Gary Soper Wiki, Age, Net Worth, and Biography – F/V Wizard Deck Boss on Deadliest Catch

For viewers of Deadliest Catch, Gary Soper may not always be front and center—but he’s been there all along. Well before the cameras arrived, Soper was already part of the F/V Wizard’s core crew, working in the Bering Sea’s demanding conditions. When Deadliest Catch premiered in 2005, and the Wizard joined in Season 3 (2007), Soper was already well-established on board as First Mate and Deck Boss. With a steady hand and decades of experience, he’s become a reliable presence, contributing to the boat’s operations season after season.

Beyond what viewers see on television, Soper plays a vital role in the Wizard’s daily operations. From running the wheelhouse at night to supervising deck work and ensuring gear is properly maintained, he’s involved in nearly every aspect of the job. His steady presence and consistent performance have earned the trust of both captains and crew, helping keep the vessel running efficiently through some of the most demanding conditions in commercial fishing.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Gary Soper was born on November 11, 1962, in Homestead, Florida. As a boy, he moved to Alaska, where he grew up close to the sea—a setting that would quietly shape his future. He started fishing early in life and built his livelihood on the water, combining skill, patience, and a practical sense of leadership. Today, he lives in Anchorage with his wife and children, maintaining a deep connection to the maritime world he’s been part of for decades.

Professional Career and Maritime Experience

Gary holds a U.S. Coast Guard Master License and has worked in Alaska’s fishing industry for over 30 years. He joined the F/V Wizard as a deckhand and steadily advanced to become Deck Boss and First Mate under Captain Keith Colburn. In these roles, he’s been responsible for managing the deck crew, overseeing gear maintenance, and keeping operations on track through both calm and stormy seas.

Trusted with night runs and critical decision-making, Soper has quietly become one of the cornerstones of the Wizard’s daily operations. Captain Keith once described him as “the guy who runs the deck and drives the boat at night when the Wizard operates round the clock.”

Role on Deadliest Catch

Soper has been featured on Deadliest Catch since 2007, appearing in at least 79 episodes. His on-screen presence reflects his real-life role—working long shifts in extreme weather, leading by example, and helping less-experienced crew members keep pace during the height of crab season.

One scene that stands out captured the Wizard battling 40-knot winds and 25- to 30-foot seas. Rather than fight the storm, the crew adjusted strategy—drifting with the weather to haul pots safely. Soper, as always, was at the rail, maintaining focus and working through it until Captain Keith eventually called off the haul due to worsening conditions. It was a clear display of how Gary and the crew balance safety with the demands of the job.

Teamwork and Crew Relationships

On and off camera, Soper is known for his reliability. Online discussions among fans frequently mention his long tenure and consistent presence as a core part of the Wizard crew. He’s been involved in deck operations, gear preparation, safety response, and even the lighter side of things—whether it’s welcoming greenhorns or taking part in offload celebrations.

Captain Keith has often acknowledged Soper’s contributions. In 2017, he called him “the best deck boss, first mate, and friend a captain could ask for.” In another post, he highlighted Gary’s behind-the-scenes work preparing gear before the season—vital labor that keeps the operation moving.

Off-Season and Connection to the Sea

During the summer, Gary fishes salmon in Bristol Bay, continuing a year-round connection to Alaska’s waters. His dedication doesn’t begin and end with crab season—it’s part of a broader, lifelong relationship with the ocean.

In a story shared by Monte Colburn, Gary once helped release a message in a bottle during a North Pacific crossing. Months later, one was found over 1,000 miles away. The anecdote is a small but telling example of the kind of long-standing maritime traditions Gary remains part of—quiet moments that carry meaning, even across oceans.

Net Worth and Earnings

While Gary Soper has not publicly disclosed his net worth, estimates based on his decades-long fishing career and regular appearances on Deadliest Catch suggest that his financial earnings are a reflection of his steady work in commercial fishing rather than media-driven fame. As a senior crew member with a U.S. Coast Guard Master License and over 20 years aboard the F/V Wizard, his income is likely tied to crew shares from crab hauls, seasonal salmon fishing in Bristol Bay, and TV-related compensation. However, exact figures remain private and unconfirmed.

Wiki Bio Facts Table

Full Name	Gary Soper
Date of Birth	November 11, 1962
Age	62 (as of 2025)
Place of Birth	Homestead, Florida, USA
Current Residence	Anchorage, Alaska
Nationality	American
Occupation	Commercial Fisherman, Deck Boss, First Mate
Employer	F/V Wizard (Captain Keith Colburn)
Years Active	1990s–present
Television Debut	Deadliest Catch (2007, Season 3)
TV Appearances	79+ episodes
License	U.S. Coast Guard Master License
Off-Season Work	Salmon fishing in Bristol Bay
Known For	Longtime First Mate on Deadliest Catch, leadership aboard F/V Wizard