Freddy Maugatai Now: Deadliest Catch Star’s Biography, Age, Arrest, Wife Amanda & Life in 2025

The first time you see Freddy Maugatai on Deadliest Catch, you remember him. Whether it’s the tattooed arms, his signature shout, or the storm-level energy he brings to the deck, Freddy makes an impression. But behind the intensity is a man built on faith, family, and a work ethic forged in sweat.

Born in American Samoa and raised with a deep respect for tradition, Freddy’s path to the icy waters of the Bering Sea was anything but ordinary. With barely a word of English and a heart full of determination, he boarded his first crab boat at 19. What followed was a journey that would span decades, multiple vessels, and an unforgettable presence on national television.

This is the story of Freddy Maugatai—a deckhand, a husband, a father, and a man who never forgot where he came from.

From Samoa to the Sea: Freddy’s Early Life

Freddy Maugatai was born on February 4, 1973, in Apia Samoa, a place known for its deep-rooted traditions, close family ties, and enduring cultural pride. Raised in a hardworking household, Freddy credits his mother, Lusi Leafa Lipine, and grandparents for instilling in him the values of discipline, respect, and resilience.

Before stepping into the world of commercial fishing, Freddy worked in agriculture back home in Samoa, where long hours and physical labor were part of daily life.

At age 19, Freddy left Samoa for Seattle, Washington, with barely any knowledge of English. He was recruited by Blue North Fisheries, and after landing in the U.S., he was picked up by boat owner Mike Burns—nicknamed “Bad Burns”—who placed him aboard his first crab boat, the F/V Tempest. Freddy referred to it as his “first girl” and his “first home” in the Bering Sea.

He didn’t know more than a few English phrases—”hello, how are you,” and some expletives—but learned fast through hard work and immersion. He developed his skills on deck with tools he still treasures: the throwing hook, power block, picking hook, and shots line. “I don’t let anybody touch it everrr,” he once shared.

Over time, Freddy worked aboard nine different crab boats, including four longliners and five single-pot vessels. Most boats rotated full-share crew through different stations—but not Freddy. His consistency and precision led captains to keep him on key tasks. As he proudly put it: “I don’t miss the hook everrr!”

These early experiences—anchored in his love for his Samoan roots and sharpened on the icy decks of the Bering Sea—shaped Freddy into one of the most skilled and respected deckhands in the commercial crabbing world.

Living the Grit: Freddy’s Professional Journey

Freddy didn’t just stumble into fishing—he committed to it like a calling. To him, crab fishing is a passion, something he once likened to “playing a favorite sport on paid vacation”—though he never sugarcoats its demands. Across nearly three decades, Freddy worked on multiple vessels and handled nearly every facet of deck work, from hauling pots and organizing gear to cleaning and repairs.

Freddy’s work ethic is legendary. He believes in respecting the boat by keeping it organized, seaworthy, and spotless—even when the fishing’s done. His hands-on pride extends to how he treats the vessel: as a second home that deserves constant care.

Deadliest Catch: Making Waves and Rising Through the Ranks

Freddy Maugatai’s journey on Deadliest Catch began in 2008 with his debut aboard the FV Cornelia Marie in Season 4. His bold energy and deeply rooted discipline immediately set him apart.

In mid-Season 7 (2011), Freddy transitioned to the FV Wizard under Captain Keith Colburn, where he remained through Season 11 (2015). It was here that Freddy cemented his reputation as one of the hardest-working and most intense deckhands in the fleet.

In Seasons 12 (2016) and 13 (2017), Freddy joined the FV Time Bandit, working alongside Captains Jonathan and Andy Hillstrand. The camaraderie he built there would become central to his later years. Freddy often referred to the Time Bandit as “our girl,” emphasizing the loyalty and respect he felt toward both the vessel and its crew.

He briefly returned to the Wizard for Seasons 14 (2018) and 15 (2019), before appearing again during the early part of Season 17 (2021). Partway through that season, Freddy rejoined the Time Bandit, which would remain his primary home.

Though Deadliest Catch didn’t follow him in early 2020, Freddy worked on the FV Polar Sea, hauling in an impressive 1.1 million pounds of cod. He marked it as one of his proudest moments in a January 2020 Facebook post, calling it the “best Opiello season ever.”

In February 2022, two days after his birthday, Freddy shared another highlight—this time aboard the Time Bandit. He praised Captain Jonathan’s leadership, Captain Andy’s guidance, and the crew’s unified effort in what became another standout season. That same week, Freddy was offered a flight home to celebrate—but he turned it down, explaining: “We still had pots to offload, a boat to clean, and work to finish. I want to leave proud and complete the season right.”

In that same post, Freddy voiced frustration with two long-time crew members whose lack of motivation clashed with his expectations. The post wasn’t about ego—it echoed a principle he’d lived by since day one: “Earn respect to get respect.”

By 2024, Freddy continued pushing himself and his crew aboard the Time Bandit, publicly praising hardworking teammates like “Teddy Bear” and holding everyone to the same high standard.

In February 2025, Freddy confirmed he was on his third and final trip of the season—still going strong. His social media updates remained filled with gratitude, dedication, and unwavering belief in hard work and faith.

As of 2025, Freddy Maugatai remains one of Deadliest Catch’s most compelling figures. Whether stacking pots in fierce weather or sharing heartfelt messages online, he exemplifies the grit, loyalty, and pride that define life in the Bering Sea.

