Daniel Edgar [Swamp People] Wiki/Bio, Age, Net Worth, Wife, Kids.

Daniel Edgar (born April 17, 1949) is a Louisiana-based Creole commercial fisherman, entrepreneur, and reality TV personality best known for his appearances on the History Channel’s Swamp People.

Before he was known to millions as the calm, steady hand in the chaos of gator season, Daniel Edgar was just a boy growing up in the Louisiana bayou—fishing before dawn, cooking with cast-iron pots under oak trees, and listening to stories passed down in French from generations that came before him. His life, shaped by mud, tides, and tradition, isn’t one crafted for television—it’s one that television happened to find.

Yet what sets Daniel apart is how closely his life reflects the culture he was raised in—steeped in Creole heritage, Louisiana’s fishing traditions, and a deep commitment to family. When Daniel Edgar joined Swamp People in 2016—after years of turning down the spotlight—he brought real-life bayou experience to the screen, staying true to his roots. His arrival quietly marked a turning point for the series, reinforcing its connection to the everyday people of southern Louisiana.

Early Life and Creole Heritage of Daniel Edgar

Daniel Edgar was born on April 17, 1949, near Jeanerette, Louisiana—a town historically tied to the sugarcane industry and deeply rooted in bayou culture. Raised in southern Louisiana’s Acadian region, Daniel grew up in a Creole fishing family that lived off the land, water, and generational knowledge passed down over time.

Daniel has spoken openly about his Creole ancestry—a heritage shaped by African, French, and Native American lineage. Though light-skinned in appearance, he identifies as a dark-skinned Black man and acknowledges that his family’s lineage includes enslaved ancestors in the Deep South. This history is foundational to his identity and instilled a lasting respect for his roots, culture, and community.

He was the third of six children born to Rufus and Bertha Edgar. His father, a native of Jeanerette, and his mother, originally from Lawtell near Opelousas, raised their children in a home where discipline, hard work, and family came first. Although his parents lacked formal education—Rufus left school after the third grade and Bertha never attended—Daniel was surrounded by other forms of learning. His grandparents spoke fluent Louisiana French, and their presence kept Creole customs and language alive within the household.

Daniel’s grandfather, Laurence Edgar, was a quiet, book-loving man who immersed himself in history, while his grandmothers, Modest Frilot and Ellenor Dise, helped raise Daniel and his siblings—Bertha Ann, Albert, Cathelia, Rose, and Janice—with a blend of firmness and nurturing care.

Life in the Edgar household was humble but rich in purpose. Fishing, trapping, tending animals, and growing sugarcane were part of the family’s daily routine. Daniel often fished with his grandfather and competed with his father and brother to bring in the biggest haul. These experiences sharpened his instincts early on and formed the bedrock of his future as a commercial fisherman.

Just as the Edgar family worked together on the water, they came together over meals—times that reflected their Creole heritage and connection to the Louisiana bayou. In Daniel’s early years, outdoor cooking wasn’t a choice—it was a way of life. With no air conditioning and summer heat pressing down, meals were made beneath pecan and oak trees using cast-iron pots passed down for generations.

Seafood was at the heart of both their work and their table. Dishes like catfish stew, shrimp étouffée, jambalaya, and turtle sauce piquante were prepared slowly over open flames. These moments weren’t just about food—they were about family. While the pots simmered, elders told stories of gator hunts, turtle hauls, and hurricanes weathered in old wooden homes. Daniel grew up listening to those stories, learning the lessons behind them.

Even with long days on the water and time spent around the cooking fire, Daniel also made room for school. He attended Jonas Henderson High School, balancing his studies with daily responsibilities—checking lines before class and helping with family duties afterward. By the time he reached his teens, he had become a capable boatman and a skilled trapper, with a sense for the swamp’s tides, seasons, and rhythms.

Building a Bayou Business Legacy

Daniel Edgar’s career spans decades of hands-on labor, quiet leadership, and generational transition. From pulling traps in his twenties to overseeing processing operations along the Vermilion River in his seventies, he never stepped away from the work. His approach has remained steady: build slowly, stay reliable, and keep it in the family.

