The Little Shell is a 42’ Provincial commercial vessel, helmed by captain Nick Gowitzka, who previously served as the first mate on Captain Greg Mayer’s legendary boat, the Fishin’ Frenzy. After fishing alongside Mayer, Gowitzka knows firsthand what it takes to be the top boat in the fleet, and he’s determined to land on top of the leaderboard this season.    The Little Shell is neither the biggest nor the smallest boat in the fleet, but it has the most motivated crew—Gowitzka and his mates all have young families to support and they are determined to bring home some big paychecks.    Nick Gowitzka, Captain Nick Gowitzka is a true Southern boy with a big personality. Born and raised in North Carolina and known for being rowdy and energetic, Gowitzka is the wild child of the Outer Banks. He grew up in a fishing family and went directly from the halls of high school to the harbor docks, where he started working as a deckhand on commercial fishing boats. His work ethic and positive attitude quickly saw him graduating to the first mate position, and as the captain of his own vessel, he’s out to make a name for himself. When he isn’t out fishing, Gowitzka enjoys spending time with his daughter and hunting local game.   Cliff Spencer, First Mate Cliff Spencer is a childhood friend of Gowitzka; the two have been fishing together since they were 5 years old. Both Spencer’s and Gowitzka’s fathers fished together, and Gowitzka credits Spencer’s family with getting him interested in offshore fishing. Spencer has been a full-time fisherman his entire career, and when he’s not fishing, Spencer enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and three sons.   Brandan Brickhouse, Mate Brandan Brickhouse grew up just outside the Outer Banks, and first met Gowitzka after high school. While Brickhouse is still relatively new to commercial bluefin tuna fishing, he is a skilled mechanic who knows the Little Shell inside and out. He also helms the boat in the offseason, when he fishes for groundfish. Brickhouse works as a full-time fisherman to help support his daughter.