Tag Archives: commercial fisherman
Sig Hansen’s 10 Best ‘Deadliest Catch’ Episodes, Ranked
Deadliest Catch has been high-octane action since the program debuted on Discovery Channel in 2005. Depicting the lives of fishermen and their crews on various fishing vessels in the Bering Sea, Deadliest Catch has kept viewers on their toes as they watch the stressful scenes, episode after episode. Very rarely can one single person carry an entire franchise on their back for over twenty seasons. While the cast of Deadliest Catch has had some old reliable over the years, there has been one man who has served as the face of the franchise. And he goes by the name of Captain Sig Hansen. Throughout his illustrious career on Deadliest Catch, Captain Sig Hansen has experienced some highs and lows, personally and professionally. Whether it was positive or negative, his life has been depicted on screen for the world to see. These are some of the best episodes to star The King. Photos, Video, Links, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 11:35
William Leslie Hebard, fondly known by friends and family as Burgie Bill, has passed away
William Leslie Hebard, fondly known by friends and family as Burgie Bill, passed away suddenly at his home in Southern Humboldt County on January 29, 2025. Bill was born in Roseburg, Oregon on July 10, 1950 to William Leslie Hebard Sr. and Pat-Calista Hebard At an early age, his family moved to Eureka, where he became a fisherman and a bass player. In the early 1970s, Bill became a member of the Shelter Cove “Mosquito Fleet,” commercial fishing for salmon, tuna and crab on his boat the Burgie, from which he got his name, Burgie Bill. He fished the Cove for over 45 years until he retired in 2022. Bill’s life was one of profound love, adventure, laughter and freewheeling. He was kind, caring, articulate and funny. He was always willing to help out a friend or neighbor in need and wouldn’t hesitate to give a hitchhiker a ride or pull over to help someone with car trouble. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 10:34
Commercial Fisherman Wilbert “Ben” Danos of Larose, Louisiana, has passed away
Wilbert “Ben” Danos, 95, a native and resident of Larose, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Ben spent his life on the water first as a tugboat captain then became a commercial fisherman. He, with his wife Ruth as his deckhand, trawled for many years proudly creating their legacy of 3 generations of fishermen. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren deeply as they did him. He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 17:22
Commercial Fisherman Steven “Steve” Claude Bailey, 64, of Pensacola, Florida, has passed away
Steven “Steve” Claude Bailey, 64, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on February 21, 2025. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on August 24, 1960 to Winston Claude Bailey and Geraldine Bailey. He was married to Merlene Bailey for 35 years. Steve had a career in commercial fishing. He was the owner and captain of the Me Too 662410. He was a member of Heritage Baptist Church and had a passion for hunting and fishing. Steve was preceded in death by his father, Winston Claude Bailey; mother, Geraldine Bailey; sister, Dayna Broxson. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia Merlene Bailey; son, Nicholas Cain (Kristen) Bailey; daughter, Star Savannah Bailey Super; step daughter, Cayce (Robert) Forte. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 19:17
Poopdeck: Nearly a century of adventure — Part 6
Clarence Hiram “Poopdeck” Platt said he didn’t quit commercial fishing because he was too old or couldn’t handle the workload anymore. He quit because he didn’t feel like doing it anymore. In a 1992 interview with KBBI public radio in Homer, he explained his actions: “I (had) really enjoyed fishing, but all of a sudden, for some reason or other, it quit being fun. I wasn’t enjoying it. I wasn’t looking forward to it. I was dreading it … and I said that’s enough. So, I sold out to my grandson (Erik Huebsch, in 1984) my boat, permit, gear and the whole works…. I haven’t regretted quitting at all.” Despite the diminishment of joy Poopdeck felt as he entered retirement, he loved his long tenure as a fisherman. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:40
Commercial Fisherman Thomas “Tom” Michael Doak of Virginia has passed away
Thomas “Tom” Michael Doak passed away on the morning of March 1, 2025, at the age of 68. He was born on November 22, 1956 in Norfolk, VA. Tom worked as a commercial fisherman for most of his life fishing all along the eastern coast from ports of New Bedford, MA, Newport, RI, Virginia, and Wanchese, NC. Tom grew up in Virginia Beach, VA, and graduated from Kempsville High School in 1975. After high school, he moved to the Outer Banks and found work in the commercial fishing business which he loved doing the most. In his youth, he also lived in Long Beach, CA, where his father was stationed in the US Navy. Tom also lived in Seminole, FL; Boston, MA; Newport, RI, and New Hampshire, where he did lots of skiing and hiking. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 11:12
Remembering Mason Evich: GoFundMe set up for Fairhaven man killed in head-on crash
Friends and family of 28-year-old Mason Evich remember him as someone who will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. The commercial fisherman tragically lost his life in a head-on crash on the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge on Feb. 20, and heartfelt tributes are flooding in to honor his memory. A GoFundMe, Honoring Mason’s Life with Love, was started by Ryley Santos as a tribute to Evich. To date it has raised more than $58,000, exceeding the initial $25,000 goal. A group of friends got together and wrote a tribute to Evich on GoFundMe. Links, more, >>CLICK TO READ 06:53
Commercial Fisherman Mason C. Evich, 28, of Fairhaven died February 20, 2025. He was a devoted son, brother, and loyal friend.