Controversies and Challenges

Like many public figures, Freddy Maugatai has faced moments of personal and public difficulty. In December 2011, he was involved in an altercation at the Grand Aleutian Hotel in Dutch Harbor, Alaska. According to police reports, the situation escalated into a physical confrontation, and Freddy was subsequently arrested and charged with fourth-degree assault. He later stated that he had acted in self-defense and did not initiate the incident.

The event was covered by The Hollywood Reporter and other outlets in early January 2012. A spokesperson for Deadliest Catch declined to comment publicly at the time.

Despite the controversy, Freddy continued to work in the crab fishing industry and remained an active part of Deadliest Catch.

Freddy Maugatai’s Family Life: A Heartfelt Journey with Wife and Their Children

When Freddy Maugatai talks about family, he does it with his whole heart. Known for his fierce presence on the deck in Deadliest Catch, Freddy’s softer, deeply loving side shines through every time he speaks about his wife, Amanda, and their children.

Love That Withstood the Sea

Freddy and Amanda have been together for well over a decade. In a 2021 post, Freddy shared a beautiful moment, calling it their 10-year anniversary, writing, “Happy 10 year anniversary to my beautiful wife! So grateful.” This puts their wedding around September 2011—marking the beginning of a journey.

Despite spending much of the year at sea, Freddy never stopped showing his appreciation for Amanda. On Valentine’s Day 2022, he celebrated their 10th Valentine’s Day as a couple, noting it was the first one they could actually spend together. “I always celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Bering Sea to do what I 2nd love in life,” he wrote, making it clear that Amanda is his first.

Amanda is often praised in his posts with nicknames like “Supermom,” “Superwife,” and “Superwoman”—a reflection of the admiration Freddy holds for her strength and grace. He never misses an opportunity to express how blessed he feels. On her birthdays—especially on November 27, which he has honored year after year—Freddy shares messages filled with gratitude and pride, writing things like, “You’re the reason this beautiful life works.”

A Devoted Father

Freddy is just as devoted as a dad. He lights up when talking about his children and often shares glimpses of their milestones—even when he’s far away fishing.

• Manu, their son, was born in May 2013. Freddy celebrated his 7th birthday in 2020 with a heartfelt post, confessing how hard it was to miss it. “I miss U and I N love you so much, my sweet heart and my amazing lovely Son!!!” he wrote.
• Freddy’s daughter Kaia Juliana Maugatai was born on January 1, 2015, weighing 9 lbs 3 oz at birth. In Samoan, her name “Kaia” means “ocean”—a fitting tribute from a father whose life is tied to the sea. Freddy’s pride in Kaia is evident in the way he speaks about her, calling her his “sweet daughter” and celebrating her birthdays with love and joy. A 3rd birthday party was held early in December 2017 because, as Freddy candidly said, “I’m always gone fishing.” That kind of effort—even from afar—speaks volumes about how much Kaia means to him.
• In a heartfelt Christmas post from December 26, 2019, Freddy shared an emotional moment at the airport, saying goodbye to Amanda, Kaia, and Manu as they traveled to see family for the holidays while he returned to sea. “Hardest part of my job when I say goodbye to this 3 I love the most,” he wrote. The photo captured their close bond and the bittersweet sacrifices that come with his profession.

Freddy’s posts also mention “our lovely Samoan kids”, pointing to a larger, blended family that includes extended relatives. A family beach photo from 2021 shows Freddy and Amanda surrounded by a joyful crowd of children, capturing the warmth and closeness of their big, loving household.

Anchored in Legacy

Family doesn’t stop at the present for Freddy—it’s deeply tied to the generations that came before him. He frequently honors his late mother and grandparents, sharing both grief and pride in their memory. In a 2019 post mourning his mother’s passing, Freddy wrote, “Thanks for teaching me what hard work is all about.”

In a 2022 tribute, he remembered both his parents and grandparents with longing and love. These elders didn’t just raise him—they shaped him. Freddy’s grandfather once told him he’d marry a “beautiful amazing lovely white lady”, and Freddy later said, “I make my Grandparents or my parents one of their dreams come true.”

His love for Amanda, his pride in his children, and his respect for his ancestors all come together in the way he lives and shares his story.

Freddy Maugatai Wiki-Bio Facts

Full Name	Feleti “Freddy” Maugatai
Date of Birth	February 4, 1973
Age	52 Years Old
Place of Birth	Apia, Samoa
Nationality	American Samoan
Ethnicity	Polynesian (Samoan)
Parents	Mother: Lusi Leafa Lipine
Spouse	Amanda Maugatai
Children	Two (Manu and Kaia Juliana)
Occupation	Commercial Fisherman, TV Personality
Known For	Deadliest Catch (Discovery Channel)
TV Debut	2008 (Season 4, Deadliest Catch)
First Crab Boat	F/V Tempest (Joined at age 19)
Notable Vessels	Cornelia Marie, Wizard, Time Bandit, Polar Sea
Years Active	1990s–present
Signature Traits	High-energy deckhand, discipline, Samoan pride
Languages Spoken	Samoan, English (learned through immersion)
Crab Boat Tools	Throwing hook, Power block, Picking hook
Controversy	Arrested in 2011 for a hotel altercation (4th-degree assault)
Social Media	Active on Facebook
Current Residence	Dutch Harbor, Alaska