR
MY CREW AND--AND OUR EQUIPMENT. WE ALL MAKE IT HOME SAFE.
[horn toots] >> narrator: WHILE TUBBS
AND HIS CREW ARE WATCHING THE RISING WATERS
WITH A CLOSE EYE IN ST. LOUIS, IT'S A DIFFERENT LOOKING RIVER
DOWN IN LOUISIANA. AT THE SOUTHERN TIP
OF THE MISSISSIPPI, THOSE HIGH WATERS
HAVEN'T REACHED YET. IN FACT, A RAIN DROP
THAT FALLS IN MINNESOTA TAKES 90 DAYS
TO TRAVEL ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE END IN LOUISIANA,
AND DOWN AT THE BOTTOM, IT'S A WHOLE DIFFERENT RIVER.
>> I SEE ONE RIGHT THERE, EDDY.
GRAB HIM. THERE YOU GO.
>> THEY ALL OVER UP IN HERE, BOY.
>> WHOO, HOO, HOO! >> narrator: THE SHALLOW WATERS
ARE A GOOD THING FOR A COUPLE OF AMBITIOUS FROG HUNTERS.
>> DAMN, BOY, THAT'S GOOD RIGHT THERE.
LOW WATER'S GOOD FOR FROGGING. THE FROGS EVERYWHERE.
THEY ALL OVER IN THE CANAL, 'CAUSE THAT'S THE ONLY PLACE
THEY GOT WATER... >> WATCH WHAT YOU DOING, MAN.
IT'S PRETTY LOW. >> BUT IT'S BAD FOR MY BOAT.
>> WHOA, WHOA, WHOA, WHOA! >> DAMN.
BIG MUDDY AIN'T STUCK. SHE JUST CAN'T GO ANY FURTHER.
>> BACK IT UP! >> narrator: GARY SHAMPON
AND EDDY FRAZIER ARE LONGTIME FRIENDS
WHO SPENT A LOT OF THEIR TIME TOGETHER ON THE RIVER.
>> WATCH YOUR HEAD, EDDY. >> OH, THERE YOU GO, BOY.
>> GOLLY, BOY, [bleep]. THAT'S A FROG.
>> THAT'S LIKE A DANG-- THAT'S LIKE A DRUMSTICK.
GROWING UP DOWN HERE IN THE DELTA,
MOST KIDS WANTING TO GO OUT AND PLAY FOOTBALL
AND CHASING AFTER WOMEN. I'M CHASING FROGS
AND CATFISH, 'CAUSE THEY FREAKING EASIER TO CATCH.
>> narrator: BUT IT AIN'T JUST FUN AND GAMES.
>> THERE IS NO BETTER TEAM THAN ME AND MY BOY EDDY.
HE DOESN'T SAY MUCH, AND I TEND TO SAY
A LITTLE TOO MUCH. >> HMM.
>> narrator: THEY'RE CATCHING FROGS ON A MISSION.
>> SINCE THE FIRST TIME WE STARTED FROGGING,
GARY AND I HAD THIS DREAM, YOU KNOW, OF STARTING
OUR OWN SEAFOOD COMPANY. >> narrator: FROG LEGS ARE A
$40 MILLION BUSINESS IN THE U.S. >> THAT'S THE OTHER,
OTHER WHITE MEAT. >> narrator: IT ALL STARTED
IN THE 17TH AND 18TH CENTURIES WHEN FRANCE OCCUPIED LOUISIANA.
BOY, THEY LOVED THEM FROG LEGS. IN 1803,
A LITTLE FELLA NAMED NAPOLEON SOLD THE LOUISIANA PURCHASE
TO UNITED STATES, BUT WHILE THE FRENCH
MAY BE GONE, THE LOVE OF FROG LEGS
IN THESE PARTS STAYED. >> GOT YOU!
THAT'S HOW YOU DO IT, BOY! >> narrator: EVERY FROG
THAT GARY AND EDDY SNAG IS WORTH ABOUT 5 BUCKS.
THAT CAN ADD UP REAL QUICK. >> AROUND THESE PARTS,
THEY KNOW ME AS GARY SHAMPON... >> RIGHT THERE.
>> BUT IF ALL THIS GOES RIGHT WITH THIS COMMERCIAL FISHING
BUSINESS... >> WHOO, OOH.
>> MIGHT BE CALLING ME GARY CHAMPAGNE.
YOU KNOW? GET HIM, GET HIM, GET HIM.
GRAB HIM. BOY, GRAB HIM.
>> RIGHT THERE! THAT'S HOW YOU DO IT, BOY!
>> YEAH. >> narrator: BUT FOR THESE BOYS,
THE CLOCK IS TICKING. >> EDDY AND I GOT A BIG ORDER
FOR ZYDECO'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT. 1,000 FROGS IS A GOOD LITTLE BIT
OF FROGS, YOU KNOW, BUT WE CAN HANDLE IT.
OH, LOOK AT THE NUTRIA, THOUGH. NUTRIA RAT, RIGHT THERE.
THAT'S GOOD EATING. I TELL YOU WHAT, EDDY.
IF I WASN'T SO WORRIED ABOUT GETTING THIS ORDER FILLED,
I GET HIS ASS. THAT MAKES SOME FINE EATING
FOR TOMORROW NIGHT. >> THAT'S THAT CRO-CRO THERE.
>> THAT IS THE BEST ONE SO FAR. >> narrator: TO GET 1,000 FROGS
AND MEET THEIR ORDERS BY TOMORROW...
>> WE IN THE PROMISED LAND NOW, BOY.
>> narrator: GARY AND EDDY HAVE NO ROOM FOR ERROR.
>> LOOK AT THAT GREEN. THAT IS THAT GOODNESS.
GOT THE FLAVOR. THAT'S WHAT OLD BOY WANTS.
HE DON'T WANT NO BULLFROGS. HE WANTS THEM CRO-CROS.
THAT MAN IS GONNA BE HAPPY ABOUT THAT.
ABOUT TO FILL THIS ORDER TONIGHT.
