If you ever think you have a hard job then take a look at these men. The delight when things work out well vs. the concern when things go wrong. Top series, I saw the Amity II in port and she's not very big to be honest to be facing such seas. But it's the men that make the series. The hours they work, the conditions they face and yet still they manage to smile. From the disappointment of pulling the nets to find rocks or mud, to the joy of nets bulging with prawn and then the frustration of catching fish instead of prawn when your past your quota and face the ludicrous option of throwing back dead fish.This series is a perfect example of why it's called "fishing" and not "catching".

If you thought your job is tough, watch this. I think this series is a truly remarkable and fascinating insight into human endurance and bravery.The series follows a number of fishing (should I say trawling?) boats operating in the North Sea. After setting off you understand the unpredictable industry they work in: the weather of course but more so finding the right place to drop the nets. You witness the competition between boats, the rigours of fishing, the good catches and the bad catches. But most of all you admire the endeavour, tolerance and resilience of the men working on the boats, especially when catches are poor and their hard work isn't rewarded.The stark reality of working on such boats is clear: time away from family, hard physical labour for hours on end; and at times, precious little sleep. It is a credit to all who work on the boats that they can remain upbeat and tolerate such physical and mental duress. OK perhaps the cameras made them more cheerful, but if I had had just 2 hours sleep and worked for 12 hours catching and gutting fish, it would take more than a BBC cameraman to cheer me up! Later in the series, the boats land their catch and the crew look on eagerly as the unfathomable fish sellers get the best price they can. And it is great to see one skipper living it up in a swish restaurant enjoying his own catch! Next time you can't sleep because a neighbour has got on their washing machine, or you feel tired at work because you've been (like me) sitting at your desk for six hours; spare a thought for The Trawlermen who sleep and work so much less and more. And if you get the chance, watch this series in awe.

I think the series gives a very real and interesting portrait of what its like to be a fisherman in Scotland today. I was amazed at the way the crew managed to keep so cheery with the lack of sleep and foul weather they have to endure on a daily basis. I was also struck by the way they are confronted with real perils, also on a daily basis - it makes for exciting viewing, but rather them than me!I recently gave a talk on the Scottish fishing industry to some university students. After my talk I showed them an episode from the series, as short of them all getting out on a fishing trip, i think these films show more about what its like out at sea than i could possibly convey with my dry presentation about quotas and days at sea and the like.I'm looking forward to seeing Jimmy and the other skippers again in the next series.Tom

Follow the adventures of the Amity II and the Fruitful Bough as they plough the North Sea in search of piscine delights. Lauded as *the most dangerous job in Britain*, this programme gives a great insight into the daily life of a modern day fisherman. Watch in awe as these brave guys battle the worst of conditions in search of the highly prized 'Scottish Langoustine'. In a fly on the wall documentary style, skippers Buchan and West and their crew talk us through the highs and lows of their expeditions upon the high sea. You can't help but come away from programme with a renewed respect for what it takes to get a fish or prawn onto your plate. Seafood will never be the same again! Go Jimmy and James (and Elvis)!! :O)