Andy Hillstrand, the beloved captain from Deadliest Catch, earned fame for his fearless navigation of the brutal Bering Sea. With sharp instincts and a touch of humour, he kept the Time Bandit steady through chaos. Though he’s left the show, Andy’s legacy of courage, wit, and true seafaring spirit continues to inspire fans across the UK and beyond.
Andy Hillstrand is one of the most popular captains from Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch. Known for his calm leadership and quick thinking, he guided the Time Bandit through some of the toughest fishing seasons in the Bering Sea. Fans admired his hard work, humor, and steady hand at sea. Even after stepping away from television, Andy remains a favorite among viewers who still follow his story. In this article, we’ll look at his background, career, personal life, and how his years of dedication helped him build lasting success.
Biography
Image source: pinterest.com
| Full Name | Andrew Hillstrand |
| Date of Birth (age as of 2025) | September 25, 1963 (62 years old) |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Fisherman, TV Personality, Ranch Owner |
| Known For | Co-captain of the Time Bandit on Deadliest Catch |
| Marital Status | Married to Sabrina Hillstrand |
| Net Worth (2025) | $3 million |
Early Life and Education
Image source: pinterest.com
Andy Hillstrand was born in Homer, Alaska — a small, close-knit fishing town. His family had been part of the commercial fishing world for generations. From an early age, Andy learned about the sea, boats, and how to handle tough conditions.
He didn’t spend much time in classrooms. Instead, he learned from real experience on the water — fixing engines, setting traps, and understanding weather patterns. By the time he was a teenager, he already had the skills needed to lead a crew. These lessons built the foundation for his career and shaped him into the calm, capable captain fans later came to know.
Career
Image source: pinterest.com
Andy Hillstrand’s career can be divided into three major stages — his life as a fisherman, his years on Deadliest Catch, and his work after leaving the sea.
1. Fishing Career
Andy’s fishing story began early. Alongside his brother Jonathan, he co-captained the Time Bandit, a 113-foot crab fishing vessel. The two brothers fished in the freezing waters of the Bering Sea, catching king crab and opilio crab.
The job was dangerous, exhausting, and unpredictable, but Andy never lost his cool. His leadership kept his crew safe during storms and long hours. Under his command, the Time Bandit became one of the most successful boats in the fleet.
Years of hard work and successful crab seasons brought Andy both respect and financial stability. His success as a fisherman became the base of his wealth.
2. Television Career
Andy became a household name in 2005 when Deadliest Catch first aired on Discovery Channel. The show followed real-life fishermen as they faced harsh weather and physical danger in search of crab.
Fans loved Andy for his calm approach and sense of humor. While others shouted through storms, Andy stayed collected and focused on getting the job done. His teamwork with his brother Jonathan made their episodes some of the most memorable on the show.
During his time on television, Andy earned a strong salary. Captains on Deadliest Catch were known to make between $25,000 and $50,000 per episode, depending on contracts and seasons. That income, combined with his fishing profits, helped him grow his financial success.
After several years on the show, Andy decided to step away from television to focus on family and a slower-paced life on land.
3. Ranch and Business Ventures
After leaving Deadliest Catch, Andy and his wife Sabrina moved to Indiana and started Hobby Horse Acres, a horse ranch.
The ranch trains, breeds, and cares for horses. It also offers riding lessons and events. Andy has always had a passion for animals, especially horses, so this was the perfect next chapter for him.
The business became both a hobby and a steady source of income. It allows Andy to stay active while enjoying a peaceful environment — far away from the storms of the Bering Sea.
Personal Life and Relationships
Andy Hillstrand is a family man. He has been married to Sabrina Hillstrand for many years, and together they have two daughters and several grandchildren.
After decades at sea, Andy wanted to spend more time at home. His family is his top priority, and he enjoys working with his wife on their ranch. He often says that the best part of his life now is being surrounded by loved ones.
Unlike many TV personalities, Andy doesn’t seek fame or attention. He prefers a quiet, balanced life focused on simple joys — family, animals, and the outdoors.
Net Worth in 2025
Image source: pinterest.com
As of 2025, Andy Hillstrand’s net worth is estimated at $3 million. His wealth comes from his long fishing career, television work, and ranch business.
Main Sources of Income
- Fishing: Years of successful crab seasons aboard the Time Bandit.
- Television: Salary from Deadliest Catch added significant income.
- Business: Profits from his horse ranch, Hobby Horse Acres.