>> narrator: BUT ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER,
ERROR HAS A FUNNY WAY OF SHOWING UP
WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT. >> MAN, IT'S STARTING
TO COME DOWN. I DON'T MIND
GETTING A LITTLE WET, BUT I'M STARTING
TO SEE LIGHTNING, YOU KNOW? >> narrator: IF THEY CUT BAIT
BEFORE THEY FILL THEIR FROG ORDER,
THEY COULD BE OUT OF BUSINESS BEFORE THEY EVEN GET STARTED.
>> I DON'T LIKE GETTING ELECTROCUTED.
I AIN'T TRYING TO DIE. >> WALLER, GO OVER THERE
AND CUT YOU DOWN ONE OF THE PALMETTO LEAVES, MAN,
AND STICK THAT SON OF A [bleep] UP OVER YOUR HEAD,
AND LET'S GO GET THESE FROGS. >> DAMN, AIN'T NO GOOD, MAN.
THE HUNT IS ON. GOT TO KEEP LOOKING.
OH, LOOK RIGHT THERE. GOT A LOG RIGHT HERE.
>> LIKE<i> LAST OF THE MOHICANS</i> RIGHT HERE, MAN.
>> GOT TO MAKE 'EM COUNT WHEN IT'S LIKE THIS, MAN.
YEAH. NICE ONE ON THE BANK.
NICE ONE ON THE BANK. GET THAT LAST FROG UP HERE, BOY.
>> WHOO-WEE! >> I TOLD YOU!
WE'RE GOOD TO GO. AND IT IS STARTING TO [bleep]
COME DOWN. WE REALLY HAVE TO GO.
>> YOU'RE ACTING LIKE A LITTLE [bleep].
WE NEED TO GET THESE DAMN FROGS. >> WE GOT TO GO.
WE GOT TO GO. GO AHEAD, HARD.
>> HURRY UP! >> WHOA, WHOA, WHOA!
>> WHOA, WHOA! WATCH YOURSELF, NOW!
>> PULL THE TRUCK UP. >> [shouts]
>> narrator: DOWN AT THE BOTTOM OF THE MISSISSIPPI...
>> GET THAT LAST FROG UP HERE, BOY.
>> narrator: THESE FROG CATCHERS MAY HAVE THEIR HAUL...
>> LET'S ROLL. >> narrator: BUT THEY AIN'T GOT
OUT OF THE WOODS YET. >> WHOA, WHOA, WHOA!
>> WHOA, WHOA! WATCH YOURSELF, NOW!
>> PULL THE TRUCK UP. >> [shouts]
TRUCK UP! [bleep] DAMN.
PULL THE TRUCK UP, MAN. IT'S SINKING.
GO AHEAD SLOW. STEADY AND SLOW.
GO AHEAD. GO, KEEP GOING.
KEEP--WHOA. THE LONGER THE BOAT
IS UNDERNEATH THE WATER, THE WORSE IT'S GONNA BE.
>> HURRY UP BEFORE IT'S LODGED ANY DEEPER!
>> GO AHEAD, HARD. [tires squeal]
>> NOPE, POPPED. >> OH, [bleep].
HE A SON OF A [bleep]. GIVE ME SOME CHAIN.
RIGHT THERE, RIGHT THERE. GRAB IT.
THAT'LL WORK. HOW TO UNSINK YOUR BOAT 101.
>> FREAKING EVEL KNIEVEL RIGHT HERE.
>> COINCIDENTALLY, I'M GIVING A SEMINAR ON THE SAME NIGHT
AS HOW TO SINK YOUR BOAT 101. SHOW YOU HOW TO SINK IT
AND UNSINK IT ALL IN THE SAME NIGHT.
Y'ALL LIKE IT LIKE THAT? >> narrator: IT
WAS A LONG NIGHT, BUT THESE BOYS GOT THEIR FROGS,
AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, THEY DIDN'T LOSE THEIR BOAT.
>> GOT MY DAY PLANNED OUT FOR ME TOMORROW, BOY.
>> narrator: ON THE OLD MISS, WE CALL THAT A WIN.
>> I NEEDED TO WASH EVERYTHING OFF IN HERE ANYWAY.
GOT TO CLEAN YOUR BOAT OUT EVERY NOW AND THEN.
>> narrator: THERE'S ALL KINDS OF WAYS TO MAKE A LIVING ON
THIS RIVER. THAT IS, IF YOU'RE WILLING
TO WORK FOR IT. WAY BACK UP IN WISCONSIN,
ONE MAN'S TRYING TO MAKE IT ALL ON HIS OWN.
>> A FEW MONTHS AGO, I LOST MY JOB.
IT'S BEEN REALLY TOUGH TO MAKE ENDS MEET.
THAT'S WHY I'M OUT HERE. I JUST NEED A CHANGE.
I FEEL STUCK. I FEEL TRAPPED.
I JUST WANT TO PROVE THAT I CAN MAKE A LIVING ON THIS RIVER
AND NOT HAVE TO WORK SOME CORPORATE 9:00 TO 5:00.
I DON'T HAVE A LOT OF STUFF. I DON'T NEED A LOT OF STUFF.
I HAVE PLENTY OF BLANKETS. GOOD SLEEPING BAG HERE.
I GOT ENOUGH TO LAST ME A GOOD WEEK
BEFORE I HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT FENDING FOR MYSELF.
>> narrator: MOST FOLKS IN HIS SITUATION
MIGHT JUST GIVE UP, BUT MATT MOHLKE SEES
AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A LIVING THE WAY HE ALWAYS DREAMED OF.
>> GOT A LITTLE RIVER TOWN COMING UP HERE.
SEE IF I CAN MAKE SOME MORE MONEY.
POOL IS TO THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI
WHAT FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS IS TO THE SOUTH.
EVERYWHERE YOU GO AROUND WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA,
IOWA, THERE'S ALWAYS MONEY ON THE TABLE.
>> narrator: GAMBLING'S AN AGE-OLD TRADITION OUT HERE
ON THE MISSISSIPPI. FROM THE DAYS OF PROHIBITION
TO THE PRESENT DAY RIVERBOAT CASINOS,
THERE'S ALWAYS MONEY TO BE MADE. >> I MADE A FAIR CHUNK
OF CHANGE HUSTLING POOL. I'VE ALSO LOST A FAIR CHUNK.
IT'S TOUGH TO MAKE A LIVING AT IT.
EVERYBODY THINKS THEY'RE MINNESOTA FATS,
BUT I NEED TO PROVE TO MYSELF THAT I CAN MAKE IT WORK.