In 1986, Daniel and his father founded St. Mary’s Seafood Incorporated, a family-run company based in southern Louisiana. It began as a small-batch seafood provider—offering fresh and frozen crabs, soft-shell crabs, crawfish, and bait—but steadily grew into a trusted name among local buyers, wholesalers, and dockside distributors.

As demand evolved, Daniel adapted. In 2011, he co-founded Louisiana Bait Products with his son Joey Edgar. Their focus on IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) menhaden bait helped meet the needs of commercial crawfishermen, crabbers, and recreational anglers throughout the Gulf Coast. With production based near the Vermilion River and national distribution in place, the Edgar family secured a stronghold across the seafood supply chain.

What began as local seafood sales has grown into a vertically integrated operation—harvesting, processing, and shipping across the Gulf Coast. With sons Joey and Dwaine and grandson Dorien now actively involved, Daniel continues to mentor from the front lines. The Edgar name remains a fixture in Louisiana’s seafood industry, known for consistency, Creole tradition, and family-run integrity.

Inside Daniel Edgar’s Family Life: Marriages, Children, and Legacy

Daniel Edgar’s life off the water has been marked by enduring family bonds, personal sacrifices, and a legacy rooted deep in the Louisiana bayou. Known to fans of Swamp People as the steady and soft-spoken patriarch of the Edgar clan, Daniel’s real story extends far beyond gator season.

His first marriage was to Juanita Thomas Broussard, with whom he had two sons—Joey Edgar and Dwaine Edgar. The couple eventually parted ways, with Daniel’s demanding schedule on the water cited as a major factor. Despite the separation, Daniel remained a present and devoted father. Juanita later remarried and passed away on March 17, 2018, leaving behind the strong family foundation she helped build.

Daniel later married a Cajun woman named Mandy, and together they had a daughter, Danielle Edgar. However, this marriage too eventually dissolved, reportedly due to the unrelenting demands of Daniel’s commercial fishing and seafood business. Since then, Daniel has chosen a path of solitude, dedicating himself to his children, grandchildren, and the work that defines his way of life.

The Edgar family legacy is very much alive. Joey and Dwaine have taken active roles in running the family’s seafood and bait businesses, operating out of Bayou Sorrel and other nearby areas. Danielle studied at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and has been affiliated with St. Mary Seafood, Inc. since at least 2003, according to publicly available information. While the exact nature of her current role remains unverified, she is believed to be involved in the broader family operations.

Adding to the lineage are Daniel’s grandchildren—Dorien Edgar, Caylin Edgar, Alexx Edgar, Kallie Edgar, Gabriel Edgar, Cole Edgar, Karlie Edgar, and Jolie Edgar. Dorien and Caylin have appeared alongside him on Swamp People, carrying the family torch on screen. While not all of Daniel’s grandchildren are in the spotlight, each plays a part in the expanding Edgar legacy, reflecting the strong roots and enduring spirit of their family heritage.

Daniel Edgar’s Net Worth

As of 2025, Daniel Edgar’s estimated net worth is approximately $4 million, built largely from decades in Louisiana’s commercial fishing industry and the success of his family-run seafood and bait businesses. His ventures—St. Mary’s Seafood Inc. and Louisiana Bait Products—continue to serve both local and regional markets.

Daniel’s earnings from Swamp People have supplemented his income since 2016. While television is not his primary source of revenue, his role on the show provides consistent exposure and an additional stream of earnings, reportedly ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 per episode based on his veteran status. His on-screen presence has also contributed to growing interest in his family’s businesses.

