Andy Hillstrand

Andy Hillstrand is one of the most accomplished fishermen, business owners, and reality TV stars of our time. His illustrious career as a captain in the crab-fishing industry and his appearances on the Discovery Channel show 'The Deadliest Catch' have made Hillstrand a household name. Through his determination and self-confidence, Hillstrand has achieved heights few could even dream of. Read on to discover the behind-the-scenes story of Andy Hillstrand and his lifelong journey.

Early Life

Andy Hillstrand was born in 1965 in Homer, Alaska, and started fishing with his father at a very young age. His father and siblings were also passionate fishers and they spent most days working and fishing in the waters of Resurrection Bay. Andy was determined to become a successful fisherman, so he worked hard and saved money to buy his first vessel in 1987. By 1989, he had his first crab fishing boat, which he used to start his commercial fishing career. Throughout the years, Andy has become a renowned fisherman, setting records and earning numerous awards for his work in the industry.

Captaining The Time Bandit

For over twenty-five years, Andy Hillstrand has served as master and commander of the Time Bandit – one of the most successful crabbing vessels ever to operate in the Bering Sea. Despite the rough conditions, Hillstrand has been able to keep the Time Bandit afloat and profitable for over a decade. His keen knowledge of the Bering Sea's treacherous waters and his understanding of the crabbing industry has made him an invaluable part of the Time Bandit crew, and it’s clear why Hillstrand is regarded as the “king of the Bering Sea.' When asked what it takes to captain a vessel like the Time Bandit, Hillstrand is quick to respond: “It takes a lot of courage, patience, and dedication. If you’re not willing to put in the hard work and take the risks, you’ll never make it.”

Career Highlights

Andy Hillstrand has had an impressive fishing career spanning over three decades. His many accomplishments have earned him numerous awards and accolades, making him one of the most accomplished fishermen of all time. Hillstrand's career highlights include becoming the youngest ever skipper to hold the Alaska State Record for halibut at only 16 years old, and catching over 500,000 pounds of sought-after species such as king salmon, red snapper, yellowfin tuna, and halibut. In addition, Hillstrand is famously known for being the star of the long-running Emmy-nominated Discovery Channel series, Deadliest Catch. With a lifetime of experience and a renowned media presence, Hillstrand is an inspiration to aspiring anglers everywhere.

Family Life

Andy Hillstrand's family is no stranger to the seafaring life. Andy's father, John, was the captain of his own fishing vessel, which instilled a respect for the trade in each of his sons; they all eventually grew up to become expert fishermen. But it was Andy's charisma and leadership that stood out, leading him to become the captain of the fishing vessel F/V Time Bandit - a position he has held for more than 20 years. Despite the demanding nature of his seafaring tasks, Andy has made time for his family, and is a loving husband and father to his children. When asked about his life, Andy is quick to thank his family for their constant support.

Current Projects and Endeavors

Andy Hillstrand is always on the move. The captain of the F/V Time Bandit is currently involved in several projects, including a new book and a series of speaking engagements. Hillstrand is also in the early stages of developing a new television show, which is sure to give viewers an insight into the life of a true maritime adventurer. Additionally, Hillstrand is a frequent guest speaker at trade and industry events, where he shares his experiences and engages audiences with his knowledge of the fishing industry. Whatever project Hillstrand throws his energy into, it is sure to be an exciting endeavor.