RAFT IS THE BEST WAY TO GO OUT HERE.
I LEAVE SILENTLY. I COME INTO TOWN.
I SNEAK IN, AND AT THE END OF THE DAY,
I GOT THE RAFT SITTING HERE ON THE SHORE.
I HOP IN, HOP OUT. NOBODY EVEN KNOWS I WAS THERE.
YOU READY? YOU MIND HANGING BACK A LITTLE?
WE DON'T KNOW EACH OTHER. >> narrator: MATT'S HEADING
INTO A BAR WITH A POOL TABLE AND HIS FIRST CHANCE
TO SEE IF HE CAN MAKE HIS DREAM OF MAKING A LIVING
ON THE RIVER COME TRUE. >> [speaking indistinctly]
THIS IS A [bleep] JOKE. >> THIS GUY'S PERFECT.
THE BIGGEST THING ABOUT THIS KIND OF HUSTLE THING,
YOU GOT TO KNOW HOW TO PICK OUT YOUR MARK.
>> THIS IS MY HOUSE. LIKE I TOLD YOU
BEFORE THE GAME STARTED, BUDDY. >> HE'S DRINKING LIKE A FISH.
HE THINKS HE'S THE BEST PLAYER IN TOWN,
AND HE'S GOT A POCKET FULL OF MONEY.
GUY THINKS HE'S INVINCIBLE. THIS IS THE KIND OF GUY
I CAN GET A LOT OF MONEY OFF. >> MONEY IN THE [bleep] BANK.
HOW ABOUT MORE DRINKS WITH THAT, ALL RIGHT?
>> I'M GONNA GO MAKE SOME MONEY. HEY, HOW'S IT GOING?
CAN I PLAY YOU? >> HOW YOU DOING, BUDDY?
WHAT YOU GOT? >> I DON'T WANT
TO PLAY FOR MORE THAN $5. >> ALL RIGHT, YOU CAN PUT
YOUR BIG GIRL PANTS ON. WE CAN START WITH $5 AND SEE
WHERE IT LEADS TO FROM THERE. MONEY RIGHT THERE.
RACK 'EM UP. >> NO PROBLEM.
>> narrator: WHILE MATT'S GETTING STARTED ON HIS ONE-MAN
JOB, 80 MILES NORTH OF ST. LOUIS...
>> ALL RIGHT, BOYS, HERE SHE IS. >> narrator: BRYANT TUBBS
AND HIS TUG CREW ARE ARRIVING FOR A JOB
OF THEIR OWN. >> GET HER DOWN SOUTH.
GET HER BACK TO THE YARD. >> narrator: THEIR MISSION
IS TO PICK UP AN OLD BOAT NAMED THE<i> AMERICA</i>
THAT'S BEEN DOCKED FOR YEARS. >> TIME TO GET RIGHT!
>> TRYING TO GET ALL THE TETHER AND WIRES
AND EVERYTHING OFF OF IT. CUT THIS OLD DREDGE PIPE.
THEY USE THIS HERE FOR STABILITY.
WATCH OUT NOW. HERE WE GO.
>> GIVE ME SOME LIGHT. >> narrator: BUT BEFORE THEY
CAN GET THIS BOAT HOME, THEY GOT TO GET HER LOOSE.
>> GUARD RAIL. LITTLE BIT FURTHER.
THERE IT IS. SHE'S IN THE WATER.
>> narrator: WITH THE BOAT FREE FROM LAND...
>> SO WHAT WE HAVE TO DO IS GET THE BARGE CENTERED
UP RIGHT BEHIND THE BOAT. >> narrator: TUBBS'S NEXT MOVE
IS TO HITCH THIS 185-FOOT DINOSAUR
TO THE FRONT OF HIS BARGE... >> WHAT WE GOT?
>> narrator: AND PUSH IT ALL THE WAY BACK DOWN SOUTH
BEFORE THE OLD MISS'S WATERS GET TOO HIGH.
>> WE'RE CONCERNED. WE WANT TO GET OUT OF HERE
BECAUSE THE RIVER'S COMING UP, AND WE'RE GONNA
HAVE ISSUE WITH THE BRIDGES. IT WON'T FIT UNDER MOST BRIDGES.
I'M READY TO GO THERE, JAY. >> COMING OFF.
COMING OFF. >> LOOK AT THIS.
LOOK AT IT GO. [horn blaring]
>> HERE WE GO. START HEADING SOUTH.
SEE HOW SHE GET-- DOES GOING SOUTH.
>> narrator: A FEW MILES DOWNRIVER...
>> LOOK OUT THERE. LOW CLEARANCE.
>> narrator: THE TUBBS BOYS MEET THE FIRST CHALLENGE...
>> GET DOWN HERE WHERE THIS BRIDGE IS.
WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE GONNA CLEAR.
>> narrator: A VERTICAL-LIFT BRIDGE THAT CAN ONLY LIFT
SO FAR. >> DID YOU SAY YOU GOT 70 FEET
OF CLEARANCE ON THAT? >> PLUS 16 FEET.
GOT TO MAKE SURE WE GOT ENOUGH HEADSPACE
FROM THE TOP OF THIS BOAT TO THE EXTENDED HEIGHTH
OF THAT BRIDGE, BECAUSE WE DON'T REALLY KNOW,
BECAUSE NOBODY'S EVER-- EVER DONE THIS WITH THIS--
THIS BIG OF TOW. >> WE AIN'T GONNA MAKE IT.
>> narrator: THE MISSISSIPPI. SHE'S A DIFFERENT RIVER
DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU'RE STANDING.
UP NORTH, THE WATER LEVELS ARE HIGH,
BUT THE SURGE HASN'T MADE IT DOWN SOUTH JUST YET,
LEAVING SHALLOW WATERS. REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU'RE
IN MINNESOTA, LOUISIANA, OR ANY OF THE OTHER TEN RIVER
STATES IN BETWEEN, THIS IS A NEW RIVER
WITH NEW OPPORTUNITIES. BUT TO REALLY CASH IN,
THERE'S A LOT MORE HARD WORK TO BE DONE.
