The Odysea
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The Odysea Crew
From left to right: First Mate Kit Vallee (aka "Pirate") and Captain and Owner Ralph Wilkins
The smallest of all five boats, the Odysea is captained by Ralph Wilkins, who happens to be best friends with Bill Monte, Captain of the Bounty Hunter. "It’s a big ocean, and you can’t be everywhere at once," explains Wilkins. "So having people to give you reliable information is key." Over the years, their friendship has worked to both boats' advantages. "What he didn’t know, I knew. And what I didn’t know, he knew," says Ralph. "So it kinda made us very powerful."
First Mate Kit Vallee, nicknamed "Pirate," has been fishing with Captain Ralph for only a year, and, according to Ralph, has a lot to learn. But the team works well together. "He’s non-confrontational," says Ralph. "Which is great for me because I’m a confrontational guy."
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Ralph Wilkins, Owner and Captain
Back in the early 1990s, when cell phones were expensive novelties, Ralph Wilkins plunked down a princely $1,300 for one of those brick-sized early models and happily ran up $1,000 in monthly charges, just so that he could try to stay in contact with his family while he was out on the water.
“Now that we’ve got satellite phones, it’s a lot better,” he says, referencing the loneliness that is an occupational hazard of the bluefin trade, where fishermen must be away from home for days at a time. “I’m in a 32-foot boat, 200 miles off the coast, probably closer to Nova Scotia than the US," he explains. “You’re isolated out there.”
Nevertheless, for Wilkins, the challenge of wrestling a 500-pounds-plus fish into submission outweighs the psychological hardships. A broad-shouldered, strapping onetime member of the U.S. national rugby squad who still moves with the exquisite grace of an elite athlete, Wilkins describes himself as an extreme competitor and a compulsive thrill-seeker: “I could have played soccer, but I played rugby, because it was tougher."
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100 Percent
"When I go deer hunting, I get the biggest whitetail," says Captain Ralph. "I’ve gone sky diving, I’ve jumped off bridges, done all sorts of extreme sports. When I do something, I do it 100 percent. If I don’t almost die every year, I’m not happy.”
What does fill him with joy is catching bluefin. The Brooklyn native started fishing at Sheepshead Bay at age seven, when his father would leave him at the pier to fish while the elder Wilkins went to work. At age 11, he started going out on fishing boats and catching the same 20-pounders that grownups were after. But once Wilkins learned about the bluefin fishing off the New England coast 25 years ago, he knew what quarry he was meant to pursue, and put his boat on a trailer and headed straight to Gloucester. “It’s the highest, biggest, best goal I can achieve in this industry,” he says.
“I’m probably one of the most accomplished solo fishermen there are. I’ve caught more giant tuna by myself than anybody. Most of them need two or three guys to help. Not me.”
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Kit Vallee (aka "Pirate"), First Mate of the Odysea
Unlike the other Wicked Tuna fishermen, Pirate grew up far away from the sea, on a farm in Southbridge, Massachusetts. But there was a pond nearby, and as a small boy, Pirate got a fishing pole and started catching bluegills, tiger muskies, and other local fish.
After his family moved to nearby Charlton, they got him a canoe, and he happily fished on the local lake for largemouth bass. But he had a curiosity about the ocean, too, and as soon as he was old enough to drive, he headed to the coast and started salt-water fishing from piers.
By his early twenties, Pirate was going up to Provincetown with friends and looking for jobs as a crewmember on fishing boats. It was on a Provincetown-based boat that he landed his first bluefin, a 78-inch-long 327 pounder.
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Waiting for a Bite
“Just seeing something that big was amazing to me,” says Pirate, recalling the first bluefin he ever caught. “Of course, it wasn’t really a big one. I can say that now because I’ve gotten a few that are much bigger.”
Since then, Pirate has worked full-time as a fisherman on various boats. He likes the challenges of stalking a physically powerful, resourceful prey, and the fact that catching one requires as much brainpower as brawn. “It’s not about having a lot of strength, but about knowing how to use leverage,” he explains. “I learned this the first time I caught a bluefin. I was going to be a tough guy and haul it in, but after a few minutes, I started getting tired out. That’s when I realized that if I was going to get that fish, I had to start using my head, instead of my muscles.”