He was everything wonderful. If you were lucky enough to know Mason, you LOVED him. A beacon of kindness, with a gentle soul that touched everyone he met, the pain we feel in losing him is indescribable. Born in Seattle, Washington, Mason was the loving son of Dagne (Sovik) Evich and the late Adam Evich. Mason’s love for fishing was passed down from his father, a lifelong commercial fisherman. Each summer, Mason accompanied his dad to Bristol Bay, Alaska, where they salmon fished together on the family’s fishing vessel. After graduating from Fairhaven High School, Mason attended the Northeast Maritime Institute, where he earned his associate degree and captain’s license. He later worked as a mate on commercial fishing vessels out of Cape May, NJ, and New Bedford, MA. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 14:28
Twenty-year-old becomes first female to achieve ‘significant’ fishing qualification
A twenty-year old from Sulby has made history by becoming the first female to achieve an important qualification in the fishing industry. Isla Gale has passed her oral exams to achieve her Certificate of Competency as Deck Officer Class 2. Formerly Trainee Fisherman of the Year 2022, Isla began her career scalloping in Manx waters. Isle of Man Maritime, which supported Isla’s journey through funding assistance, says it’s an important milestone in her career and it’s ‘proud’ to celebrate her success. It adds: ‘The Class 2 Fishers qualification is a crucial certification for those pursuing a career in commercial fishing. It provides the necessary training and knowledge to operate safely and efficiently within the industry, covering aspects such as vessel operations, navigation, safety procedures, and fishing regulations. This certification enables Isla to take on greater responsibilities within the fishing sector and paves the way for future career progression. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 13:52
Commercial Fisherman Norman E. Carter, better known as “Pepa” of Waldoboro, Maine. has passed away
Norman E. Carter, better known as “Pepa,” passed away Jan. 18, 2025, in Bremen from his battle with cancer. He was born in Damariscotta on Nov. 19, 1961, the son of Fernald and Carrie Sanborn Carter. He was a lifelong resident of Waldoboro and attended Waldoboro schools; he began his career as a fisherman. Norman went to New Bedford, Mass. and worked on a scallop boat. He made many trips there. When he was home, he was a hard worker and took care of his family as a clamdigger, lobsterman, shrimping, elvering, and other jobs. He cut his own wood and hauled it to keep his family warm; family was everything to him. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:12
Halifax fisherman remembered after boat capsized
A Halifax fisherman is being remembered as one of the good ones. Phil Macinnis was one of the two men who died after the Fortune Pride capsized Friday off Sambro. In a show of support, a GoFundMe campaign has raised thousands of dollars to help his family. On the fundraiser’s page, organizer and best friend Brad Sullivan writes, “one of the hardest things in our fishing industry is losing good men to the sea.” more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 11:38
Lifelong Harpswell Neck fisherman remembered as cribbage competitor, neighborhood mentor
Sheldon Morse Sr. died Dec. 5, two weeks shy of his 86th birthday. He lived his whole life on the land where he grew up on Allen Point Road, fishing into his late 70s on a boat he built with his father and named after his daughter. Family and fishing were the focal points of his life. Sheldon grew up around his father’s boat shop, but he wanted to be out on the water. He started with a few traps and a skiff as a teenager. He was fishing that same way near the end of his life, when he couldn’t operate his lobster boat anymore. His grandson, Josh Morse, is also a fisherman and lives with his family down the road from his grandfather’s house. The two of them built the skiff that Joshua first fished from, and Sheldon’s Teresa Ann was the first boat that Josh worked on. Sheldon’s youngest granddaughter, Lauren Webster, remembers her grandparents’ house as a place where she and her cousins could be kids, with as many Popsicles and grilled cheese sandwiches as they could eat. photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:03
U.S. Army Veteran/Self-employed Commercial Fisherman James B. Kaminsky of Mattituck N.Y. has passed away
James B. Kaminsky of Mattituck passed away Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. He was 82 years old. James was born March 16, 1942, in Brooklyn to Loretta (Greiner) and Bernard Kaminsky. He was the eldest of two children and was raised in Brooklyn with his sister Janet. He graduated high school aboard the S.S. John W. Brown School Ship, which was part of the New York City school system at the time. After high school, James served in the U.S. Army aboard a landing craft, moving materials up and down the coast of France from 1961 until his honorable discharge in 1964. In 1964, in Queens Village, he married the love of his life, Cynthia Huneke. Together, they had three children and made their home in Mattituck, where they have resided for the past 60 years. In his professional career, Jimmy worked alongside his entire family as a self-employed commercial fisherman, on Long Island Sound. He’s had many boats but was most known for the iconic wooden (fishing vessel) F/V Tide II. He was also a member of the Long Island Commercial Fishing Association. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 13:09
