Bell Curve

Bell Curve

1
5%

Greenhorn. Salary: $20,000 or less 

The fish on the end of your line is one tough cookie. You pull it with as much care as your short career has taught you. Giving it one last solid tug, you haul it aboard as you fall over the other side. Smiling down on you in the water, Jimmy shows you your catch―a muffler off a '72 Chevy pickup.

2
25%

Seasoned Deckhand. Salary: $25,000 

Today is awesome because the captain is letting you drive the boat out of the dock. After triple checking that all is ready, you push the throttle to full blast―and go absolutely nowhere. The captain whistles to you, and points at the rope still tying the boat to the dock.

3
50%

De-scaler. Salary: $30,000 

Sitting in the fish prep hold, you begin talking about your spouse back home and how you finally got them to watch Die Hard. Unfortunately, they weren't that into it. You pause, as if expecting an answer. The fish don't respond, but you know they get it.

4
75%

Experienced Trawler. Salary: $37,500 

As rough seas pound the side of the boat, you look down at the mess in your hands. You can't believe things have gotten this bad. Looking around into the eyes of your friends, you say your last words: "call." As you lay down your chips, you hope beyond hope that no one realizes you're bluffing.

5
95%

The Skipper. Salary $45,000 

After giving your crew a good talking to regarding safety and this season, everyone heads to one of three big boats sitting in the harbor. You, however, remain in your chair and watch them sail into the sun. While they're out making you cash, you've got a weekend with the granddaughter to get to.