Deadliest Catch documents the dangerous crab fishing industry and with the natural elements against the crew 24/7, how filming takes place has always been a mystery for fans.

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How is Deadliest Catch filmed?

Deadliest Catch is filmed with cameramen on board as well as equipment fixed to fishing vessels. Variety states that cameras run 24 hours a day for over 13 weeks. More than 13,000 hours of footage is collected each season, which is cut down into 18 episodes.

Older seasons featured grainy filming quality but over the years, Deadliest Catch has secured top-of-the-line equipment to capture the best shots in tough conditions, as well as lower light levels. The team previously relied on infrared cameras at night but is now utilizing Sony’s small, light-sensitive A7S among others.

With equipment worth thousands of dollars, Discovery Channel must protect them with large zip-lock bags – the ultimate waterproof yet lightweight camera cover.

Fixed cameras are most convenient when capturing key action, particularly during high-pressure situations such as injuries or men overboard as the camera crew would prioritize saving crew members.

As for aerial shots, helicopter cameramen film wide angles of the fishing vessels. Chase boats with cameramen also sail beside ships to low angles. They can also serve as emergency rescue boats. In season 16 episode 11, a chase boat was called for the first time in series history.

Helicopter cameraman David Alan Arnold regularly shows behind-the-scenes footage of filming on TikTok: