Monte Colburn Wiki Bio: Age, Wife, Deadliest Catch Career & Net Worth

Monte Colburn has spent decades working in one of the world’s most demanding professions—commercial fishing. He’s best known for his calm presence aboard the F/V Wizard on Deadliest Catch, where he’s helped steer the boat through storms, tight quotas, and high-stakes seasons alongside his brother, Captain Keith Colburn.

But Monte’s story didn’t start on camera. Long before the spotlight, he was building his career one haul at a time, taking on leadership roles across multiple vessels and showing up season after season with the same steady mindset. Whether at sea or at home in Tahoe, Monte’s life has been all about commitment—to the crew, to the job, and to his family.

Early Life and Family Roots

Monte was born on March 12, 1964, to Gary Clark Colburn and Patricia Laughton. He and his brother Keith grew up in Brockway, a small town near Lake Tahoe, California. Monte attended North Tahoe High School, where he began developing the steady, hardworking mindset that would later guide his life at sea.

During their early years, the family spent time in Kings Beach, where Monte’s father worked in the casino industry after studying law. It was a stable and grounded upbringing, shaped by everyday routines and the example of a father who believed in doing a job well.

Years later, Monte returned to Brockway with his wife, Catherine, where they chose to raise their son, Gregory, in the same home Monte had grown up in—keeping that connection to family and place alive.

First Steps in Alaska

Monte’s fishing career took a sharp turn toward the adventurous in 1987, when he joined his brother Keith in Alaska. He arrived on St. Paul Island during the harsh dead of winter and boarded the 110-foot F/V Juno, a partner vessel to the Alaska Trader. That first year was nothing short of a marathon—Monte spent over 10 months at sea before he finally made it home.

From the very first day, Monte was hooked. The high stakes and ever-changing conditions of the Bering Sea felt less like a job and more like a calling. Each season brought new challenges, and Monte met them head-on.

Life Aboard the Wizard

In 1988, Monte joined Keith aboard the now-iconic F/V Wizard as a full-share deckhand. His hard work and natural leadership didn’t go unnoticed. When Keith moved into the captain’s chair, Monte stepped up as deck boss, the critical role responsible for keeping the deck team in sync and on task.

By 1992, Monte had earned his USCG Mate’s License, and in 1995, he upgraded to a Master’s 1600-ton license. That same year, the Colburn brothers began operating the Wizard full-time, with Keith as Captain and Monte serving as Relief Captain and First Mate.

Their strong working relationship and deep trust in one another made them an incredibly effective duo in one of the most dangerous professions on earth.

Expanding His Reach: Sea Fisher, Norseman, and Sirene

Monte’s career continued to evolve as he took on new leadership roles. In 1998, he took command of the F/V Sea Fisher, followed by the F/V Norseman in 2001. These years marked a successful chapter where Monte and Keith worked as partner vessels, coordinating their efforts to maximize success during the Alaskan fishing seasons.

In 2004, Monte took the helm of the F/V Sirene to assist with a major environmental crisis. After the 400-foot cargo freighter Selendang Ayu ran aground near Dutch Harbor, Monte and his crew supported the 11-month oil spill cleanup operation. His leadership in Unalaska during this project showcased not just his maritime skill but also his commitment to environmental stewardship.

Monte Colburn on Deadliest Catch: A Steady Hand in Stormy Seas

Monte Colburn has been a steady and familiar face on Deadliest Catch since his debut in Season 3 back in 2007. Over the years, he’s become an integral part of the F/V Wizard’s story—first stepping in as a relief captain and eventually sharing the wheelhouse with his brother, Captain Keith Colburn. Their dynamic is central to the show: Keith brings intensity, while Monte offers a calm, methodical presence. That balance has carried the Wizard through some of the most demanding seasons in the fleet.

Whether hauling a record-setting 109,000 pounds of Bairdi crab in a single tank in December 2014, or leading the crew during a 200,000-pound push in 2011 and a 2-million-pound haul in 2012, Monte’s contributions on deck and in the wheelhouse are more than just routine—they’re standout moments in the series. He even documented personal moments like launching a “message in a bottle” during a North Pacific crossing in June 2013, one of which reportedly traveled over 1,000 miles before being discovered. These moments highlight the depth of his time at sea and his long-standing connection to life on the water.

Monte’s television presence goes beyond hauling crab pots. His journey has included moments of tension and reconciliation, like a publicized fallout in 2018, which Keith addressed by saying, “That was not our first fight, wasn’t our worst fight, and won’t be our last. We are brothers; we carry on.” This glimpse into their relationship has resonated with viewers.

He’s stepped in during high-pressure situations throughout the years, including more recent seasons where leadership and level-headedness were key to getting the crew home safely. More recently, during Season 20, when Keith faced a health scare, Monte stepped up quietly, keeping the crew safe and operations steady. These moments show why Monte is more than a supporting captain—he’s a pillar of the Wizard.

Viewers appreciate Monte for his quiet strength. He doesn’t seek the spotlight, but when things get tough, he’s the one the crew can count on. Whether it’s navigating through Ballard Locks or leading the final haul of the season, Monte Colburn continues to earn respect as one of the most dependable leaders on the Bering Sea.

Home Life: Monte Colburn’s Wife and Children

Outside of his demanding life at sea, Monte Colburn values his time at home in Brockway, California, where he lives with his wife Catherine Colburn. Together, they raised their son, Gregory Colburn, in the same house where Monte grew up—a home that has remained in the family for generations.

Monte’s family life has continued to grow. Gregory is now a father to a daughter named Scarlette Colburn, making Monte a proud grandfather. The Colburn family’s deep connection to the Lake Tahoe area continues through multiple generations, rooted in tradition, family values, and the same household that shaped Monte’s own early years.The family continues to live in the same home Monte grew up in, maintaining a strong connection to their roots in the Lake Tahoe region.

From his first freezing day on St. Paul Island to his years of service aboard multiple vessels, Monte Colburn’s life has been defined by resilience, loyalty, and brotherhood. And with each season, he continues to inspire both viewers and fellow fishermen alike.

Net Worth and Career Value

Let’s talk numbers. Monte Colburn isn’t the flashy type, but a career like his—decades in commercial fishing, plus years on a hit reality show—adds up. He’s been on the Bering Sea since the late ’80s, earned his stripes as a USCG Master Captain, and has held leadership on multiple vessels including the Wizard, Sea Fisher, Norseman, and Sirene.

Then there’s television. Monte has been part of Deadliest Catch since 2007. That kind of on-screen consistency isn’t just good for storytelling—it brings in solid compensation. Combine that with fishing profits, vessel responsibilities, and years of steady work, and you’re looking at someone who’s built a real foundation.

Conservatively, Monte’s estimated net worth is somewhere between $1.5 million and $2.5 million. It’s not about excess—it’s about longevity, discipline, and earning respect in one of the toughest jobs out there.

Monte Colburn Wiki Bio: Quick Facts

Full Name	Monte Colburn
Date of Birth	March 12, 1964
Age	61 (as of 2025)
Place of Birth	California, United States
Hometown	Brockway, Lake Tahoe, California
Nationality	American
Occupation	Commercial Fisherman, TV Personality
Known For	Deadliest Catch (F/V Wizard)
Years Active	1987–present
Father	Gary Clark Colburn
Mother	Patricia Laughton
Brother	Keith Colburn
Wife	Catherine Colburn
Children	Gregory Colburn
Grandchildren	Scarlette
TV Debut	Deadliest Catch, Season 3 (2007)
Net Worth (Est.)	$1.5 million – $2.5 million
License	USCG Master (1600-ton)