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A Pirate's Life For Him
He may love the thrill of the chase, but Pirate, who got his nickname from wearing bandannas, says that what he really loves about being a fisherman is simply being out on the sea for long periods and having a chance to observe nature.
“I like seeing the sunset, and watching the birds,” he says. “Whales, seals, all sorts of marine life—I see them all. I get to see a world that most people see only in books or on TV.”
GOOD JOB RALPH!!! I personally would have gone a step further an beat him like a rental car.... this ENTITLEMENT GENERATION HAS TO GO!!! They want it all handed to them..... you ever come out west, I would fish with you ant day.....
Lol. You live out WEST... In the LAND OF ENTITLEMENT!!!! Tyler TRIPLED ralphs earnings and caught more than double the fish. Ralph got sexy prices too... Unlike tyler. Its good to have fun with your job. Yea tyler disrespected him kind of but it was all in good fun. Ralph drove jason off his boat and brought pirate back.. a man he said he would never let back on his boat... Maybe he needs to learn to have some fun and chill. Hes like my pops, has to yell at everyone. Bottom line is, hes the cap, his lack of productivity is on him and i dont believe half the things he says. I hate entitlement too but i alao cant stand this mans attitude. Im glad he finished fifth but i do hope he does better next season too
BRUCE M. Are you Mentally Retarded? Or a liberal? You have this obsession with " boogers", gay people. The way you "chat" I would say that you are #1: some FAT lazy no life having no job piece of crap living in your MOM`s house. when you`re not on here babbling you are playing dungeons & dragons. You wouldn`t know a hard days work if it slapped you. So get a like you piece of shat. Hell you`re probably rubbin one out to hunny BOO BOO as we speak.... fu#king douche nozzle...
I gotta hand it to Capt. Ralph. He does a bang up job catching fish and keeping a sense of humor all the while he is portrayed like Capt Keith of Deadliest Catch.... "The mean spirited S.O.B" . I have had the pleasure of meeting him numerous times, knocked a few beers back with him, other members of his ODYSEA team, and the other Capts on the show. He isnt the tyrant you would believe him to be... but a humble, straight shooting guy. If it looks like a duck, acts like a duck, walks like a duck.....he going to says its a duck ! No sugar sprinkles from him. Politics belong in Washington, not on the dock. As far as the dock shoving at the Marina, if you listen to Tyler talk right before Ralph comes up and shoves him Tyler makes a sexually suggestive remark to Jason about Ralph. Tyler got what he deserved for the comment. In my view, the show makes him out to be the dark horse , or underdog. In the words of my now departed brother ........" you cant keep a dog tied up forever...sooner or later he'll break free "
Wow, I see people on here defending the instigator, disgusting. The kid, is just that a child who should not be picking fights he cant handle. Hes a p*****, he started an altercation and if anyone was actually watching went to Ralph's boat and continued to cause problems and was warned numerous times before it was too much for Ralph, i commend him on holding back, the little shit should have been put in the hospital. All you people saying things like there is no reason to resort to violence are very likely little BIT#%ES. The "kid " has no respect,not man. dont like it dont watch the show, nobody cares if you do and if you keep whining about this kind of stuff, which is a part of life, go watch desperate house wives or other"quality shows". in the end if you are on the kids side you my friend are an idiot!
This guys a piece of s***, Tyler should have had his ignorant a** arrested, then he go try to catch Tuna's for his court costs. This idiot has mistreated everyone he's ever had any interaction with on the show. I hope a Tuna pulls him overboard and down to the depths.
@Rob Schulte Tyler and his "crew" assaulted him then purposely confronted him. Tyler got exactly what he deserved. The "punks" do not get to dictate what is acceptable "fun". They have to accept whatever reaction they got. Tyler did not go to apologize only to rub it in. Act the punk - be treated like a punk.
A giant Tuna bit me on the cheek my names ralph my wife pays for everything I dont work I pretend to be a fishermen.
One picked his nose behind the wheeel while the other drilled his beek out pretending to feed the fish off the back of the boat. Pictures called " Tun fish nose pickers " 10 hours a day they pick boogers together on Ralphs wifes boat earning no money at all. Booger pickers of glochester.