William Henry Daniels, Captain Henry of North Carolina, has passed away
William Henry Daniels, Captain Henry, passed from this life early Saturday morning; he was 87 years old. He went peacefully at home with his family surrounding him. In 1976 he was able to buy and build the 57-foot wood trawler, and named it Bryan D. This was the beginning of the family business. When Bryan graduated, the boat became his full-time job alongside his daddy. In 1979, the Bryan D was sold, and Henry bought a 76-foot steel hull trawler, which he named the Joyce D after his wife and partner. The boat has been redesigned over the years as the family business continued. In 1993, Henry’s son Bryan became Captain and took over the boat while Henry “retired” to his hobbies and home. Henry continued to work a small boat, the Brittany Faye, and oystered around the creek and rivers. Henry’s expertise concerning shrimping, fishing, and the water has always been Henry’s expertise concerning shrimping, fishing, and the water has always been appreciated and known throughout the community. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 10:19
Career Commercial Fisherman Terrance Lloyd “Terry” Kilbreath of Edmonds, WA. has passed away
Terrance Lloyd Kilbreath (“Terry”), loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on January 8, 2025, with his wife Janice, by his side. Terry was born July 31, 1943, in Vancouver, Canada, and grew up in Anacortes, Washington with his parents, Irvine and Kay Kilbreath, and sister Lynn (Collson). As an 18 year old teenager, Terry started working in the summers as a commercial fisherman in Alaska. He later purchased his own commercial fishing boat and had a long and successful 50 plus year career fishing for herring and salmon in Kodiak, Prince William Sound, and Sitka, Alaska. Terry loved his profession and retired at the age of 75. His last boat, the Ayakulik, means Red River, his favorite place to fish on the west side of Kodiak Island. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 11:16
Commercial Fisherman Benny Floyd Chestnut of Newport, Oregon, has passed away
Benny Floyd Chestnut passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025. He was 82 years old. Benny served in the Navy Reserves from 1961-63. After that, he started Commercial Fishing in Eureka California and from then on….a fisherman at heart he was. He moved his family to Newport, Oregon in 1975 and here he stayed. He fished from the West Coast to the Bering Sea. He started 3 generations of fishermen, a son and grandson to follow in the same footsteps…and very proud of them he was. Newport was his home for a very long time, he loved it here. Newport is where he raised his family, finished his career and made many friends. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 19:32
Commercial Fisherman Karsten David Larsen of Oaks Bluffs, Massachusetts, has passed away
One of a Kind, Karsten David Larsen, 57 passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 27, less than a third of a mile from the home where he was raised and within “The Community” he loved so much. He was born in Oak Bluffs to Dagbard & Carole Larsen on April 8, 1967. His life was largely spent as a Commercial Fisherman. He began his love of fishing at a very early age on the docks in Menemsha. Later on, he became the captain of many boats, including his own. He was passionate about everything he did. He was an extremely talented fisherman, artist, hunter, and family member. While possessing the various skills needed by a fisherman, his talent as a self-taught marine artist was remarkable. His subject matter was the boats and fish from his own memories. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 12:06
Investigators at San Francisco pier find fake wall hiding illegal fish
A commercial fisherman was busted in San Francisco for attempting to hide thousands of pounds of illegally caught fish, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced last week. Investigators from the department witnessed the angler unloading burlap sacks of fish from a trawler docked at Pier 45, a historic pier that’s home to the Musée Mécanique and USS Pampanito. CDFW said the angler was tailed to an unspecified restaurant, where they “attempted to flee and hide fish.” When investigators probed the owner’s trawler, they allegedly discovered a fake wall. “Behind the false wall were fillets of salmon,” a news release from the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association said. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 10:33
From fisherman to mayor, and 20 Questions
