Dave Carraro Wiki/Bio, Illness, Surprising Revelation, Net worth, Girlfriend, Wife, Kids.

If the sight of a rod bending under the weight of a monster bluefin tuna gets your adrenaline pumping, chances are you’ve cheered for Captain Dave Carraro at some point. A veteran of the high-stakes fishing scene in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Dave is the sharp-minded, cool-headed skipper of FV-Tuna.com—a boat that’s become synonymous with dominance on Wicked Tuna.

Since the show first aired, Dave has captivated audiences with his unmatched consistency, tactical brilliance, and ability to keep his crew focused under pressure. But behind the legendary status is a man whose love for fishing began in childhood and whose career has spanned over four decades—on both the sea and in the sky.

From catching his first tuna at age seven to becoming one of the most decorated captains on reality TV, Dave’s story is as inspiring as it is impressive. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of the man fans affectionately call the “Tuna King.”

Early Life & Education: Born to Fish

David Carraro was born on April 23, 1965, in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, and raised partly in nearby Middletown. Fishing wasn’t just a weekend hobby for Dave—it was a bond he shared with his father, who first took him to nearby ponds. By age seven, Dave had already caught his first bluefin tuna. That thrill, that connection to the sea, never left him.

As a teenager, Dave started working on docks and charter boats. He graduated from Middletown High School in 1983, and just a few years later, at 20, earned his U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Master’s License. Not one to be anchored to just one passion, he also pursued flying and earned his pilot license at age 26, after graduating from Shields Aviation Academy in 1992.

Fishing Career: From Charter Mate to Tuna Champion

Dave’s fishing journey started humbly—first as a customer on charter boats, then as first mate on the Sea Fox out of Atlantic Highlands in 1979. By his twenties, he had already become a licensed captain. Over the decades, Dave has fished across the East Coast, the Bahamas, and Mexico, earning a reputation for his deep knowledge, sharp instincts, and cool-headed leadership.

He’s particularly known for targeting giant bluefin tuna and cod. His most impressive season came in 2016, when he landed a staggering 88 giant tuna. His previous record was 52 tuna in 2011. Outside of television, he runs fishing charters through FV-Tuna.com, giving fans and customers a chance to experience the thrill themselves.

Taking to the Skies: Dave the Pilot

While the sea may be his first love, Dave also soars in the skies. He’s a commercial airline pilot with JetBlue Airways, flying the E190 aircraft. He’s been flying for over 25 years, and somehow manages to balance his aviation career alongside his demanding life as a commercial fisherman and reality TV personality.

Television Breakthrough: Wicked Tuna

Dave joined Wicked Tuna when it first aired in 2012. The production team reached out while scouting for skilled fishermen, and after filming some test footage aboard FV-Tuna.com, Dave was in. Viewers quickly connected with his competitive spirit and calm yet commanding presence.

In that first season, Dave brought aboard his longtime friend Paul Hebert as the first mate of FV-Tuna.com. However, tensions arose during filming, and the two eventually parted ways. Hebert later became captain of his own vessel, Wicked Pissah, becoming a familiar face in the Wicked Tuna fleet.

As captain of FV-Tuna.com, Dave led his crew to multiple victories and has been one of the most dominant figures in the show’s history:

• Season 1 (2012): Winner – FV-Tuna.com ($85,950)
• Season 2 (2013): Runner-up – FV-Tuna.com ($96,978, 14 fish)
• Season 3 (2014): Winner – FV-Tuna.com ($126,403, 15 fish)
• Season 5 (2016): Winner – FV-Tuna.com ($104,785, 22 fish)
• Season 6 (2017): Winner – FV-Tuna.com ($98,580, 18 fish)
• Season 8 (2019): Winner – FV-Tuna.com ($120,318, 19 fish)
• Season 9 (2020): Runner-up – FV-Tuna.com ($63,152, 10 fish)

While FV-Tuna.com didn’t claim the top spot in Seasons 4 (2015), 7 (2018), or in more recent seasons 10 through 13 (2021–2024), Dave remained a strong presence in the fleet, consistently landing competitive catches. His dedication and strategic precision have kept him at the heart of the Wicked Tuna storyline even during off years.

In 2020, Dave took his talents to Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks, embracing the tougher, more unpredictable waters of North Carolina. He joined the Outer Banks series with the same strategic intensity that made him a champion in the original series. While the terrain and rivals were different, Dave proved he could adapt to the high-pressure conditions of southern tuna fishing just as well. The waters were hotter, the weather more volatile, and the local captains fiercely competitive.

One of the most daunting aspects was navigating the Oregon Inlet—dubbed the Graveyard of the Atlantic—where shallow sandbars and shifting tides have wrecked countless vessels. For Dave, it was both a challenge and an opportunity to sharpen his edge. He openly acknowledged how much he enjoyed the different style of fishing and respected the grit it demanded. Even though it was unfamiliar territory, Dave’s experience and steady leadership quickly earned him the respect of Outer Banks crews and fans alike.

