Josh Harris Takes the Helm: A New Era Begins for the Cornelia Marie

The Beginning of Josh’s Leadership

Josh Harris, the son of the legendary Phil Harris, has finally taken ownership of the Cornelia Marie, the famous 128-foot crabber. The weight of the responsibility is now on his shoulders, and it’s clear that the transition won’t be easy. After the loss of his father, Josh has stepped up to lead the boat, and although he’s excited to finally fulfill this role, the pressure is mounting. With a new crew, new challenges, and a legacy to uphold, this could be the defining moment of his career.

“It’s very, very scary,” Josh admits, but he’s committed to proving himself not only to his father’s legacy but also to the crew and to himself.

Guided by a Veteran: Casey McManis Steps In

To help Josh navigate the complexities of running the Cornelia Marie, longtime family friend and experienced skipper Captain Casey McManis has stepped in to lend guidance. While Josh is officially the captain, Casey’s support is crucial in teaching him the ropes of leadership at sea.

“I’m teaching Josh,” Casey explains. “He’s a skipper in training, but he’s also the owner of the boat. It’s a fine line I have to walk.”

The dynamic between Casey and Josh highlights the personal bond they share, with Casey being part of the family for years. As a mentor, Casey’s job is to help Josh build his confidence in taking over the boat’s operations while also ensuring the crew stays on track.

A Crew of New Faces: Adjusting to the Grind of Crab Fishing

Josh’s decision to hire a young, inexperienced crew has led to some challenges, as the new team members learn the ropes of the demanding job. Darian Dennis, who has only been a gold miner for one year, is tasked with running one of the key operations—the pots. Though he brings a positive attitude, his inexperience is evident as he faces the harsh realities of crab fishing.

“I’m from Jamaica, and my dream is to fly for a big airline,” Darian admits, but for now, he’s diving headfirst into his role on the boat, helping Josh get through the season.

Pot Issues: Equipment Trouble and Hurdles on Deck

The biggest challenge Josh faces early on is the condition of the pots that have been sitting idle for nearly four years. These pots, once vital for hauling crab, are now rotted and outdated. Without proper repairs, they would be useless in catching the crabs, leaving Josh with the daunting task of preparing the equipment.

“This is in terrible, terrible shape,” Josh says as he inspects the damaged pots. “We need to fix this before we can go out and start hauling.”

With limited time to make the repairs and big expenses looming, Josh is under intense pressure. The crabs aren’t going to wait, and neither is the business that depends on them.

A Visit from the Past: Former Employers Offer Their Support

In a twist, Josh’s former employers arrive on the boat to check in on his progress. The visit is a moment of tension as Josh’s old crew members tease him about stepping into the role of captain. But instead of feeling discouraged, Josh takes it in stride and uses the opportunity to prove his ability to handle the responsibility.

Despite their teasing, Josh recognizes the value of their support: “It’s not all about proving something to my dad,” Josh reflects. “A lot of it is proving it to myself.”

Navigating Dangerous Waters: The Challenges of Crab Fishing

As Josh begins his first season as captain, the stakes rise. With 15-20-foot waves crashing over the deck, the conditions on the water are far from ideal. Josh is faced with treacherous waters and must take control to ensure the safety of his crew and the success of the operation. His first big test comes when he’s forced to hand over the wheel to Captain Casey, deciding to learn from the experienced skipper rather than risking his inexperience in the harsh environment.

“I think because the waves are big, I’m pretty sure Casey will be running the boat all day today,” Josh says, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.

The First Haul: Success Despite the Odds

Despite the rough conditions and the challenges of learning on the job, Josh successfully hauls his first pot and witnesses the results of his hard work. The team pulls in the first crab haul of the season, marking the beginning of what Josh hopes will be a successful run for the Cornelia Marie.

After a difficult start, Josh’s confidence starts to build. “We’ve got a good group of guys,” he says. “Everyone knows what they’re doing.”

Learning from the Past: A New Beginning for the Cornelia Marie

Josh’s journey is far from over. As the season progresses, he will face more challenges, from personal growth to crew dynamics and running a fishing boat. However, his deep-rooted passion for crab fishing, combined with the support of his mentor Casey, sets the stage for a possible redemption.

“This season, it’s all on me,” Josh reflects. “But I’ve got the tools and the drive to make it work.”