AND, YOU KNOW, AT THE SOUTHERN TIP OF THE MISS,
THE LOW WATERS OF THE RIVER HAVE GARY AND EDDY
SITTING ON A BOATLOAD OF FROGS, AND AT $5 A POP,
THEY'RE ABOUT TO MAKE A KILLING. >> AW, YEAH.
>> YEAH. IT DON'T GET
NO BETTER THAN THAT. >> NO, MAN, THOSE ARE PRETTY.
OOH. >> YES, INDEED.
LET'S LOAD THEM THINGS UP. >> COME ON.
>> OH, DUDE. >> COME ON.
>> MAN. >> GIVE YOU SOME CASH HERE, MAN.
>> YEAH, MY FAVORITE PART. >> MY LEAST FAVORITE PART THERE.
>> OH, YEAH. >> I GOT ANOTHER JOB
FOR YOU, THOUGH. CATFISH.
>> THAT AIN'T NO PROBLEM. >> 1,000 POUNDS.
>> OH, YEAH. WHEN YOU NEED THAT FOR?
>> END OF THE WEEK. >> WE CAN DO THAT.
>> YOU CAN GET IT? >> OH, YEAH.
>> I GOT TO HAVE IT, MAN. IF NOT, YOU GOT TO LET ME KNOW.
I'M GONNA HAVE TO GET IT FROM SOMEBODY ELSE.
>> YOU AIN'T GOT TO WORRY ABOUT THAT, MAN.
IF I TELL YOU IT'S EASTER, PARTNER, YOU CAN DYE THE EGGS.
YOU HEAR ME? >> I HEAR YOU, MAN.
>> ALL RIGHT, BUD. >> I'M GONNA SEE Y'ALL
IN A WEEK. >> YES, SIR.
FRIDAY MORNING. BRIGHT AND EARLY.
>> BE THERE. >> THAT'S YOU.
>> MAN, WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?
>> WHAT? >> 1,000 POUNDS OF CATFISH
IN A WEEK. WE DON'T EVEN HAVE NETS, MAN.
THAT'S TYPICAL GARY FOR YOU. HE SPEAKS BEFORE HE THINKS.
>> DON'T WORRY ABOUT NOTHING. IT'S GONNA BE ALL RIGHT, MAN.
THIS IS SOMETHING THAT ME AND EDDY
BEEN WANTING TO DO SINCE WE WAS KIDS.
IF YOU WANT TO MAKE A DOLLAR IN THIS WORLD,
YOU GOT TO TAKE SOME RISKS. >> narrator: GARY AND EDDY
MAY HAVE JUST GONE IN OVER THEIR HEADS.
BACK UP IN ILLINOIS... >> GOT TO MAKE SURE
WE GOT ENOUGH HEADSPACE FROM THE TOP OF THIS BOAT
TO THE EXTENDED HEIGHTH OF THAT BRIDGE.
>> narrator: THE TUBBS CREW ARE HOPING THEY WON'T
LOSE THEIR OWN GETTING UNDER THIS NEXT BRIDGE.
>> DID YOU SAY YOU GOT 70 FEET OF CLEARANCE ON THAT?
>> PLUS 16 FEET. THIS BOAT SHOULD BE
IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE ST. LOUIS AREA.
THEY BROUGHT IT UP HERE WHEN THE WATER WAS LOW
AND DIDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEM THROUGH THESE BRIDGES,
BUT NOW THE WATER'S HIGH. >> WE AIN'T GONNA MAKE IT.
>> PULL HER UP, JAY. WHAT YOU GOT?
>> narrator: WITH THE MEASUREMENTS TOO CLOSE
TO CALL... >> WE'RE ABOUT 86,
87 FEET, BOSS. >> ALL RIGHT, GO AHEAD AND KNOCK
THAT FLAGPOLE DOWN RIGHT QUICK. >> narrator: THE SKIPPER TAKES
OUT A LITTLE INSURANCE POLICY. >> IT'S GONNA BE SO TIGHT
GOING DOWN THROUGH HERE. I NEED THEM TO TAKE DOWN
THE FLAGPOLE. >> WHOA, WHOA, WHOA, WHOA!
>> WE GOT IT. >> WELL, WE'RE GONNA
EASE ON DOWN THROUGH THERE, SO, MOOSE, I WANT YOU TO STAND
IN THE MIDDLE, AND YOU TALK ME DOWN
THROUGH THERE. >> ALL RIGHT, YEAH.
OOH. YOU PROBABLY NEED TO GO
TO THE PORT JUST A LITTLE BIT THERE TO BE JACK STAFF, BRYANT.
THERE YOU GO. THERE'S YOUR BRIDGE.
OH, YEAH, BABE. >> I SEE IT, MAN.
WE GOT ALL KINDS OF ROOM UP THERE, MOOSE.
YOU CAN'T EVEN DUNK THAT HIGH. [horn toots]
WE JUST CLEARED ONE BRIDGE. FOUR MORE TO GO AND ONE LOCK.
>> narrator: WITH EVERY PASSING HOUR, THE RIVER
IS INCHING HIGHER... >> WE GOT 83 FEET
AND ZERO ON THE GAUGE. >> narrator: MAKING
CLEARING EACH BRIDGE EVEN TOUGHER THAN THE LAST,
AND AS THE TUBBS CREW APPROACHES HOME SWEET HOME...
>> OUR MAIN CONCERN IS THE MERCHANTS BRIDGE
IN ST. LOUIS RIGHT NOW. >> narrator: THEY COULD BE DEAD
IN THE WATER. >> THIRD DECK IS AT 20 FOOT.
ADD IN THAT-- >> WELL, WE GOT ANOTHER 8 FOOT
YOU ADD TO THAT FOR THE RADAR, OR 9 FEET.
IT'S 62 FEET OF OPEN CLEARANCE, AND WE'RE AT 71 FEET.
THAT'S NOT GONNA CLEAR THAT BRIDGE.
>> narrator: 9 FEET OVER CLEARANCE.
IF THE BOYS TRY TO GO UNDER THIS BRIDGE,
THEY'LL BE MAKING THE BOAT INTO A CONVERTIBLE.