Poster for skin cream ad, " Use our face cream and you can get rashes like whats on these two losers mugs off your face in no time "
Ralph was porking pirate for a bottle of cheap wine per day, pictures called "Rump Rangers go fishing "
Figures him and Bill are best friends neither one knows how to fish they are both miserable and unproductive humans, burning gas and kiliing endangered fish but thats not very often, they both have miserable personalities and bill probably was left cash inheritence or somethign mommy bought his boat cause he didnt earn it fishing, and this other piece of crap his wife supports him bet on it. neither work for a living. bumms !
Update you stupis site please ! These two are no longer except this jerk captain who needs to be slapped for pushing that kid down on the dock ! the guys a bumm he cant fish his wife must work and pay the bills while he acts like hes a fisherman ! what a lousey bumm !
i think what you did to help out that straded boat. was a awsome thing, you are a getalman and a good hearted captain. i grew up in new jersey on the shore, i'm jimmy cooper 48yrs young. i like your mate, but if you might like just to talk? give me a call ralph(321)208-2219 my work cell. would just like to talk to you, your a good man! always, jimmy cooper
Personally, I don't care how much the young kid (24 y.o I think) talked) this Captain pushed the limits when he knoced the kid down. I had my kids watching the episode (luckily it is bleeped) and was trying to explain that the younger kid should have stopped pushing buttons when the Captain told him to stop. Next thing I know, "Ralph" is pushing Tyler to the dock. We can argue point counter point all day but the fact of the matter is that Ralph assaulted Tyler. Personally, I think Ralph is an arrogant ass with the typical I am better than you Mass. attitude. I won't watch the show anymore. A bunch of Mass., R.I, Fisherman all saying they are better than the others. Not my type of entertainment. I think National Geographic really screwed the pooch on this show. People writing comments here are talking about respect and so far I think Marciano is about the most respectful out of the bunch. They all prod each other and try to kick each other when they are down. Whenever I see the Tuna.com I think the boat needs to change it's name to Diaper.com.
I just don't want my kids to see this unsportsmanlike conduct.
I APPLAUD THE DOCK MASTER AND I HOPE HE DOES NOT OVERTURN HIS DECISION! Way to go Sir!
@Billie Griffith Tyler and his "crew" violated several laws by throwing objects at a moving vessel. The dockmaster did not do any investigation into the entire episode. If anyone should be banned it should be BOTH captains.
@Billie Griffith Boo Siss. Sorry your kids had to see that but they might have learned that a MAN has limits and the kid has a big mouth. You condone Tyler throwing water balloons @ Ralph's boat. Sometimes the lesson is Be a man and stand up for yourself. Both you, Tyler and the Dock Boss have all lost my respect.
You're an a$$hole in every sense of the word. You don't have the right to tell anyone what to do. If you didn't want to talk to another person, YOU walk away. You have NO right to assault that person. F*ck you and your crew. And National Geographic, you're losing a fan of Wicked Tuna if you keep this a$$hole on the show.
@Wil Moore Ralph did not go to Tyler's boat with a posse looking for a confrontation. Ralph was on HIS boat. Tyler and his "posse" had no reason to be their other than to cause trouble.
you go Ralph !!! I've been wondering when someone was going to shut those pin wheel pecker pushers up.. Captain Ralph, You just earned my respect and gratitude... way to go!!!!!!!!!
My favorite episode was when skinny got knocked on his ass by Ralph. I recorded it and play that part over and over. Thanks.......
@JML 808 @Randy Hill The COWARDLY Harbor Master sided with the "money". He did no real investigation and was the ultimate coward in calling Ralph over the radio instead of being a MAN and talking to him face-to-face.
It is document by the program that the PUNK KIDS committed a FELONY by throwing objects from one moving vehicle at and HITTING another.
Ralph could have been injured easily.
Another crew that would be more successful if they spent less time worrying and slagging off Daveon Tuna.com, and more time actually working hard and catching their own fish like he does......
