(Hardliners/2010) The high seas adventure series focuses on a unique breed of action men who risk their lives every day chasing monster fish off the east coast of Australia. The colourful skippers and crews of Hardliners ply their trade in busy shipping lanes while being followed by fearsome sharks such as Great Whites, Tigers and Makos.
The men of Hardliners must also brave the winter storms of the southern Pacific Ocean and avoid near misses with cargo ships which often run over and cut the Hardliners? fishing lines in half.
The prize is big tuna and the highly valuable Southern Blue Fin Tuna ? all of which is quickly exported to Japan. A premium fish can be worth the price of a family sedan. An average tuna can be worth thousands of dollars at auction.
But while they can earn a very good living, there are gut-wrenching times when exhausted crews can work for days and not catch a fish. No fish means no money.
The programme provides a remarkable and fascinating insight into human endurance and bravery. In the end, viewers will marvel at the sheer guts, good humour and true grit of the men working Hardliners.