- Investments: Land, equipment, and property ownership.
Lifestyle
Andy lives comfortably but keeps things simple. He doesn’t spend on luxury items or live a flashy lifestyle. Instead, he values peace, family, and hard work. His choices reflect a man who’s earned success the honest way and continues to live with purpose.
Comparison of Net Worth with Other Celebrities
| Celebrity | Profession | Estimated Net Worth (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Sig Hansen | Captain of the Northwestern | $4 million |
| Andy Hillstrand | Captain of the Time Bandit | $3 million |
| Jonathan Hillstrand | Co-Captain, Time Bandit | $3 million |
| Keith Colburn | Captain of the Wizard | $2.5 million |
| Edgar Hansen | Deck Boss, Northwestern | $700,000 |
Andy Hillstrand is among the highest earners in the Deadliest Catch fleet. While Sig Hansen has a slightly higher estimated net worth, Andy remains one of the most financially successful captains from the series.
Interesting Facts About Andy Hillstrand
Image source: pinterest.com
- He’s a third-generation fisherman.
Andy learned crab fishing from his father and grandfather, who worked in Alaska before him. - He co-owned the Time Bandit.
Andy and his brother Jonathan shared both ownership and command of the popular vessel. - He loves horses.
Andy’s passion for horses led him to start his own horse ranch after retiring from the sea. - He’s known for his calm leadership.
Even during violent storms, Andy kept his crew safe with clear decisions and a steady hand. - He’s good with repairs.
Andy could fix almost anything on the boat — from engines to electronics. - He left fame behind on purpose.
Andy walked away from television to live a simpler, more peaceful life. - He lives a private life now.
Andy stays mostly out of the public eye, choosing to focus on family and happiness.
Don’t miss: Derek Mathewson Net Worth 2025: Classic Car Legend, Career, & Bangers & Cash Fame
Current Status and Future Plans
Image source: pinterest.com
In 2025, Andy Hillstrand enjoys a peaceful life in Indiana. He spends his days managing Hobby Horse Acres, training horses, and working on the ranch with his wife.
He rarely appears in the media but remains a respected figure among Deadliest Catch fans. Andy doesn’t plan to return to full-time fishing or television. Instead, he’s focused on maintaining his ranch, staying healthy, and spending time with his family.
After years battling rough seas, Andy has found comfort on land — a calm ending to an adventurous life.
Social Media Presence
Andy Hillstrand isn’t very active on social media. He doesn’t post often and prefers to keep his life private. Fans can still find photos, clips, and stories about him through Deadliest Catch fan pages and the show’s archives.
Even without an online presence, Andy remains one of the most respected and beloved captains from the series. His name continues to appear in fan discussions and interviews about the show’s legacy.
Read also: Alan Blair Net Worth, Biography, and Career Journey – Fishing Icon of the UK
Conclusion
Andy Hillstrand’s journey from the dangerous waters of Alaska to the peaceful countryside of Indiana shows what hard work and balance can achieve. Over the years, he has gone from a fisherman to a TV star and now a successful ranch owner. His story proves that true success isn’t about fame or money — it’s about finding peace and purpose. With decades of dedication behind him, Andy Hillstrand remains a respected name in the world of fishing and beyond.
FAQs
Q1: What is Andy Hillstrand’s net worth in 2025?
A: Andy Hillstrand’s net worth in 2025 is $3 million.
Q2: What does Andy Hillstrand do now?
A: Andy Hillstrand lives in Indiana, where he runs a horse ranch called Hobby Horse Acres with his wife, Sabrina.
Q3: Why did Andy Hillstrand leave Deadliest Catch?
A: Andy left the show to focus on his family and enjoy a quieter life away from the stress of fishing and television.
Q4: Is Andy Hillstrand still fishing?
A: No, Andy no longer fishes full-time. He now works full-time at his ranch and enjoys retirement.
Q5: Who is richer, Andy Hillstrand or Sig Hansen?
A: Sig Hansen has a slightly higher net worth of around $4 million, while Andy Hillstrand’s is $3 million.
Q6: Is Andy Hillstrand married?
A: Yes, Andy is married to Sabrina Hillstrand, and together they have two daughters and grandchildren.
Q7: What is Andy Hillstrand’s biggest achievement?
A: His biggest achievements include co-captaining the Time Bandit, appearing on Deadliest Catch, and creating a peaceful, successful life after retiring from the sea.