>> JUST LET YOU KNOW THAT WE'RE NOT
GONNA MAKE THE ST. LOUIS BRIDGE. THERE AIN'T GONNA
BE ENOUGH CLEARANCE. >> THAT'S THE--THAT'S THAT ONE
I WAS TALKING ABOUT. >> WE'RE GONNA HAVE TO COME UP
WITH A PLAN B. HEY, COME ON UP HERE
FOR A MINUTE? >> narrator: A MAN ON THE RIVER
HAS GOT TO BE ABLE TO ACT QUICK, AND CAPTAIN TUBBS HAS A PLAN.
>> WE NEED TO CUT THAT [bleep] OFF THE TOP.
>> THAT RADAR? >> YUP.
>> I DON'T THINK THAT'S GONNA BE ENOUGH.
>> I'M GONNA GO AHEAD AND JUST MAKE
AN EXECUTIVE DECISION ON THIS. IF WE JUST CUT IT OFF,
AND THEN IF IT DOESN'T WORK, THEN THAT'S GONNA BE BAD ON ME.
>> YEAH, IT'S GONNA BE BAD ON ME IF I'M THE ONE ON LOOKOUT.
>> JUMP FORWARD. >> JUMP FORWARD?
MAN, THAT'S 30 FEET. >> CUT IT OFF.
GET THE TORCH UP THERE. GET IT READY TO GO.
GET IT CUT. >> ALL RIGHT.
WE'LL GET IT DONE, MAN. >> ALL RIGHT.
>> narrator: WITH THE WATER LEVEL ONLY GETTING HIGHER...
>> LOOK OUT BELOW! >> THE TUBBS BOYS GIVE THE OLD<i>
AMERICAN</i> ANOTHER HAIRCUT... >> ALL RIGHT.
I'MA GET IN POSITION. >> AND HOPE A LITTLE OFF THE TOP
WILL BE ENOUGH TO GET UNDER THE BRIDGE IN ONE PIECE.
>> I DON'T KNOW IF-- IF WE--
IF WE HAD IT CORRECT. >> THIS THE MOMENT
OF TRUTH RIGHT HERE. IF WE DON'T MAKE THIS BRIDGE,
IT'S GONNA TAKE THIS WHEELHOUSE OFF WE'RE STANDING ON,
AND I AIN'T TRYING TO DIE TODAY. >> EVERYTHING CAN GO WRONG.
WE CAN TURN OVER. SINK THE BOAT.
WHAT'S THE CLEARANCE THERE? >> YEAH, IT MIGHT HAVE--OOH.
AIN'T LOOKING GOOD, BRYANT. WE NEED TO GET DOWN, MAN.
GET DOWN, GET DOWN, GET DOWN. GET DOWN, GET DOWN.
>> narrator: OUTSIDE OF ST. LOUIS...
>> GOT SOME CLEARANCE THERE? >> YEAH, IT MIGHT HAVE--OOH.
>> narrator: BRYANT TUBBS AND HIS CREW HAVE GOT
TO GET UNDER ONE LAST BRIDGE TO BRING AN OLD BOAT HOME.
>> WE AIN'T GONNA MAKE IT. >> AIN'T LOOKING GOOD, BRYANT.
WE NEED TO GET DOWN, MAN. GET DOWN, GET DOWN, GET DOWN.
GET DOWN. >> [shouts]
>> OH, GOD. GET THE HELL
AWAY FROM THERE, MAN. I DON'T GIVE A DAMN.
OH, [bleep]. 30 WIDE.
WE'RE UNDER IT. >> ALL RIGHT.
>> 25 WIDE. THAT'S CLOSE.
DAMN. OOH, GIVE ME--
GIVE ME THE SHAKES. WE MADE IT.
WE MADE IT! >> IT START TO LOOK BAD
DOWN THERE? >> OH, YEAH.
MAN, THAT WAS--THAT WAS CRAZY. WHOO!
>> THAT WAS REAL CLOSE. WAY TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT.
>> narrator: TUBBS TOOK A BIG GAMBLE...
>> BEAUTIFUL PIECE OF NAVIGATION.
>> NAVIGATING MOTHER[bleep]. >> narrator: AND THIS TIME
IT PAID OFF. >> HOME FREE, MAN.
HOME FREE. MONEY IN THE BANK.
>> narrator: BACK UP NORTH, OFF THE RIVER IN WISCONSIN,
THE STAKES COULDN'T BE HIGHER FOR A POOL HUSTLER
LOOKING FOR A PAYDAY OF HIS OWN. >> I'M CALLING
SEVEN IN THE CORNER. >> narrator: MATT MOHLKE'S
FOUND HIS MARK... >> UGH.
DAMN. >> THANK YOU, SIR.
>> narrator: HAS CASH ON THE TABLE AND A GAME UNDERWAY.
>> DANG IT. DOGGONE IT.
>> [laughs] >> HERE.
GOOD SHOT, GOOD SHOT. >> narrator: A LOT OF POOL
HUSTLERS COME THROUGH THIS PART OF THE RIVER...
>> ALL RIGHT. >> YOUR SHOT.
>> ALL RIGHT. >> narrator: BUT IF YOU
WANT TO BE ONE OF THE PLAYERS THAT STICKS AROUND...
>> UGH. >> narrator: YOU BEST KNOW
THE GOLDEN RULE... >> I DON'T EVEN THINK
YOU GONNA GET A SHOT, BUDDY. >> narrator: YOU GOT TO MAKE
THE OTHER GUY BELIEVE HE'S THE ONE IN CONTROL.
>> HEY, GOOD SHOTS. HEY, YOU WANT A DRINK?
>> YOU BUYING, I'M DRINKING. >> ALL RIGHT.
>> LET'S PLAY ANOTHER ONE. THAT'S ALL YOU [bleep] GOT
OR WHAT? >> I GOT THIS GUY RIGHT
WHERE I WANT HIM. HE IS HOOKED.
>> IT'S TOO EASY. THANKS FOR THE DRINK, BUDDY.
>> NICE BREAK. YOU DON'T WANT
TO JUST RUN TABLES AND SHOW OFF. AH, I GOT LUCKY THERE.
>> DECENT. I'VE SEEN BETTER.
>> YOU GOT TO HAVE A LITTLE TACT
JUST TO GET HIM A LITTLE COCKY. GET HIM WARMED UP.
GET HIM READY TO PLAY FOR SOME REAL MONEY.
>> YOU DECENT. >> AH, WHAT ARE WE PLAYING FOR?