Daniel Edgar Wiki Biography: Quick Facts

Full Name	Daniel Edgar
Date of Birth	April 17, 1949
Age (2025)	75 years old
Birthplace	Near Jeanerette, Louisiana, USA
Ethnicity	Creole (Black, French, Native American ancestry)
Nationality	American
Languages Spoken	English, Louisiana French (heritage fluency)
Profession	Commercial fisherman, entrepreneur, reality TV star
Famous For	Swamp People cast member
TV Debut	2016 (Season 7, Episode 2)
Nickname	The Creole Patriarch
Companies Owned	St. Mary’s Seafood Inc., Louisiana Bait Products
TV Salary Estimate	$10,000–$15,000 per episode (est.)
Net Worth (2025)	~$4 million
Marital Status	Divorced twice
Spouses	Juanita Thomas Broussard (first), Mandy (second)
Children	Joey Edgar, Dwaine Edgar, Danielle Edgar
Grandchildren	Dorien Edgar, Caylin Edgar
Parents	Rufus Edgar, Bertha Edgar
Grandparents	Laurence Edgar, Modest Frilot, Ellenor Dise
Siblings	Bertha Ann, Albert, Cathelia, Rose, Janice
Education	Attended Jonas Henderson High School
Current Residence	Iberia Parish, Louisiana

Daniel Edgar’s Swamp People Reality Television Journey

Daniel Edgar joined the History Channel’s Swamp People in Season 7 after years of declining participation, despite early interest from the show’s producers when it launched in 2010. At the time, Edgar was already a well-established figure in Louisiana’s commercial fishing scene, known for his deep Creole roots and multi-generational family operation in the bayous. It was only after repeated requests—and a personal ask from fellow swamper Troy Landry—that Daniel agreed to appear on the series in 2016.

His entry brought a new level of authenticity to the show, grounded not in dramatics but in a real-life connection to the swamp. One story he shared on air exemplified the skill passed down in his family. Daniel recalled that whenever his father, Paul, fired a shot during a hunt, other club members would rush to help drag a deer—because he never missed. On one occasion, they arrived to find no deer in sight. When asked if he had missed, his father simply pulled a deer’s tongue from his pocket, wrapped in a handkerchief. He had shot clean through the deer’s mouth, removing its tongue with a single bullet. It was a mark of precision and calm under pressure—traits that Daniel would later carry into his own hunts and his time on television.

Daniel Edgar’s First Season on Swamp People (Season 7 Overview)

Daniel Edgar made his on-screen debut in Season 7, Episode 2, titled “The Code of the Swamp,” which aired on February 15, 2016. The episode followed a rough start to the season for Troy Landry, who was battling extreme weather and struggling to fill his 500-tag quota. With the Edgars’ west zone season still closed, Daniel stepped in to assist Troy, bringing along his son Joey and grandson Dorien. Working without compensation, the Edgars offered their support to help a fellow hunter in need—a gesture rooted in swamp tradition.

In their debut outing, Daniel guided Dorien through the catch of a 10-foot gator, highlighting both his mentoring style and steady leadership. Although the Edgars caught more gators per line, Daniel graciously acknowledged the Landrys’ win for the day, since they landed a larger 11-footer. The mutual respect between the families became evident early on.

The collaboration continued in Episode 3, “All Hands on Deck.” Determined to rebound from the previous day’s results, the Edgars returned to help Troy for a second day. Joey and Dorien bagged a 9.5-foot gator, signaling Dorien’s growing confidence under Daniel’s guidance. By day’s end, the Edgars caught 11 gators, surpassing the Landrys’ total of 9. Across their two-day team-up, the families harvested a combined 57 alligators, significantly easing Troy’s early-season burden. In return, he offered Daniel additional tags as a sign of gratitude.

Episode 4, “Home Turf,” marked the Edgars’ return to their own zone. With the west season officially underway, Daniel and his crew faced shifting water levels and unpredictable conditions. In Episode 5, “Monster Men,” Daniel squared off against a long-avoided alligator, showcasing his calculated persistence.

In Episode 6, “The Party’s Over,” Daniel delivered a stern reminder of work ethic when his sons arrived late and hungover. The following week, in “Sweet Revenge,” the Edgars entered contested waters shared with R.J. and Jay Paul Molinere, sparking a respectful yet tense competition.