This year, Mayor Tony Ryan of Port Saunders is celebrating 35 years in the big chair of the Northern Peninsula town. As a fisherman by trade, Ryan had never anticipated that he would have ended up running in a mayoral election. “I’ve been (a fisherman) all of my life,” he said. “I’ve been at fishing for 50 years, in the mobile sector, the shrimp fleet. “We had our own boat, and we fished a lot of shrimp. I’m still at it.” It wasn’t until the previous mayor came to Ryan and encouraged him, that he decided to run. He added that being the chair of the fishermen’s committee prior to becoming mayor helped him to enter the position with a decent understanding of how an organization is run. However, there was still a learning curve. “You have to learn as you go,” he said. Becoming mayor is one thing, staying in the position for 35 years is another. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 15:59
Point Pleasant fisherman James N. Mathews has passed away
James Nestor Mathews passed away on December 4th, 2024 after 80 years of living life to its fullest. Jimmy spent over 60 years doing what he enjoyed most, catching fish from his home port of Point Pleasant NJ. He was born on October 9 th , 1944 in East Orange NJ and moved with his parents and siblings to Point Pleasant, NJ in 1956. It was there that Jimmy’s life long love of fishing took root, as he started working with his dad on his party boat the Flying Fish in the early 1960’s. During those early years with his father, Jimmy became interested in the local commercial fishing scene, and learned how to gill net, along with his life long friend Joey Pierce on a small skiff operated by Adolph Lovgren. It wasn’t long before Jimmy and Joey bought their own Skiffs to pursue the American dream. After a few years Jimmy was ready to move into a bigger boat and bought the Five Devils in 1971, a 57-foot-long dragger that worked out of the Fisherman’s Dock Co-op. He renamed it the Chrissy James and soon developed a reputation of fearlessness by fishing in some extreme weather conditions. Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 16:36
Commercial Fisherman/U. S. Army Veteran Jack Benton Cartwright of Oregon has passed away
Jack Benton Cartwright was well known for his kindness and enthusiasm for life. He was a force of nature, and many have described him as “one of a kind.” Jack was born March 16, 1944, to Charlie and Okema Cartwright. He was raised on the Seaside Golf Course, which his parents owned until 1971. Jack graduated from Seaside High School in 1962, and shortly after he joined the U.S. Army. When he returned, he began logging in Alaska before starting his career as a commercial fisherman. After a few years of fishing, he and David Kelly bought the Arrow, and were exceptional halibut longliners. In 1979 he met Jane, who was working in Seward, Alaska, and was interested in fishing. In 1986, they bought an 80-foot steel boat and named it Kema Sue, in honor of his late mother and sister. Jack and Jane were married in front of family and friends, at a fun-loving celebration at Little Beach in Gearhart. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 14:39
Commercial Fisherman Chris Hamilton Captures Life on the Water
One can only imagine what kinds of things true men of the sea witness while out on the water, their livelihood dependent on making good catches – quite a different sight from the landlubbers seeing traffic lights, stop signs, strip malls and so on. But Chris Hamilton, a lifelong Greenport resident and commercial fisherman, removed the need to imagine when he found a passion for photography aboard his father’s boat one morning. “Being a commercial fisherman on a trawler gives me a very unique perspective,” he says. “It’s not something 
that is widely viewed. It’s a pretty private lifestyle. It really was just being in the moment and kind of just realizing how lucky I was to spend some of those moments on the water with my dad. Fishing is hard, man; it’s a really hard way to make a living, especially these days. You’ve got to be really dedicated. There’s a reason why we do it, and it’s because it’s a beautiful lifestyle. You get to experience nature and in a real way that’s different from other types of work, being on the water. Water is probably the biggest inspiration for me in terms of my art.” Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 07:01
Coast Guard investigating death on fishing boat
The US Coast Guard is investigating the death of a 61-year-old man linked to an injury onboard a fishing boat in the Gulf of Mexico, and Justice of the Peace Joseph Guillory II says the crew reports the man became entangled in some fishing equipment. The Coast Guard spokesman tell KFDM/Fox 4 News Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston requested a medevac early Sunday morning from the fishing vessel “Lucky Aaron” about 85 nautical miles southeast of Sabine Pass in Louisiana waters. There was a reported injury, according to the Coast Guard. The man was unconscious, and the crew couldn’t detect a pulse. The vessel was en route to Sabine Pass at 3:30 a.m. It arrived late Sunday morning. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 06:29
Commercial Fisherman Donald A. Harlacher of Quaker Hill, Connecticut, has passed away