>> DOUBLE OR NOTHING. >> ONCE HE DOES THAT, IT'S ON.
>> ARE YOU KIDDING ME? REALLY?
>> YEAH, I'M GETTING LOOSE. WHOO!
>> ARE YOU [bleep] KIDDING ME? >> I'M GETTING LOOSE, DUDE.
>> "LET'S PLAY A LITTLE BIT MORE MONEY," HUH?
>> YOU BEAT A GUY TOO BAD, YOU END UP THE ONE
IN THE PARKING LOT BLEEDING AT THE END OF THE DAY.
OOPS. >> [laughs]
COME ON, MAN, REALLY? >> I'LL PLAY YOU ANOTHER ONE.
>> MONEY RIGHT THERE. >> YOU WANT TO WIN FIVE GAMES.
THE OTHER GUY'S FOUR. BUT THAT ONE AT THE END,
THAT'S THE MONEY GAME. >> WOW.
WOW, ARE YOU [bleep] KIDDING ME?
JESUS [bleep] CHRIST! WHAT THE [bleep]?
>> ALL RIGHT, ONE MORE? DOUBLE OR NOTHING?
>> DOUBLE OR NOTHING. HERE, RIGHT THERE.
>> ALL RIGHT. ALL RIGHT.
>> MONEY ON THE TABLE. >> RACK 'EM UP.
I'M UP QUITE A BIT, AND I'M ABOUT TO UP A LOT.
WHOA, I'M SO DRUNK. I'M TAUGHT, DUDE.
THAT CANADIAN WHISKEY'S THE BOMB.
>> ARE YOU [bleep] KIDDING ME? >> HEY, MAN, I THINK I NEED TO
PLAY DRUNK MORE OFTEN. THIS IS--
>> REALLY? >> YEAH, I'M GETTING LOOSE.
WHOO! >> WOW.
>> ALL RIGHT, ONE MORE, MAN. LET'S PLAY FOR--
>> WOW. >> WANT TO PLAY FOR ANOTHER?
>> NO. SO--NOT--NOT THIS BULL[bleep]!
>> WHOA, WHOA. >> NOT THIS [bleep] [bleep]!
>> narrator: IN A WISCONSIN POOL HALL...
>> THIS IS A [bleep] JOKE. >> I'LL PLAY YOU ANOTHER ONE.
>> narrator: MATT'S GOT SOME MONEY IN HIS POCKET
AND EVEN MORE SITTING ON THE TABLE.
>> I'M UP QUITE A BIT, AND I'M ABOUT TO BE UP A LOT.
WHOO! >> narrator: BUT YOU KNOW WHAT
THEY SAY ABOUT BEST LAID PLANS. >> WOW.
>> ALL RIGHT, ONE MORE, MAN. LET'S PLAY FOR--
>> WOW. >> WANT TO PLAY FOR ANOTHER?
>> NO. SO--NOT--NOT THIS BULL[bleep]!
>> WHOA, WHOA. >> NOT THIS [bleep] [bleep]!
ALL RIGHT? >> ALL RIGHT, ALL RIGHT.
>> ALL OF A SUDDEN, YOU SO GOOD? >> WELL...
>> WELL, [bleep] IT. MY MONEY, COME ON.
>> DOUBLE OR NOTHING? >> DOUBLE OR NOTHING, HUH?
>> YEAH, COME ON. I'LL BUY YOU A DRINK, DUDE.
RACK 'EM UP. I'LL BUY YOU A DRINK.
I'LL BE RIGHT BACK, ALL RIGHT? >> [bleep], UM...
>> I'M NOT-- >> [bleep] IT, [bleep] IT.
DOUBLE OR NOTHING. >> ALL RIGHT.
>> GIVE ME A DRINK. >> YOU NEED ONE?
>> YEAH, I DEFINITELY-- I ALWAYS NEED ONE.
>> DOUBLE WHISKEY? >> DOUBLE OR NOTHING.
GET IT RIGHT THERE. >> ALL RIGHT.
THIS GUY'S GETTING PISSED. HE JUST--HE JUST SNAPPED
HIS POOL CUE RIGHT IN HALF. HE'S IN THE BATHROOM RIGHT NOW.
I MEAN, [bleep], YOU COULD STAB SOMEBODY
WITH THAT. >> narrator: MATT SEES A BIG
SCORE READY FOR THE TAKING... BUT IT AIN'T ALWAYS THAT SIMPLE.
>> WHERE WE GOING? >> BACK TO THE RAFT.
I MADE A FEW BUCKS OFF HIM. TIME TO GO.
IF I STAYED ANOTHER 20 MINUTES, I MIGHT END UP WITH MY ASS
KICKED. PART OF THIS WHOLE DEAL
IS, YOU GOT TO KNOW WHEN ENOUGH IS ENOUGH,
AND IT WAS TIME FOR ME TO GO. >> narrator: OUT ON THE RIVER,
A MAN'S GOT TO KNOW WHEN TO TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN,
AND YOU ALSO GOT TO KNOW WHEN THE IRON'S HOT
AND IT'S TIME TO STRIKE. ALL THE WAY DOWN AT THE SOUTHERN
END OF THE RIVER IN LOUISIANA... >> ALL RIGHT, BUD.
THIS NET OVER HERE-- I AIN'T SEE NO HOLES IN THERE.
SO WHERE THE HELL WE GONNA SET THESE THINGS OUT AT?
>> narrator: A PAIR OF FISHERMAN ARE FIRED UP AND GETTING READY
TO GO. >> THIS WHEEL RIGHT HERE?
PRETEND LIKE THAT'S LAKE SALVADOR, ALL RIGHT?
ALL THOSE FISH ARE GONNA BE COMING OUT OF THAT DEEP WATER
AND THE LAKE--WILL BE GOING IN-- IN THESE SHALLOW CANALS AND
STUFF LIKE THAT TO GO SPAWN. ALL THESE FISH OUT HERE,
THEY GONNA SMELL THE BAIT. THEY GONNA COME ON UP IN THERE,
AND THEY GONNA GET IN THEM NETS. IT'S GONNA BE GOOD.
COME ON, MAN. >> narrator: GARY AND EDDY
HAVE TAKEN ON A 1,000 POUND CATFISH ORDER,
AND THEY'VE ONLY GOT ONE WEEK TO GET IT FILLED.