Episodes 8 through 11 continued to feature Daniel as he navigated challenging terrain and weather. Episode 11, “Big Claw,” put his resilience on display when dealing with an unusually aggressive gator. The season wrapped up with “Home Stretch” and “End of the Line,” as Daniel, Joey, and Dorien rallied to complete their final hauls. Despite mid-season setbacks, they ended strong—reaffirming their role as one of the show’s most consistent and grounded family teams.

Daniel Edgar’s Evolution on Swamp People – Seasons 8 to 10

Between Seasons 8 and 10 of Swamp People, Daniel Edgar continued to expand his role in the series, focusing on operational challenges and family involvement in alligator hunting. His segments often highlighted intergenerational dynamics, evolving hunting strategies, and adaptation to unpredictable swamp conditions.

In Season 8, Edgar brought his son Dwaine into the family operation. Their working relationship was marked by tension, with episodes such as “Fresh Blood” and “Big Boy McCoy” illustrating Dwaine’s difficulty in meeting Daniel’s expectations. In “Busting Chops,” they attempted to improve their coordination. Later in the season, Daniel revealed a previously unused hunting location in “Brutus the Cannibal,” contributing to the team’s effort to complete more tags, which reached a high by the season finale.

The season opened with historically low market prices caused by a surplus of farm-raised alligators, prompting buyers to consider shutting down early. To counter this, Daniel ramped up his efforts by operating two boats to double his daily catch. This also marked the return of Dwaine, who had been away from the business for over a decade after a stint with the New York Yankees and a career in education. The Edgar crew—Daniel, Joey, Dwaine, and Dorien—began the season under intense pressure to fill 250 tags quickly.

One of the key storylines early in the season involved Daniel’s long-standing pursuit of an elusive gator known as Grand Noir. Believing the massive predator was behind a series of attacks, Daniel engaged in several intense hunts. In one episode, he captured a 13-foot gator he initially suspected to be Grand Noir, only to find it was another large beast. This pursuit highlighted Daniel’s experience and persistence. The scenes also captured the team dynamics at play, including Dwaine’s re-acclimation to the swamp environment after years away.

Season 9 introduced the “Cajun Cartel,” a collaborative group of hunters, including Daniel, formed to address industry uncertainty. With Dorien stepping away from the operation, Daniel shifted responsibilities to Joey and experimented with new helpers. He returned to familiar hunting zones and managed various logistical and environmental challenges, such as poaching and storms. In “Hell Rains Down,” Daniel hunted near the Gulf of Mexico during a tropical storm. Episodes like “Swamp Savage” presented increased internal competition and pressure within the Edgar family.

In Episode 18 of Season 9 (“Speed Demons”), Daniel and Big Tee focused their efforts on capturing a notorious gator known as Black Gold. The episode featured a prolonged and suspenseful attempt to haul in the massive predator. Despite signs of Black Gold’s presence and an intense tug-of-war, the gator managed to evade capture. At one point, Daniel and Big Tee believed they had hooked him, but the gator escaped before they could get a clear shot. To make matters worse, the gator crossed a property boundary, legally preventing them from continuing the pursuit. With ten other large gators already in the boat and daylight fading, Daniel was forced to end the hunt—acknowledging the standstill and noting how the elusive gator always seemed to stay just out of reach. The encounter reflected both Daniel’s tactical restraint and the frustrations that come with strict territorial regulations.

Firearms, Family, and Foundations: Daniel Edgar’s Hunting Heritage in Season 9

Also during Season 9, in a bonus segment, Daniel opened up about his personal hunting heritage by introducing viewers to his favorite firearm—an original Belgium-made Browning .30-06, affectionately known as “the meat gun.” This well-worn rifle, which had accompanied him on countless hunts, remained fully functional despite its age and visible battle scars. Daniel spoke with pride about the gun’s longevity, describing it as a symbol of craftsmanship and enduring reliability.

