Captain Bob Cook Wicked Tuna Biography: Age, Wife, Net Worth, Fat Tuna Charters & Career

Captain Bob Cook is the kind of guy whose journey from a curious kid on the docks to a two-time Wicked Tuna champion feels straight out of a sea-soaked New England storybook. If you’ve seen him on TV guiding the FV Fat Tuna through the Atlantic, you already know he’s the real deal—no frills, all heart.

Long before the cameras rolled, Bob was out there earning his stripes. From banding lobsters as a preteen to building a thriving fishing charter business with his wife Gwen Cook, everything about Bob’s life speaks to passion, persistence, and pride in his craft. His fans love him not just for the fish he lands, but for the way he keeps it real—on deck, on screen, and in life.

Early Life and Fishing Roots

Bob Cook was born on October 7, 1972, in Beverly, Massachusetts, to Robert Gordon Cook and Barbara White. His father, a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Korean War, spent his professional life as a technician at Eastman Kodak in Peabody. Known for his hands-on approach and deep love of music, Robert supported his children’s interests, especially in sports and school. Bob’s mother, Barbara, was the anchor at home, raising seven children in a house she and Robert transformed together on Corning Street.

Bob was the youngest of seven children in a large, close-knit family. His brother has Down syndrome, and both spent their early years learning to fish from their grandfather, Sylvester “Sill” White—lovingly known as Gampy. Starting with simple hand lines in a dory off Salem, Massachusetts, Bob fished for groundfish like haddock and flounder, helping feed his family.

At just 11 years old, Bob took a bold step that would define his future: he walked down the dock and asked a lobster boat captain named Lyall Smith if he could come aboard. With his mother’s permission, the captain agreed. Bob began by banding lobsters and quickly proved himself. By his teens, he was working full-time offshore trips lasting up to 11 days—physically grueling work that shaped his work ethic and skills.

Discovering Tuna: The Turning Point

Bob’s passion for bluefin tuna ignited in 1999 when he spotted massive splashes while guiding a striped bass charter. After hooking one using just 30-lb line, the thrill of the chase captivated him. Though he didn’t land that first tuna, the experience sparked an obsession. The next year, he landed his first tuna—around 140 pounds—and hasn’t looked back since.

To date, Bob has caught over 1,000 bluefin tuna, with his largest weighing 920 pounds. But he says the real joy lies in the pursuit: spotting birds, reading water, and knowing when to strike. For Bob, it’s always about the next fish.

Wicked Tuna and the Road to Television

Although Wicked Tuna began airing in 2012, Bob didn’t appear until Season 9. He initially auditioned in earlier seasons but was told he was “too professional” and not a big enough personality for reality TV. However, his consistent performance on the water eventually spoke for itself.

By Season 9, the producers—frustrated by underperforming boats—approached Bob with an offer. His debut season had some tension due to a forced narrative, but after producers acknowledged the misstep, Bob agreed to return in Season 10 under the condition that they keep things real. Since then, he’s become a fan favorite known for his authenticity, grit, and results.

Bob and the FV Fat Tuna quickly rose through the ranks and achieved impressive results during the show’s competitive fishing seasons. In Season 11 (2022), Bob claimed his first championship, earning $84,030 with 16 fish landed—just ahead of Time Flies with Jack Patrican. He nearly repeated in Season 12 (2023), finishing runner-up with $69,930 and 12 fish, just behind Hot Tuna (TJ Ott). Bob returned even stronger in Season 13 (2024), securing his second victory with $82,077 and 14 fish, edging out Wicked Pissah (Paul Hebert).

These wins solidified Bob’s legacy as one of the most accomplished captains in Wicked Tuna’s history, especially considering he only joined in the second half of the series.

Fat Tuna Charters and Business Ventures

Bob co-owns Fat Tuna Charters with his wife, Angus Cook. His custom-built 46-foot boat, finished over 2.5 years, was designed entirely with client comfort and fishing efficiency in mind. He incorporated every lesson from his decades at sea—placing live wells at the stern, ensuring no tight spots, and maximizing deck space for a seamless experience.

Outside fishing, Bob also owns Little Italy Pizzeria on Cabot Street in Beverly, Massachusetts—a business he’s proudly run for over 15 years. Whether it’s flipping pizzas or hauling tuna, Bob puts his heart into everything he does.

A Heart for Veterans and Outdoor Healing

One of the most touching stories Bob shares is from a Wounded Warrior Project filming episode. A veteran on his boat once told him that the red-lit control panels and engine hum reminded him of a Blackhawk helicopter mission—a moment that gave Bob a deeper understanding of PTSD and the emotional power of fishing as therapy.

Since then, Bob has partnered with Hometown Hero Outdoors, donating two free charters annually to veterans and first responders. He considers it a personal mission to provide healing outdoor experiences for those who have served.

Wife and Children

Bob is married to Gwen Cook, and together they’ve built both a business and a family. The couple lives in Essex, Massachusetts, where they run Fat Tuna Charters and raise their children—in the heart of the community they love. The family also cherished their late dog Finn, whom Bob tearfully remembered in 2023 as “the greatest gift we have ever known.”

Net Worth

While exact figures are private, Captain Bob Cook’s income streams include:

• Wicked Tuna appearances
• Fat Tuna Charters
• Bluefin tuna sales (regulated)
• Little Italy Pizzeria

Factoring in these ventures, Bob’s estimated net worth is between $800,000 and $1.2 million, much of which goes back into maintaining his boat and business.

Captain Bob Cook – Wiki Bio Facts

Full Name	Robert “Bob” Cook
Date of Birth	October 7, 1972
Age	52 years old
Place of Birth	Beverly, Massachusetts, USA
Current Residence	Essex, Massachusetts, USA
Nationality	American
Occupation	Commercial Fisherman, TV Personality, Business Owner
Known For	Captain of FV Fat Tuna on Wicked Tuna
TV Debut	Wicked Tuna Season 9 (2020)
Show Wins	Season 11 (2022) and Season 13 (2024)
Boat Name	FV Fat Tuna
Fishing Specialty	Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
Years Active	1999–present (bluefin); TV: 2020–2024
Spouse	Gwen Cook
Children	Yes (names undisclosed)
Other Business	Little Italy Pizzeria (Cabot St, Beverly)
Estimated Net Worth	$800,000 – $1.2 million (2025 est.)
Charity Work	Hometown Hero Outdoors, Wounded Warrior Project