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Discovery Channel's Quest for the Elusive Bluefin Tuna (VIDEO)

By April MacIntyre Oct 30, 2012, 19:17 GMT

Kiyoshi Kimura (Centre, left), president of the company operating the Sushi-Zanmai chain, is surrounded by employees after cutting in half a 567,000 euros worth bluefin tuna in Tokyo, Japan, 05 January 2012. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON

Tune in alert for Fighting Tuna, a new two-part special about Bluefin Tuna fishing, premieres tonight at 10PM ET/PT on the Discovery Channel.

From Discovery

It’s the biggest prize in the sea – Giant Bluefin Tuna.  Weighing in between 320 and 1,500 pounds, these behemoths are the most expensive fish in the world, their price driven up by Japanese demand for sushi.  

The largest tuna swim north to the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean where they’re caught the old-fashioned way: with rod and reel.

Tonight’s episode:

“Cape Cod Bay:” Premieres Tuesday, October 30th at 10PM E/P

The captains venture out into Cape Cod Bay, after a storm rocks New England. Paulie, the king of Bluefin tuna, and Donnie, a legend known for catching the largest fish on rod and reel – take on Anthony, a young captain with a different strategy.

Sneak peak clip is below!

In Discovery’s all-new two part special , four captains vie for these high stakes fish using boats only a third the size of Bering Sea trawlers.  Tossed by high waves and rough weather, they face down the world’s most powerful fish, an adversary capable of highway speeds.  The payoff?  A single fish can sell for $20,000.

The series is produced for Discovery Channel by Discovery Studios, where Mike Masland is executive producer.  For Discovery Channel, Brian Dean is executive producer.