He also reflected on his upbringing and the generations that shaped him. His father and grandfather, both hunters of limited means, made do with only one or two firearms—a .22 and a basic shotgun—to feed their families and protect their land. Daniel recounted how he eventually bought his father a .243 Remington, the first rifle his father ever owned. These stories weren’t just about the tools of the trade—they revealed a legacy of resourcefulness, humility, and deep respect for both family and the swamp itself.

In Season 10, Daniel maintained a steady presence in the field. He partnered with Big Tee on multiple hunts and responded to urgent calls from nearby communities, including in “Cow Killers.” In Episode 11 (“Wild Wild Swamp”), Daniel and Big Tee entered Bayou Crook Chene, a known hotspot for poaching. After discovering multiple stolen lines and signs of unauthorized hunting activity, they set out to catch the poachers in the act. Though they attempted to confront them during a nighttime stakeout, the suspects escaped by boat before they could be identified. Despite this, Daniel believed the encounter would send a strong message and deter future intrusions.

The season culminated in Episode 14 (“Tag Out or Die Trying”), where Daniel and Big Tee finally tracked down Black Gold in a strategic hot spot known as a “location canal”—a deep water area left over from oil drilling. After several failed attempts and a prolonged chase, they successfully captured the gator on the final day of the season. The victory not only completed Daniel’s tag quota but also brought closure to a long-running pursuit that had spanned multiple seasons. The successful capture of Black Gold served as a key moment in Daniel’s hunting narrative and demonstrated persistence, coordination, and the payoff of long-term strategy.

Across these three seasons, Daniel Edgar’s contributions were characterized by methodical decision-making, a focus on family participation, and his ability to adjust to external pressures. His continued presence reflected the operational and generational complexities of commercial alligator hunting in Louisiana.

Resilience, Rivalries, and Legacy: Daniel Edgar’s Leadership Across Seasons 11 to 13

In Season 11 of Swamp People, Daniel Edgar remained a consistent presence, returning with Big Tee to tackle a new set of challenges. With the gator population surging, Daniel’s focus shifted to high-risk hunts targeting dominant, territorial alligators. In Episode 2 (“Return to Froggy Bayou”), Daniel and Big Tee adapted their tactics by using creative baiting strategies to improve catch efficiency. Their segments throughout the season highlighted a blend of traditional knowledge and inventive methods.

Episode 5 (“Bad Banana”) offered a deeper look into Daniel’s resilience. With Big Tee sidelined due to injury, Daniel headed out alone to Bayou Benoit with over 140 tags still to fill. At age 70, Daniel acknowledged the risks of solo hunting, recalling advice from his father that helped him overcome fear in his younger years. During the hunt, Daniel successfully brought down an 11-foot alligator but broke his winch while attempting to haul it in. Using a ratchet strap to jury-rig a fix, he managed to get the 600-pound gator aboard, underscoring both his experience and resourcefulness. Later, he shared the moment with his son Joey, marking one of the more personal and emotional scenes of the season.

Episode 7 (“Deadeye Driver”) revisited the territorial tension in Bayou Crook Chene. Daniel and Big Tee discovered a series of pink-flagged lines on property they believed to be theirs. Upon confronting the suspected trespassers—rookies Brock and Aaron—the situation was diffused peacefully. After reviewing maps together, it became clear that the confusion was due to a mapping error. Daniel praised the young hunters for their respectful handling of the misunderstanding, and the encounter ended amicably over a meal of frog legs. The episode illustrated Daniel’s preference for resolution through communication and his role as a respected figure in the swamp community.

Episode 11 (“The Cannibal”) saw Daniel and Big Tee return to familiar territory to confront a large alligator preying on smaller gators. The episode emphasized Daniel’s resolve in removing threats that disrupt the ecological balance. In Episode 12 (“Swamp on Fire”), the pair pressed into deeper marshland under extreme heat, continuing to work through dwindling tag counts.

By the time the season neared its end, Daniel’s endurance and commitment were evident. In Episode 13 (“Graduation Day”), Daniel pushed through mechanical issues and uncooperative weather to complete his season. His consistency in the field and focus on methodical progress continued to anchor his role in the larger hunting community.

