Keith Colburn Biography
Keith Colburn is a well-known American commercial crab fisherman and reality TV star, best recognized for his role on Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch. Born on March 10, 1963, in Placerville, California, Keith moved to Alaska in 1985 at the age of 22 to pursue a career in fishing, despite having no prior experience. He quickly rose through the ranks and became a full-share deckhand on the crab fishing vessel Wizard in 1988. By 1992, he had earned his U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license and took command of the Wizard as its skipper.
Over the years, Keith became one of the most prominent captains in the Bering Sea, known for his aggressive yet strategic approach to crab fishing. His leadership on the Wizard has been featured in Deadliest Catch since Season 3, and he has also appeared on other related programs like After the Catch and Deadliest Catch: The Bait. Apart from his fishing career, Keith is also an entrepreneur, owning a product line of sauces and dry rubs called Captain Keith’s Catch.
Colburn has faced several personal and professional challenges, including battling alcoholism and health issues. In 2017, he suffered a severe bacterial infection in his spine, forcing him to temporarily step away from fishing, but he later recovered and returned to the Wizard. In 2021, he also contracted COVID-19, sharing his experience with fans to raise awareness about the virus.
Keith Colburn Age
Keith Colburn was born on March 10, 1963, making him 61 years old as of 2024.
Keith Colburn Height
Keith Colburn stands at a height of 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters).
Keith Colburn Hometown
Keith Colburn is Originally from Placerville, California.
Keith Colburn Brother
Keith Colburn has a brother named Monte Colburn. Monte is also a captain and often appears alongside Keith on Deadliest Catch.
Keith Colburn Wife and Children
Keith Colburn was married to Florence Colburn. The couple shared two children, a son named Caelan Colburn and a daughter named Sienna Colburn. However, in 2012, Keith and Florence filed for divorce, which was reportedly due to Keith’s health and drinking problems at the time.
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Keith Colburn Career
Keith Colburn’s career is rooted in adventure and ambition, beginning in 1985 when he moved to Alaska from Lake Tahoe at the age of 22. Originally, he sought out excitement in the unknown waters of Alaska, with no prior fishing experience. Despite this, he quickly adapted to the challenging environment of commercial crabbing. By 1988, his persistence paid off when he became a full-share deckhand on the crab fishing vessel FV Wizard. This achievement marked a turning point, as it meant he now earned a rightful share of the season’s profits—a significant milestone in the world of commercial fishing.
Colburn’s ascent in the crabbing world was rapid. By 1990, he earned his U.S. Coast Guard 1600-ton Mate’s license, allowing him to move from the deck to the pilot house, a critical step towards becoming a captain. Just two years later, in 1992, Colburn obtained his 1600-ton Master’s license, officially qualifying him to captain a vessel. His leadership on the Wizard soon cemented his reputation as a skilled and daring captain, willing to take calculated risks to succeed in the harsh conditions of the Bering Sea.
In the early 2000s, Keith expanded his influence in the crabbing industry. In 2002, he purchased a second vessel, the FV Sirene. However, he continued to operate the Wizard, managing both vessels for a period. By 2004, the Alaskan crabbing industry underwent significant changes when the government introduced the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) system to regulate overfishing. This led to the downsizing of the crabbing fleet from 250 boats to just 80. During this transition, Keith made the critical decision to sell the Sirene’s fishing rights and focus solely on the Wizard, ensuring his place among the top boats in the fleet.
Colburn’s strategic approach to crabbing and his willingness to take risks paid off. For example, in 2002, he guided the Wizard 200 miles further north than any other boat, a decision that resulted in a record-breaking catch of 540,000 pounds of snow crab. This aggressive yet methodical strategy helped him outperform other captains year after year. From 1996 to 2000, Colburn ranked as the #2 king crab producer among 180 captains, a testament to his skill and leadership in the industry.
In 2005, Colburn’s career reached a new level of fame when he became a central figure on the Discovery Channel’s hit reality series Deadliest Catch. The show, which premiered that year, followed the grueling lives of crab fishermen in the Bering Sea. As the captain of the Wizard, Colburn’s intense leadership style and daring decisions made him a fan favorite.
Beyond his work on the Wizard and his television fame, Colburn expanded his entrepreneurial ventures by launching Captain Keith’s Catch, a line of sauces and dry rubs, in 2015. This product line allowed him to diversify his career beyond fishing, appealing to fans of Deadliest Catch as well as culinary enthusiasts. His background as a former chef, having worked in French restaurants as a teenager, influenced this business move.
Keith Colburn Recent News
In recent news, Keith Colburn experienced a serious health scare during the 20th season of the show. He suffered a cardiac event while at sea, collapsing in the wheelhouse during a heated argument with his brother Monte over a navigational error that caused financial losses. The crew had to rush to get Keith medical help, navigating dangerous conditions to reach the nearest port for a medevac. Fortunately, Keith is now recovering well from the incident.
Keith Colburn Net Worth
Keith Colburn has an estimated net worth of $4 million as of 2024.
Keith Colburn Instagram Presence
Keith Colburn is active on Instagram, where he shares updates about his life, including moments from aboard the F/V Wizard and interactions with fans of Deadliest Catch. His Instagram handle is @captainkeithcolburn.
FAQs
Who is Keith Colburn?
Keith Colburn is a seasoned commercial crab fisherman and the captain of the FV Wizard. He gained fame through the Discovery Channel reality series Deadliest Catch, which follows crab fishermen navigating the dangerous waters of the Bering Sea.
When did Keith Colburn start his fishing career?
Keith moved to Alaska in 1985 at the age of 22 and began his fishing career with no prior experience. He started as a deckhand and worked his way up to captain by 1992 after earning his U.S. Coast Guard license.
What boat does Keith Colburn captain?
Keith captains the FV Wizard, one of the largest and most successful crab fishing vessels in the fleet. He purchased the Wizard in 2005.
Has Keith Colburn faced health issues?
Yes, Keith has dealt with several serious health issues, including osteomyelitis, a bacterial infection in his spine, and a recent cardiac event while at sea. He has also battled COVID-19.
What is Keith Colburn’s role on Deadliest Catch?
Keith has been featured on Deadliest Catch since its third season in 2005, showcasing his leadership aboard the FV Wizard. He has also hosted Deadliest Catch: The Bait.
Is Keith Colburn active on social media?
Yes, Keith is active on Instagram and Twitter, where he shares updates about his life, health, and adventures at sea.
What business ventures does Keith Colburn have outside of fishing?
In addition to his fishing career, Keith launched a line of sauces and dry rubs called Captain Keith’s Catch in 2015.
