Johnathan Hillstrand Wiki/Bio: Age, Net worth, Wife, Kids, Family.

From the freezing wheelhouse of the Bering Sea to the pages of a children’s book, Johnathan Hillstrand has charted a life few could imagine.

You may know him as the captain of the Time Bandit on Deadliest Catch, but his story goes far beyond reality television. Behind the wheel is a fisherman, author, entrepreneur, and family man shaped by generations of seafaring legacy.

Here’s everything you need to know about the man behind the wheel—from family roots and fishing legacy to books, business, and beyond.

Early Life

Johnathan Hillstrand was born on August 5, 1962, in Homer, Alaska, and grew up in a family where fishing was more than just work—it was a way of life. His father, John W. Hillstrand, began fishing commercially in the early 1960s and went on to captain a number of vessels, including the original F/V Time Bandit built in 1984. The boat was custom-built by the Hillstrand family and was later followed by a second, larger Time Bandit in 1991. These boats became floating classrooms for Johnathan and his brothers, where they learned the basics of fishing, teamwork, and maritime discipline under their father’s strict but experienced guidance.

Coal Point Trading Company, a seafood processing business founded by John Sr. in the early 1990s, further solidified the family’s place in Homer’s fishing community. Through it all, Johnathan gained firsthand exposure not only to fishing but also to the business side of the industry.

By the age of three, Johnathan was already joining his father on fishing trips. He was catching fish on his own by age seven. In his teens, he worked the decks with his brothers, learning the craft across different fisheries—from herring and salmon to the more dangerous king crab. At 17, he took his first job away from Alaska, fishing for lobsters along the New England coast. The experience added to his skills and helped prepare him for the demanding conditions of the Bering Sea.

He graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in Idaho in 1980. Rather than pursue college, he chose to stay with the lifestyle he knew best—commercial fishing. These early years built the foundation for his decades-long career at sea.

Life Aboard the Time Bandit: Fishing, Family, and Leadership at Sea

Johnathan Hillstrand assumed command of the F/V Time Bandit in 1991. Designed by the Hillstrand family with significant input from their father, John Sr., the vessel was named after the film Time Bandits, symbolizing the idea that “the sea steals your time.” Over 19 years, Johnathan, Andy, and Neal paid a total of $3.2 million to fully own the boat—an investment requiring years of sacrifice, time at sea, and constant upkeep. The Time Bandit has since become not only a working fishing vessel but also a symbol of the Hillstrand family’s fishing legacy, often featured in merchandise and public appearances.

The brothers operate the Time Bandit through Alaska’s rigorous crab and salmon seasons. King crab are typically harvested near Bristol Bay between October and December, while opilio crab are targeted farther north—closer to the ice pack and Russian border—from January through March. The crabs inhabit different environments, requiring species-specific gear: traps have uniquely sized tunnel entrances and escape panels depending on whether they’re set for king or opilio crab.

Johnathan also has experience fishing for other species. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he fished lobster out of Gloucester, Massachusetts. During the 1990s, both Johnathan and Andy also tried their hand at blue crab, but the lower market value compared to red king crab—and limited quotas following the introduction of the quota system—made it an impractical pursuit.

Each crew member on the Time Bandit has a defined role. Some are responsible for baiting and setting the pots, while others manage the hydraulics to haul them back onboard. Once retrieved, the crab are sorted manually on deck. Legal-sized keepers are counted and recorded, and the totals are multiplied by an estimated average weight to calculate the haul. This manual method is essential for making daily fishing decisions, adjusting strategy, and gauging productivity in real-time. To maintain efficiency during peak seasons, the vessel operates around the clock with rotating shifts.

Neal Hillstrand, Johnathan’s brother, serves as chief engineer. He oversees the vessel’s mechanical systems, handles galley operations, and occasionally steps in as captain. During the short transition between crab and salmon tendering seasons, the Time Bandit returns to its home port of Homer for a few weeks. During this time, the crew carries out repairs, installs tendering equipment, and restocks provisions—remaining onboard or nearby the vessel each day.

The captain’s quarters are shared when both Johnathan and Andy are aboard. The cabin includes two queen-size beds positioned across from each other. The Time Bandit is built for long hauls, with three refrigerated crab holds: a 25,000-pound front hold, a 50,000-pound middle hold, and a 100,000-pound rear hold—loaded in reverse order to maintain balance.

The vessel generally cruises at 7 to 8 knots and replaces its flag during each offloading port call, which happens about every two weeks. When storm warnings arise, the crew may “jog” the vessel into waves or anchor in sheltered areas like behind St. Paul Island.