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald A. Harlacher, known fondly as “Donny,” who left us Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, at the age of 58. Donny’s passing was a devastating loss, but he departed this world doing what he loved most: living and working on the ocean. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After completing his service, Donny returned to his home state of Connecticut, where he would eventually make his mark. His love for the ocean only grew stronger, leading him to pursue a career in commercial fishing. Starting from the bottom, he worked his way up through hard work and determination, ultimately becoming the beloved “Captain Don.” more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 13:22
America’s Least Desired Job: Being a Commercial Fisherman, According to Survey
While being a Hollywood actor in California, an investment banker in New York, or an outdoor adventure guide in Colorado may top the list of America’s most coveted careers, we often overlook the jobs that people least aspire to. The survey revealed some interesting results. Among Americans, the job they would least be willing to do, even if offered double the salary, was that of a commercial fisherman. Commercial fishing is one of the most hazardous jobs in America. Here are some of the other least desired careers among Americans: more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 07:57
Skipper retires after 64 years at sea
A Whalsay fisherman has reflected on his lifetime at sea as he retires after almost six and a half decades. Davie Hutchison, 79, known locally as “Davie A Skaw”, had been skipper of the 75-metre pelagic trawler Charisma. He has now called time on his career after 64 years. Mr. Hutchison’s first job at the fishing was in 1960 on the 53-feet seine-net vessel Brighter Morn where he worked as the cook. Throughout his career, Mr. Hutchison witnessed countless changes to the industry, including the introduction of radars. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 07:45
‘A friend to everybody’: Sitka man killed in bear mauling remembered by colleagues
Tad Fujioka was an avid outdoorsman whose love of fishing led him to trade the engineering field for the commercial trolling one. But Fujioka, whose body was found Wednesday north of Sitka following search and rescue efforts, the victim of a bear mauling, is being remembered less for what he did and more for the type of person he was. “I mean, everybody that knew him, liked him,” said longtime friend and colleague, Norman Pillen, president of Seafood Producers Cooperative (SPC) in Sitka. Fujioka was the board chair for SPC and a big advocate for the commercial fishing industry. He was a strong family man and man of many talents, Pillen said. Video, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 08:04
Cortez fishing village works to recover after hurricanes Helene and Milton
There is devastation on every corner in Cortez Village, a quaint fishing village off the coast of Manatee County. Hurricanes Helene and Milton hit this community hard, and now they are working to pick up the pieces and preserve their historic village. Captain Kathy Fannon showed us the damage to her home. She said it is hard to see the reality that lies ahead. “We lost everything. Everyone on this block had four feet of water through their house, so we lost all the contents. We have absolutely nothing left inside,” Captain Kathy said. Captain Kathy’s family works in the fishing industry, and her daughter, Katie Tupin, lives across the street. Tupin said, “My dad runs a shrimping boat. He’s a commercial fisherman. I’ve been doing charters for 14 years and my mom for 25. Both lost everything during the storm. Video, more, >> CLICK TO READ<< 14:09
Connecticut Fisherman Sentenced for Tax Evasion
A Connecticut man was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison for evading taxes on income he earned from commercial fishing in Massachusetts. According to court documents and statements made in court, Brian Kobus, of Durham, worked as a commercial fisherman and deckhand for various fishing companies in Massachusetts. After each fishing trip, the companies paid Kobus by check. Despite receiving over $1.2 million in fishing income between 2011 through 2013, and 2017 through 2021, Kobus never filed a federal income tax return or paid the taxes that he owed. To conceal the source and disposition of his income from the IRS, Kobus regularly cashed his paychecks from the fishing companies and used the cash to fund his personal lifestyle. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 10:58
Lifelong Commercial Fisherman David McCrone Pack of Bodega Bay, Ca. has passed away
David McCrone Pack, born October 5,1957, passed peacefully to the great beyond on August 2nd, 2024, surrounded by his family and the music of the Grateful Dead. He will be remembered as a hard-working man, a friend to all animals, and a loving father. He was 66 years old. A native Californian, Dave was born to parents Jim and Beth in the redwood forest of Larkspur, California. He attended Redwood High School and soon thereafter began his life as a commercial fisherman in the San Francisco Bay, where he would eventually captain his own boat, The Blind Faith. For Dave, though, fishing wasn’t just a hobby – it was something he enjoyed alone or with friends and family and had an active fishing license every year of his adulthood. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 08:20