>> I'VE NEVER CAUGHT 1,000 POUNDS OF CATFISH IN ONE WEEK,
BUT I AIN'T EVER TRIED EITHER. TAKE IT EASY WITH 'EM NOW.
CATFISH, HERE WE COME, BOY. >> MOVE ON, BOY.
>> YEAH. >> narrator: CATFISHING
IS ONE OF THE OLDEST JOBS ON THE MISSISSIPPI,
AND TODAY, THIS ONE RIVER SUPPLIES 95%
OF THE COUNTRY'S CATFISH. AT A GOING RATE
OF 4 BUCKS A POUND, IT'S A $450 MILLION
A YEAR BUSINESS, AND WITH THAT KIND OF MONEY
AT STAKE... >> SWEET LITTLE SPOT RIGHT HERE.
>> narrator: GARY'S GONNA BE READY FOR ANYTHING.
>> HOLD ON, MAN. LET ME LOAD THIS THING
RIGHT QUICK. >> PEOPLE TAKE THEIR CATFISH
VERY SERIOUSLY AROUND THESE PARTS.
>> GOT CRAZY PEOPLE OUT HERE. YOU GOT WILD ANIMALS.
THE FACT IS, I'M JUST NOT COMING OUT HERE WITHOUT A GUN.
THERE'S A LOT MORE TO CATFISHING THAN JUST BAITING A HOOK.
IF IT WAS THAT EASY, EVERYBODY OUT HERE WOULD BE DOING IT.
YOU GOT TO KNOW THE HABITS OF THESE FISH.
>> RIGHT UP OVER THERE LOOK LIKE A GOOD LITTLE SPOT
FOR SOME NETS. >> YOU GOT TO HAVE IT FACING
THE RIGHT WAY WITH THE CURRENT. CATFISH ALWAYS SWIM
AGAINST THE CURRENT. YOU GOT TO HAVE THE FUNNELS
ON THAT NET FACING DOWNSTREAM... ALL RIGHT,
GO AHEAD DROP THAT WEIGHT, EDDY. ON TO THE NEXT ONE, EDDY.
>> LET'S ROLL, MAN. LET'S ROLL.
>> 'CAUSE WHEN THAT CATFISH ARE SWELLING
UP AGAINST THAT CURRENT... >> RIGHT UP AROUND
OVER HERE LOOKS PRETTY GOOD. >> THEY'RE GONNA SWIM RIGHT ON
UP IN THERE FOLLOWING THE SMELL OF THAT BAIT.
LITTLE CAT FOOD. LITTLE BIT
OF SOME SPECIAL STUFF. LITTLE BIT OF THIS OLD
FUNKY MEAL RIGHT HERE. KIND OF NASTY,
BUT THE CATFISH LOVE IT. OOH, YOU RINSE YOUR HANDS OFF,
AND YOU CAN STILL SMELL THAT STUFF.
IT STINK. THAT'S ONE MORE.
YES, SIR! DROP IT.
>> COME ON, BABY. FILL UP WITH CATFISH.
WE'RE READY TO GET YOU. >> narrator: AS THE LAST
OF THEIR NETS GO IN THE WATER... >> FEW MORE TO GO.
ABOUT TO POP THAT SNAKE RIGHT THERE.
[gunshot] >> HE GONE.
>> THEM SNAKES'LL BITE YOU, MAN. THEY GET UP IN YOUR NET
AND GET ALL YOUR FISH TOO. >> narrator: ALL THE BOYS
HAVE TO DO NOW... >> DROP THAT NET.
>> narrator: IS WAIT. >> LET'S GET OUT OF HERE.
>> SOUNDS GOOD TO ME. >> TO FILL THIS ORDER,
WE NEED ALL THESE NETS TO COME UP FULL.
WE'LL BE GOOD TO GO. WHAT'S UP, FRIEND?
CATCHING ANY FISH? >> WHAT THE [bleep] IS THIS?
THIS IS MY CANAL. >> YOUR CANAL, MY ASS.
YOU AIN'T GONNA DO NOTHING. >> narrator: IN THE LOW WATERS
OF LOUISIANA... >> 500 POUNDS, FIRST NET.
YOU READY? >> narrator: CATFISHERMEN GARY
AND EDDY ARE FIXING TO PULL UP THEIR FIRST NETS...
>> HEY, I GOT MY FINGERS CROSSED, MAN.
WE'RE GONNA DO IT. >> CROSS YOUR TOES TOO.
>> narrator: WITH HIGH HOPES OF FILLING A 1,000-POUND ORDER.
>> YEAH, GARY'S ALWAYS THINKING ABOUT THE DOLLAR SIGNS,
BUT IT'S GONNA BE HARD WORK TO TRY AND GO GET 1,000 POUNDS
OF CATFISH. >> YOU EVER READ THAT BOOK
BY WILLIAM FAULKNER, <i>LIGHT IN AUGUST?</i>
>> NAH. >> WELL, MAN,
YOU NEED TO READ IT. IT'S ABOUT THE QUALITY OF LIGHT
IN AUGUST, LIKE, IN THE DEEP SOUTH,
YOU KNOW? WE KIND OF GOT A BIT
OF THAT LIGHTING GOING ON TODAY. >> LAST COUPLE YEARS
SINCE I HAD ALL MY KIDS, ALL I'VE BEEN READING
IS SPONGEBOB BOOKS AND-- AND--AND DR. SEUSS AND--
>> OH, MAN. YOU NEED TO READ SOME DAMN--
SOME HEARTY LITERATURE, YOU KNOW?
>> narrator: THEIR NETS HAVE BEEN SOAKING FOR 12 HOURS NOW,
RESTING ON THE BOTTOM OF SOME OF THE FINEST FISHING
WATERS IN THE AREA, BUT SPOTS LIKE THESE
ARE GETTING HARDER AND HARDER TO FIND ON THIS END
OF THE MISSISSIPPI... >> THE WETLANDS
DOWN HERE ARE ERODING. THE LAND'S SINKING.
>> narrator: LEVEES WERE PUT IN OVER A HUNDRED YEARS AGO
TO KEEP THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI FROM BEING FLOODED,
BUT THAT CAME WITH A PRICE. >> THE GULF IS JUST
GETTING CLOSER AND CLOSER TO US DOWN HERE.