Temperatures inside the wheelhouse can get warm due to heaters and engine-room heat rising, allowing captains like Johnathan to wear lighter clothing even in freezing external conditions. Side windows can be opened for airflow, keeping the space ventilated.

As of 2016 data, the Time Bandit held 22,000 gallons of fuel, costing about $55,000 to fill at $2.50 per gallon. It’s typically refueled every two weeks during crab seasons. Food expenses total around $15,000 per season—$10,000 before departure and another $5,000 mid-season to replenish perishables—averaging about $1,500 per crew member. Crab meals aboard are surprisingly rare, with most crew only enjoying one or two during the season due to the intense schedule.

Favorite Memory Aboard the Time Bandit

One of Johnathan’s favorite memories at sea came during a surreal moment while reading Pacific Journal, a fisherman’s magazine. The crew was reading about a sailor who had navigated the North Passage in a 58-foot sailboat, only to abandon it near St. Paul after mistakenly thinking it was sinking. As they read, the very same sailboat appeared outside their window—still afloat and drifting unmanned. Realizing it was a hazard to navigation, they used firearms to sink the vessel by shooting out its fuel tanks. The coincidence and timing left a lasting impression on Johnathan.

Deadliest Catch

Johnathan’s television journey began in 2006 when the F/V Time Bandit joined Deadliest Catch in Season 2. Over the years, he became known for his steady leadership, dry wit, and ability to navigate the dangers of the Bering Sea with skill and composure.

Among the show’s standout moments, Johnathan helped rescue an overboard deckhand from another vessel, navigated through massive storms, and handled mechanical failures under pressure. He also showed appreciation for his crew by offering bonuses during the holidays and led the Time Bandit through memorable encounters—like discovering unfamiliar sea creatures and adapting to strict fishing regulations. One memorable disagreement with Captain Sig Hansen reflected the competitive but respectful environment between veteran captains.

After stepping away from the show following Season 13, he returned in Season 16 to assist Captain Jake Anderson aboard the F/V Saga and later resumed his role as captain of the Time Bandit. As of 2024, Johnathan has appeared in at least 206 episodes of Deadliest Catch, solidifying his presence as one of the show’s most recognizable and enduring figures.

In February 2015, it was noted that he had been working on quitting smoking, recognizing the need for better physical conditioning before crab season. More recently, he has also taken active steps to improve his fitness and reduce blood pressure, especially ahead of intense work periods at sea.

Books, Brand, and Net Worth

Johnathan Hillstrand manages several ventures under the Time Bandit brand, including fireworks, spirits, merchandise, and entertainment. Though the Time Bandit’s land-based store in Homer, Alaska, closed in 2013, merchandise remains available online. These businesses support the brand and help diversify income beyond fishing and television.

He also co-authored the memoir Time Bandit: Two Brothers, the Bering Sea, and One of the World’s Deadliest Jobs with his brother Andy and Malcolm MacPherson, detailing the brothers’ lives at sea. In addition, he has written and illustrated children’s books like the Adventures of Little Bird series, inspired by his pet parrot, as well as Adventures of Joey, Andy and Little Bird: A Pirate’s Treasure, which he created in collaboration with his nephew Joey.

As of 2025, Johnathan Hillstrand’s estimated net worth is approximately $3 million, earned through commercial fishing, television, merchandise sales, and book royalties.

Public Appearances:

Johnathan is used to getting recognition at places thanks to his status as a reality television actor. Some of the public appearances that Johnathan Hillstrand has made over the years are:

• The Paley Center for Media’s Annual Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on April 6, 2010, in New York City, along with other TV personalities like Mike Rowe, Paul Teutel Sr., Andy Hillstrand, Buddy Valestro, Paul Teutel Jr., and David Salmoni.
• The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford Ecoboost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 18, 2012, in Homestead, Florida, where he celebrated with Tony Stewart in Victory Lane.
• The Deadliest Catch’s Twitter For Tough Guys panel at Hyatt Hotel during the 2010 Summer TCA Tour on July 30, 2010, in Beverly Hills, California, along with other captains like Keith Colburn and Sig Hansen.

