Brad Krasowski from Wicked Tuna: Biography, Age, Wife, Kids, Boat, Biggest Tuna Catch & Net Worth

Brad Krasowski may be best known to Wicked Tuna fans as the calm, capable captain of the F/V Fish Hawk, but his life on the water began long before the cameras ever rolled. With deep roots in the fishing culture of New Jersey, Brad turned a family tradition into a lifelong journey—balancing commercial tuna fishing with family, teamwork, and a steady hand at sea. This biography takes a closer look at his path, from growing up on the docks of Manasquan to earning respect as one of the fleet’s most consistent performers.

Brad Krasowski

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    Early Life and Family Roots

    Brad Krasowski was born on September 20, 1969, in Asbury Park, New Jersey, and raised in the nearby town of Manasquan. Fishing ran in his blood—both his father and brother were commercial tuna fishermen, and Brad grew up on the docks, learning the trade from an early age. By the time he was 15, he was already fishing the Atlantic Ocean for sea bass, bluefish, porgy, and of course, tuna.

    Even in school, Brad was known to tuck fishing books inside his textbooks to sneak in more knowledge about fish species. Fishing wasn’t just a job—it was his calling.

    Wicked Tuna Debut and Rise to Captain

    Brad made his television debut in Season 5 of Wicked Tuna (2016) as first mate aboard the Wicked Pissah, working with Captain Paul Hebert. Early in the season, Brad’s steady presence on deck helped navigate the chaotic ups and downs of commercial tuna fishing. In one memorable episode (Season 5, Episode 2), Brad was right in the thick of the action during a double hookup. Despite the tension and pressure, Brad helped land two giant tunas, measuring 98.5 and 86 inches respectively. He later remarked on the emotional toll of losing a fish:

    “There’s no other job where you can lose your paycheck so fast… it’s tough on your soul, it’s tough on your psyche.”

    The Wicked Pissah team ultimately placed second overall, earning $104,611 in bluefin sales—just $174 behind the winning boat FV-Tuna.com. It was one of the closest finishes in the show’s history, and a breakthrough moment for Brad.

    Their teamwork and strong finish highlighted Brad’s experience and dependability, setting the stage for his promotion.

    In Season 6, Brad took the helm of his own boat—the F/V Fish Hawk, a 42-foot Dana Hunter. His daughter’s artwork flew proudly on the boat’s new flag, and Brad brought on Matt Mattson as his first mate. Matt called him a “fish maniac” and said, “If it has a tail, Brad has a hook.”

    Brad’s leadership was calm and focused. In Season 7, the Fish Hawk nearly won the competition, landing second place once again with earnings of $103,361, just $575 behind Pinwheel. Despite falling short, Brad’s boat caught 18 bluefin, proving his skill and consistency.

    Fishing Style and Philosophy

    Brad doesn’t fish for fame—he fishes for family, tradition, and survival. “Fishing’s always been a lot more than a job for me,” he once said. “I always had solace to be able to leave land and just fish to provide for my family so we can survive.”

    His approach is rooted in humility and deep respect for the ocean. Whether the tuna were biting or not, he always found the joy in the challenge.

    “There’s always something new, and that’s the fun part to me,” Brad explained. “Whether I caught a lot of fish that season or not that many, I always remember saying, ‘Jesus, who woulda thought that?’”

    Brad’s largest catch? A 920-pound dressed bluefin tuna caught just five miles off Asbury Park. “The scale only went to 999,” Brad said. “So it was over 1,000 pounds.”

    Life Beyond Tuna and Personal Favorites

    In the off-season, Brad stays active on the water. In 2023, he was seen lobstering aboard the F/V Nancon with Bryan Tufts out of Kennebunkport, Maine. He’s a man of the sea through and through.

    Brad’s favorite fish to eat? Tuna, of course, but he also loves swordfish, lobster, and all kinds of shellfish—from steamer clams to blue crabs. If he had it his way, “it would be seafood for every meal.”

    A few more of Brad’s favorites:

    • Book: Waterfowl Flyways of North America – a book about bird migration
    • Movie: The Shawshank Redemption – “I watched it like a hundred times.”
    • Musical Artist: Frank Sinatra

    His Wife and Children

    Brad is married to Heather Krasowski, his longtime partner and supporter through the highs and lows of life at sea. Together they are proud parents of two children: Emma, their eldest, and Brad Jr., the younger of the two.

    Family is a central pillar in Brad’s life. Heather has been his anchor behind the scenes, while Emma and Brad Jr. have brought moments of joy and pride throughout his journey. In fact, when Brad launched the F/V Fish Hawk on Wicked Tuna, it was Emma who designed the boat’s flag—a personal touch that made it even more special.

    Though the exact age difference between the siblings isn’t public, Emma is clearly the older sibling, often taking a creative lead and sharing in her father’s passion for the sea in her own way.

    Net Worth and Earnings

    While Brad Krasowski has not publicly disclosed his exact net worth, estimates based on his years of commercial fishing, Wicked Tuna earnings, and off-season lobstering suggest a modest but stable income. During his time on the show, Brad consistently ranked among the top-earning captains. In Season 5, he helped the Wicked Pissah bring in over $104,000, and in Season 7, his own boat Fish Hawk earned more than $103,000.

    In addition to TV appearance fees and tuna sales, Brad’s ongoing work as a full-time fisherman contributes to his overall financial picture. As of 2025, sources estimate his net worth to be in the range of $400,000 to $700,000, reflecting both his work ethic and dedication to a traditional fishing lifestyle.

    Brad Krasowski – Quick Wiki Bio Facts

    FieldInformation
    Full NameBrad Thomas Krasowski
    Date of BirthSeptember 20, 1969
    Age (as of 2024)55 years old
    BirthplaceAsbury Park, New Jersey, USA
    HometownManasquan, New Jersey, USA
    OccupationCommercial Tuna Fisherman, TV Star
    Vessel on Wicked TunaF/V Fish Hawk
    Seasons on ShowS5 (First Mate on Wicked Pissah), S6–S8 (Captain of Fish Hawk)
    Known ForWicked Tuna, 920-lb tuna catch, calm leadership style
    Marital StatusMarried
    SpouseHeather Krasowski
    ChildrenEmma Krasowski (eldest), Brad Jr.
    Notable Quote“Fishing’s always been more than a job for me.”
    Recent ActivityLobstering aboard F/V Nancon (2023)
    Biggest Catch920 lbs dressed bluefin tuna
    First Mate (Fish Hawk)Matt Mattson
    Previous Boat RoleFirst Mate on Wicked Pissah (S5)
    Friendly RivalryPaul Hebert
    Highest Tuna PriceUpper $20s per pound
    Favorite Fish to EatTuna, Swordfish
    Favorite MovieThe Shawshank Redemption
    Favorite BookWaterfowl Flyways of North America
    Favorite MusicianFrank Sinatra
    Signature Fishing TraitCalm, fish-savvy, instinctive
    Legacy HighlightHelping his son catch his first giant tuna

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