IT'S LIKE IT'S JUST A CANCER. IT'S JUST EATING THE LAND.
>> narrator: BY SLOWING DOWN THE FLOW OF THE RIVER,
THE SEA WATER FROM THE GULF OF MEXICO
HAS BEEN INVADING THE LAND. >> AREAS THAT ONCE WERE FRESH
WATER TURNED INTO SALT WATER. >> narrator: DOWN HERE,
THE SWAMPLANDS SHRINK A FOOTBALL FIELD'S
WORTH EVERY SINGLE HOUR, AND THAT'S MAKING
THE WATERS MIGHTY CROWDED. >> I TRY TO RESPECT
OTHER PEOPLE'S FISHING GROUNDS AND BOUNDARIES,
BUT LESS PLACES TO FISH MEANS LESS TERRITORY,
AND EVERYBODY'S FIGHTING FOR IT. >> THERE'S THE FISHERMAN RIGHT
THERE. YOU NEED TO FOLLOW HIM,
THAT BLUE HERON. >> YEAH.
THIS IS IT RIGHT HERE. HUH, EDDY?
>> narrator: THEY'RE BACK ON THEIR NETS.
>> ALL RIGHT, ALL RIGHT. GOT A GOOD FEELING ABOUT IT,
MAN. >> COME ON, MAN.
LIFT THAT BABY UP. >> HOLD ON.
I DON'T FEEL NOTHING. >> GOLLY.
EMPTY. >> NOT WHAT YOU WANT TO SEE.
HUH. MAN.
LET'S GET ON TO THIS NEXT NET UP HERE.
>> AS MUCH CATFISH AS WE NEED, IT BETTER HAVE SOMETHING IN IT.
>> WHAT THE [bleep]? YOU BELIEVE THAT?
>> THAT'S UNREAL. THERE AIN'T NO BAIT.
>> UH-UH. SOMETHING AIN'T RIGHT
ABOUT THIS. THERE HAD TO BE FISH IN HERE,
EDDY. SOMETHING ATE ALL THE BAIT.
>> COME ON, BABY, BE FULL. >> DUDE, THIS DON'T MAKE
ANY SENSE, EDDY. DAMN.
>> [bleep] DAMN, MAN. [bleep].
>> DUDE, WE DON'T HAVE A SINGLE FISH YET.
I DON'T UNDERSTAND. THERE AIN'T HARDLY ANY BAIT
LEFT IN THERE, BUT THERE AIN'T NOTHING,
NOT EVEN A TURTLE. THIS DON'T MAKE SENSE.
>> TOLD YOU IT WAS A BAD SPOT. >> IT AIN'T NOTHING
TO DO WITH THE PLACE. THIS IS A GOOD PLACE.
YOU HEAR ME? PROMISE YOU.
>> IT AIN'T LOOKING TOO GOOD FROM WHERE I'M SITTING.
>> GUESS WE CAN GO ON TO THE NEXT ONE, EDDY.
VERY DISAPPOINTING, MAN. WE'RE GONNA HAVE TROUBLE
MAKING THIS ORDER IF WE DON'T MAKE SOMETHING
HAPPEN. HEY.
WHAT THE HELL? LOOK, SOMEBODY'S DOWN THERE.
THAT'S RIGHT WHERE THE NEXT NET'S AT.
>> THE HELL THAT SUCKER DOING? >> YOU DIDN'T TELL NOBODY WHERE
WE SET THIS NET OUT, DID YOU? >> I DON'T TELL NOBODY NOTHING.
>> OH, HELL NO. DUDE, HE'S GOT THE NET.
I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT'S GOING ON NOW,
THAT SOMEBODY'S RUNNING OUR [bleep].
THAT'S WHY WE AIN'T GOT NO FISH. WHAT'S UP, FRIEND?
CATCHING ANY FISH? >> WHAT THE [bleep] IS THIS?
>> THAT'S A GOOD-LOOKING HOOP NET.
HEY, YOU KNOW, I GOT A HOOP NET THAT LOOKS JUST LIKE THAT SET
RIGHT AROUND IN HERE. AIN'T THAT SOME [bleep], HUH?
>> WHAT'S UP WITH THESE CAMERAS? WHAT THE HELL IS ALL THIS?
>> HOLD ON. I NEED TO TALK ABOUT THE
FISHING, 'CAUSE I'M TELLING YOU, I GOT A HOOP NET
THAT IS SET RIGHT THERE. YOU BEEN RUNNING MY [bleep]?
>> THIS IS MY CANAL. >> YOUR CANAL, MY ASS.
>> YOU AIN'T GONNA DO NOTHING. >> OH, [bleep].
[engine turning over] >> JUST KEEP ON DRIVING.
IT'S THE BEST THING FOR YOU. >> OH, YEAH?
YOU ABOUT TO RUN LIKE A LITTLE [bleep]?
>> OH, MAN! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?
>> narrator: A MAN ON THE RIVER WILL LEARN QUICK
THAT THERE ARE NO RULES, AND IF YOU AIN'T CAREFUL,
YOU'LL GET THAT LESSON THE HARD WAY.
YOU SEE, THE MISSISSIPPI IS A PLACE LIKE NO OTHER YOU'LL FIND.
YOU MAY LOVE HER, BUT SHE'S THE ONE CONTROLLING YOUR FATE,
AND ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE. >> DAMN IT!
KILL IT! [gunshots]
>> OH, MY GOD. >> UGH.
>> I GOTTA STAY AND FIGHT, MAN. >> WE'RE [bleep] IN TROUBLE.
>> WHERE'D THE [bleep] HE GO? >> GO, COME ON.
>> WE'RE ABOUT TO HAVE A ASS WHUPPING RIGHT HERE.
>> WHOA! >> AHH!
>> JACK! >> DO YOU WANT TO RUN THE BOAT?
>> NO, I DON'T WANT TO RUN THE BOAT.
>> WHOA! [bleep]!
>> GET BACK! >> I WILL FIND YOU!
>> I STILL THINK SOMEBODY'S FOLLOWING US.
>> HEY. HEY, COME BACK HERE,
YOU [bleep]. >> HEY, HEY, HEY.
>> [bleep]--[bleep] YOUR--