Personal Life

Family & Siblings

Johnathan Hillstrand comes from a multi-generational fishing family rooted in Alaska. His paternal grandparents, Earl David Hillstrand and Mary Jane Lloyd, helped establish the family’s connection to the sea. Johnathan is the second of five biological brothers born to John Sr. and his first wife: David, Johnathan, Andy, Michael, and Neal. In addition to his full brothers, Johnathan also has three stepbrothers—Rick, Eric, and Jeff—making for a large, active household. David is the oldest and Jeff the youngest, with Neal and Mike being just 11 months apart. Each brother was in a different grade at school, highlighting how closely spaced they were in age while maintaining distinct individual paths.

Johnathan’s biological mother, who later remarried after separating from John Sr., has been deeply involved in youth volunteer work abroad. Alongside her husband, she has traveled off and on to Romania since 1991 to support community development projects, particularly focused on youth. After taking a break in the early 2010s to care for her mother, the couple resumed their efforts in 2014 with plans for a 10-month stay followed by travel through Europe.

John Sr. later married Nancy Hillstrand, who remains active in the family’s seafood business and brand ventures. Johnathan also has a stepbrother, Lincoln Brewster, a contemporary Christian musician.

Among his brothers, Andy and Neal are most prominently known for working alongside Johnathan on the F/V Time Bandit

Wife and Children

Johnathan Hillstrand is married to Heather Hillstrand. They first crossed paths at church and, after several years together, tied the knot in Las Vegas on November 6, 2017. As Heather lightheartedly put it, she met Johnathan at church and eventually ‘made him an honest man.’ Their wedding was held at the Little White Wedding Chapel, a well-known venue in Las Vegas. Heather wore a lace wedding dress with a train and veil, while Johnathan wore a black tuxedo with a red vest and bow tie. The ceremony was informal and personal. At one point, Johnathan tried to sing for Heather but became too emotional to finish.

Since then, the couple has shared several memorable moments together. In early 2018, they traveled to Hawaii to escape the cold winter in Washington. Johnathan reflected on the trip with gratitude, sharing that they were “ordained in Hawaii” by the grace of God as the cold temps closed in back home.

Heather has three daughters from a previous relationship and is a grandmother. In a 2018 Facebook post, she mentioned having an 18-month-old granddaughter. She often jokes that Johnathan is her “really big kid.” Heather also appeared in the Season 16 premiere of Deadliest Catch and continues to support Johnathan’s book projects.

Johnathan has a son named Scott Hillstrand, who previously worked on the F/V Time Bandit and appeared on Deadliest Catch beginning in Season 4. Scott departed the crew in 2015 after being dismissed by his uncle Andy. He now has a son named Sawyer Hillstrand, making Johnathan a proud grandfather.

Together, Johnathan and Heather share a blended family and continue to spend time together both at sea and at home. In 2020, Johnathan celebrated Heather’s 50th birthday with a heartfelt tribute. In November 2024, the couple marked their seventh wedding anniversary, continuing to reflect their bond in shared moments—both personal and public.

Hobbies & Interests

When not fishing Jonathan likes to go bike riding on his Harley and spend time with friends and family. He is also a NASCAR and NHRA enthusiast and an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys.

Physical Traits

Johnathan Hillstrand stands at 6 feet tall (182 cm) and weighs approximately 75 kg (165 lbs). He has dark brown hair and brown eyes, along with a distinctive beard and mustache that fans easily recognize from his appearances on Deadliest Catch. His rugged, sea-weathered look is part of his enduring persona.

In terms of clothing, Johnathan favors a practical yet characteristic style. He typically wears jeans, hoodies, jackets, and hats—often leaning toward darker shades like black, gray, and navy blue. His wardrobe choices reflect both his roots as a Bering Sea fisherman and his public image as a reality television personality. Whether on deck or at public events, his appearance consistently mirrors his lifestyle: straightforward, hardworking, and authentic.

Wiki/Bio Facts Table

Name	Johnathan Hillstrand
Place of Birth	Homer, Alaska, United States
Age	62 years old
Birthdate	August 5, 1962
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Caucasian
Religion	Christian
Gender	Male
Sexuality	Straight
Education	N/A
Occupation	Commercial Fisherman, Television Personality, Boat Captain
Net Worth	$3 Million
Relationship Status	Committed
Marital Status	Married
Spouse/Partner	Heather Hillstrand (m. 2017)
Children	2
Grandparents	Earl David Hillstrand, Mary Jane Lloyd
Parents	John Hillstrand, Nancy Hillstrand (Step-mother)
Brothers	David, Micheal, Andy, Neal Hillstrands
Zodiac	Leo
Height	6 feet o inches (182 cm)
Eye Color	Brown
Hair Color	Dark Brown