It is a shame that someone like Captain Ralph is allowed to bully people. I was shocked on the last episode that I watched to see him assault Captain Tyler and get away with it. Captain Tyler should have pressed charges and other people walked up to Captain Ralph complaining about Captain Tyler. I am certain that these people are just against Captain Tyler because he is young. Shame on them
@Dianna Norton "Captain" Tyler and his crew committed assault by throwing objects at another moving vehicle. Best check your knowledge of the law before you encourage pressing charges. In addition, Tyler and his "posse" had no business going to confront Ralph on his boat. Ralph told Tyler to go away but Tyler refused. Ralph is not alone in the blame for the problem. No water balloons - no problem. Leave Ralph alone on his boat - no problem. Back off when Ralph says go away - no problem. Persist in being punks - problem.
@Dianna Norton Tyler and his "crew" committed a FELONY ASSAULT(throwing objects at a moving vehicle). Then they purposely pressed for a confrontation which they got. Ralph repeatedly told Tyler to "go away". Tyler refused and kept taunting Ralph. I am worried about the future of mankind if people think Tyler was completely in the right.
neither was but common those were water baloons honey big deal men arnt scared of water baloons especially in big tough fishing boats ! the guysa loser for pushing the kid he could of told him to lay off but to throttle him down he might of injured that kids back and next year the boy will end up with a disc problem he went down hard on that nasty old dock ! Ralphs a loser non working piece of muck supported by a woman bet on it.
@bruce m. Did you actually WATCH - Ralph DID tell him to go away. Ralph was on his boat minding his own business. Tyler and his "posse" went to RALPH's boat to cause the trouble.
@Dianna NortonTyler was intentionally PRODDING Ralph over the radio about his catches, gloating while Ralph was having one of his worst seasons ever. He even said things like "I dont care what the old folks think of me" and was basically kicking Ralph while he was down. It's about respect....and Tyler rightly got dealt with--he wasn't "bullied". And why call the cops and press charges lol....real men can usually handle their own business. This isnt the suburbs where everyone's hands are soft and gentle LOL >:)
@JML 808 @Dianna Norton It's not "all about respect" it's about being and acting like an adult. Ralph is the one acting like a child when he resorts to violence just because he doesn't like someone. A real man, a mature adult would just walk away.
@Wil Moore @JML 808 @Dianna Norton Where could Ralph go? He was on HIS BOAT. Tyler went with his "posse" just to cause trouble. They had no business to conduct anywhere near Ralph or his boat.
@Pete Caporale @Dianna Norton Funny, I respect a person that conducts himself like an ADULT and doesn't turn to violence just because he's angry. Ralph doesn't deserve to be a captain, much less on NatGeo's network.
@Dianna Norton What show did you watch. Tyler(can call him a captain) is a punk. Men dont play those games, it's business
@Randy Hill @Dianna Norton It doesn't matter what someone says, Ralph has no right to assault someone just because he doesn't like them. Real men know that violence is only used to compensate for lack of intelligence or a small dick. Ralph is an asshole, and that fact that you condone his actions, speaks volumes about you. Grow up
your right Ralphs a total loser supported by his wifes job, he had no right to push that kid that was wrong hes a loser/miserable person, like his friend bill neither are productive people they dont work they just float around in boats living the life of leasure and act like they are fishermen, the show should be called wicked losers, or can catch fish need a job.
Ralph
The Dock Master must be a Magician, he called you on a cell phone and hung up on a land line. C'mon man I can't be the only one that caught this. May be the editor should be banned for life.
Hang in there Ralph. I am sure public pressure will cause the Dock Master to reverse his decission to ban you. That was a real bad call on his part.
@Dan Henry THE DOCK MASTER LOOKED NERVOUS GIVING YOU THAT MESSAGE AND THEN THROWS THE PHONE. EVERY FISHERMAN HAS TO KEEP THE pinwheel IN CHECK.
Ralph-I gotta tell ya. I think it is a sad state of affairs when the Harbor Master as we call them here on the West Coast takes a stand as he did against you when it was obvious that Tyler stood right there in your face antaganizing you after you told him to move on! Tyler was just begging for it and frankly I thought it would be nice if someone told you that he was lucky it was you INSTEAD of ME because I would have knocked his sorry butt ass over tea kettle right in the drink! That's just me. I think you contained yourself very well in spite of the Dock Master. The whole scene looked kinda staged but it was about time someone put Tyler in his place. Good Job!!!