Personal Life, Wife Jess Carraro, and Children

While Dave is well-known on screen for his calm command and competitive edge, his personal life reveals a softer, more grounded side—one centered around meaningful relationships, and shared experiences. He had long been in a committed relationship with Jess Boardway, with whom he’d been together since at least 2016—and in May 2023, the couple made it official by tying the knot in a stunning seaside ceremony. Jess has since taken the last name Carraro, a beautiful symbol of their life and adventures now fully shared.

Their wedding day was as breathtaking as the ocean view behind them. Dave wore a beige suit paired with a crisp white shirt and pale pink tie, while Jess looked radiant in a fitted white gown with lace details and a sweeping train. Set beneath a rustic wooden arch adorned with white and blush florals, their vows were exchanged in front of close friends and family, with the Atlantic Ocean providing a serene and majestic backdrop.

Guests and well-wishers shared glowing praise for the couple’s big day, noting the warmth, love, and flawless organization that made the event unforgettable. The celebration was as heartfelt as it was elegant—a true reflection of the couple’s bond.

Dave has three children from a previous relationship, although he chooses not to share many details about them or his ex-partner publicly. However, what he does share often reflects the joy and closeness he feels with Jess, especially when they spend quality time together outdoors.

Beyond the milestones like their wedding, what stands out in Dave and Jess’s relationship is the rhythm of their everyday life together—the spontaneous, shared experiences that quietly strengthen their bond. Over the years, Dave has shared snapshots of their life together, from running local races and splitting firewood in the woods to cozy dinners with close friends. One particularly charming moment came in 2020, when he posted a light-hearted photo of Jess trying her hand at archery for the first time. Dressed in a cozy blue hoodie and UGG-style boots, she stood confidently next to the target, smiling after what he humorously admitted was a shot from four—not forty—yards away.

Whether it’s fishing, flying, or flinging arrows, their bond reflects mutual joy, a shared sense of humor, and a strong partnership grounded in adventure and laughter.

Remembering Pickles: A True First Mate

In December 2022, Dave posted a tribute on social media to his longtime dog, Pickles, who had been part of his life for nearly 17 years. According to his post, Pickles first appeared as a puppy looking for treats, gradually becoming a regular visitor to Dave’s home. With support from the dog’s original owner, Dave eventually brought Pickles into his family.

Over the years, Pickles became a familiar face aboard FV-Tuna.com, joining Dave on countless fishing trips. Whether at sea or at home, he was often by Dave’s side, forming a consistent part of life on and off the boat. When Pickles passed, Dave thanked fans for the kindness they had shown over the years.

As he wrote in his farewell, “As the sun goes down for the last time, he will be at my side for the rest of tonight, tomorrow, and in memory forever.” It was a deeply human moment from a man so often seen as tough and composed—a reminder that behind the captain’s hat is a heart full of loyalty, love, and enduring friendship.

A Curious Quirk: The Fisherman Who Doesn’t Eat Fish

One of the most surprising facts about Dave? He’s never eaten seafood—not even tuna! Fans often speculate whether it’s due to an illness like a seafood allergy—a common concern when someone avoids fish altogether. But Dave has addressed this directly. He doesn’t have any medical condition or illness that prevents him from eating fish. In fact, his reason is much simpler: he just doesn’t like it.

In an interview, Dave said: “No seafood, none whatsoever. Chicken, beef, and vegetables, that’s as far as it goes—oh, and my sweets.” Despite spending his life reeling in some of the world’s most prized catches, Dave has simply never developed a taste for them. It’s a quirky, endearing contrast to the rest of his high-octane life on the ocean.

Net Worth: A Life Earned at Sea and in the Sky

With a career spanning decades and success across multiple industries, Dave Carraro has built a solid foundation of wealth and recognition. His income sources include over a decade on Wicked Tuna, his fishing charter business FV-Tuna.com, and a long-standing career as a commercial airline pilot with JetBlue.

While some public estimates place his net worth around $6 million, a more conservative and realistic estimate would be closer to $4.5 million to $5 million, accounting for taxes, business expenses, and personal investments. His steady income across both sea and sky—as a reality TV captain and licensed pilot—ensures financial stability while allowing him to live comfortably in Gloucester, Massachusetts, with Jess and their dog Calvin.

Quick Facts

Fact	Details
Full Name	Dave Carraro
Date of Birth	April 23, 1965
Age	58 (as of 2025)
Birthplace	Tinton Falls, New Jersey, USA
Height	5 feet 10 inches (177 cm)
Relationship	Girlfriend Jess Boardway (since 2016)
Children	3 (from previous relationship)
Occupation	Fisherman, Pilot, Reality TV Star
Fishing Boat	FV-Tuna.com
Airline	JetBlue Airways (E190 pilot)
Net Worth	$4.5 million to $5 million (estimated)
TV Show	Wicked Tuna
Dog	Calvin (current), Pickles (2005–2022)
Food Preference	No seafood; prefers meat & sweets