Summer dredging season begins. The Pomrenkes have competition from a new megadredge crewed by Scott Meisterheim. Emily's first day as captain goes up in flames. Zeke has a run-in with the law. Steve R is first out, but his crew strands him on an iceberg.

The Pomrenkes have to call for help when rough seas break the Christine Rose, pinning it to the ocean floor. Emily's crew set out to re-teach her how to dredge. Rumors swirl but Zeke tells the full story of his disturbing night in jail and the hospital.

It's beautiful dredging weather, but things are ugly. The Pomrenkes swallow their pride and ask megadredger Hank for help to get their pinned barge operating again. Zeke demands Emily pay up or give up her dredge. The Kellys fight off claim jumpers.

An unexpected visit from the Coast Guard doesn't go well for two dredges. Hank's megadredge is close to claimjumping on Christine Rose's honey hole but it still doesn't mean he'll find gold. Will beginner's luck or an old-timer's experience win the day?

Halfway through the summer season, tempers flare and the captains question their crews' loyalty. Shawn threatens to quit the family business. Kris comes to blows with Steve R. Emily rushes Shem to the ER. Hank reaches the end of his patience with Scott.

While Hank tests Mother Nature by staying out dredging in the storm, Shawn races to bring his dredge home. Emily and Glen head far inland to river dredge. Her crew sews seeds of mutiny. Kris almost drowns from faulty equipment and Steve Riedel's inattention.

Shawn and the new backhoe prove he is "Mr. Gold". Vernon and Emily's apologies and promises won't convince their crews to return. Zeke returns with a funky new way to make it rich in Nome. He also ends his friendship with the Riedel family for good.

The two megadredges race to reach a contested claim site. Hank wins the race, but Shawn gets the last laugh. Emily heads out with her new, poached crew. The Kellys almost come to blows when accused of claim jumping. Glen's engineering genius pays off big.

Late summer's worsening weather drives the dredges reluctantly off their honey holes and finally breaks the Kellys, who tell Steve Riedel they quit. While Steve loses The Minnow to the repo man, Glen finally finds his Dragon. Hank wagers Shawn an ounce of gold.

As Nome Harbor freezes over, the crews head out for one last chance at success. It's a battle of the barges when Hank wagers Shawn who can box more gold. Zeke returns to the water. Can Emily pay him off once and for all? The Kellys return with The Reaper.