In Season 12, Daniel Edgar took on more of a mentorship role, particularly evident in Episode 6 (“Swamp Secrets”), where he guided his grandson Dorien through advanced techniques of gator hunting. Facing heat waves, shifting water levels, and increasing competition, Daniel chose hunting zones carefully. In Episode 10 (“Black Clouds”), Daniel shared storm-survival tactics with Dorien as the pair worked against the clock and changing weather to protect their lines and maintain their pace.

Episode 15 (“Tag Teaming”) highlighted Daniel and Dorien working together to finish out their tags, reflecting both Daniel’s confidence in Dorien and his commitment to generational continuity. The season underscored Daniel’s shift from individual achievement to knowledge transfer and team resilience.

In Season 13, Daniel faced some of the most difficult environmental and logistical hurdles yet. The season opened with Hurricane Ida threatening to upend operations entirely. In Episode 2 (“Nothing but Bulls”), Daniel and Joey shifted their strategy to hand-skin large bulls to offset buyer shortages. As water levels fluctuated and conditions deteriorated, Daniel maintained a steady course.

Episode 6 (“Secret Sauce”) featured Daniel and Dorien targeting cooler water zones near the mouth of the Mississippi River. The segment illustrated Daniel’s analytical approach to location selection, prioritizing temperature and current patterns. Later, in Episode 9 (“Swamp Professor”), Daniel raced to complete tags before an incoming storm, underscoring his ability to manage pressure while mentoring new crew members.

By Episode 14 (“Tag Team Gators”), Daniel and Dorien confronted a familiar adversary while pushing to meet their quota. The pairing of experience and youthful energy served them well throughout the season. Daniel’s performance across Seasons 11 through 13 continued to reflect precision, perseverance, and adaptability—anchoring the Edgar family’s enduring presence in Louisiana’s high-stakes gator industry.

High Heat, High Stakes: Daniel Edgar’s Enduring Grit in Seasons 14 to 16

In Swamp People Seasons 14 through 16, Daniel Edgar continued to solidify his role as a cornerstone of the bayou, navigating rising temperatures, historic storms, and fierce family rivalries with his signature calm and calculated approach.

In Season 14, Daniel set an ambitious goal early on—to catch ten alligators over ten feet long (Episode 2, “The Big Ten”). He hunted with his grandson Dorien and later incorporated airboat support into their strategy during the high-stakes episode “Flying Gators” (Episode 7). Daniel’s focus sharpened when chasing infertile bull gators in “Hungry, Hungry Gators” (Episode 9), a conservation-minded move to protect the ecosystem. Despite setbacks in “Swamp of the Giants,” Daniel’s discipline remained evident. As the season neared its close, he and Dorien gambled on gator nesting grounds (Episode 15), hoping for one last big catch before “Who Will Be King?” (Episode 16) answered the season-long question of dominance.

Season 15 opened with brutal droughts and scorching temperatures. Daniel returned in “Bayou Bloodlines” (Episode 12) for a rare father-son hunt with Joey Edgar, strengthening the narrative of generational continuity. He also pursued a legendary 13-foot gator named “Triple XL” during “Full Moon Frenzy” (Episode 11). In the tense episode “Boom or Bust” (Episode 14), Joey and Zak challenged Daniel’s leadership, but the Edgar patriarch stood firm, ultimately refusing to be dethroned.

Season 16 saw Daniel partner with Zak Catchem across multiple high-stakes hunts, including in “Snapping Back,” where they faced the chaos of a volatile hurricane season. In “Hurricane Francine” (Episode 4), Daniel balanced gator hunting with preparing his family’s business for the storm’s direct impact. By Episode 12 (“Tree Breakers”), Daniel and Zak faced off with a cunning gator known as “The Professor,” which had evaded capture for over 30 years. The season climaxed in “The Swamp Strikes Back” (Episode 14), where Daniel tempted fate by hunting in a metal airboat amid lightning-filled skies. His relentless pursuit of excellence, even under extreme conditions, underscored why he remains one of the swamp’s most respected figures.