Neal Hillstrand [Deadliest Catch] Wiki: Age, Brothers, Wife, Kids, Net Worth, and Life

Neal Hillstrand has long been a steady hand aboard the F/V Time Bandit, working behind the scenes as the vessel’s chief engineer and stepping up as captain when needed. The youngest of the Hillstrand brothers, Neal has spent his life surrounded by fishing, family, and the Alaskan frontier. From building the boat with his brothers to starring on Discovery’s “Deadliest Catch,” his role in one of America’s most recognized fishing families is both practical and pivotal. Here’s a closer look at the man who helps keep the Time Bandit running—on screen and off.

Early Life and Family Roots

Born on September 9, 1967, in the United States, Neal Hillstrand is the youngest of the Hillstrand siblings. Raised in Homer, Alaska, Neal grew up immersed in the fishing life pioneered by his father, John Hillstrand Sr. Their father not only instilled a love for the sea but also played a direct role in their maritime future by designing the F/V Time Bandit on paper and assisting in its construction and financing. Neal, along with brothers Johnathan and Andy, would eventually pay $3.2 million over 19 years to own the boat—investing not just money but years of hard work and sacrifice away from their families.

The Hillstrand family consists of five biological brothers—David, Johnathan, Andy, Michael, and Neal—and three stepbrothers: Rick, Eric, and Jeff. David is the oldest and Jeff the youngest, with Neal and Mike being just 11 months apart. Growing up, each of the brothers was in a different grade at school, highlighting how closely spaced they were in age while maintaining distinct individual paths. Together, they formed a uniquely large and active family that maintained strong ties despite the demanding lifestyle at sea.

Outside of fishing, the Hillstrand family also embraced a spirit of service. Their mother and stepfather have been actively involved in youth volunteer work abroad, particularly in Romania. Beginning in 1991, they traveled off and on to Romania to support youth and community development projects. After taking a break in the early 2010s to care for their mother, who was alive at the time, they planned a return trip for the fall of 2014, aiming to volunteer for about 10 months, followed by some travel through Europe.

Career on the F/V Time Bandit

Neal’s multifaceted role aboard the F/V Time Bandit showcased his versatility and commitment. Serving as an engineer, deckhand, cook, and occasionally stepping into the skipper’s role, he was instrumental in the vessel’s operations. Known for his quick wit, Neal earned the nickname “king of one-liners” among the crew.

The F/V Time Bandit, a 113-foot, 298-ton house-aft boat, was built in 1991 at the Giddings Boat Works in Coos Bay, Oregon. Though its home port is Homer, AK, it has always been registered in Juneau, AK for tax reasons. Contrary to popular belief, “Homer” has never been painted on the stern of the boat.

Even today, Neal remains vital to the boat’s operations. He no longer works on deck but manages all the cooking, maintains the engine room, checks over electronics, handles wheel watches, and tackles any needed repairs—keeping the Time Bandit running smoothly behind the scenes.

Television Debut and “Deadliest Catch”

As the boat’s chief engineer and cook, Neal plays a vital role aboard the F/V Time Bandit. He also steps in as captain when Johnathan and Andy are unavailable, proving himself dependable and capable in high-stakes situations. His hands-on approach and leadership have made him a core member of the crew.

Neal made his first appearance on “Deadliest Catch” in 2008, joining his brothers Johnathan and Andy Hillstrand. From the outset, Neal’s presence added a grounded and often humorous touch to the show. In episodes featuring intense storms, mechanical failures, and split-second decisions, Neal’s role in the engine room was critical to the Time Bandit’s survival. Viewers got to see him take command during difficult conditions when his brothers were off deck, and his calm demeanor under pressure helped avert disaster on more than one occasion.

In one memorable stretch, he worked closely with his son Phillip during crab season, passing down his expertise while maintaining the crew’s morale. His ability to manage both engineering repairs and galley duties while also filling leadership gaps became a signature part of his presence on the show.

Beyond the drama, Neal’s interactions with the crew—including his signature one-liners—gave the series a layer of levity that resonated with long-time fans. Should Johnathan and Andy ever retire, Neal stands out as the natural successor to carry the Time Bandit legacy forward.

Life Beyond the Wheelhouse

When he’s not on the Bering Sea, Neal leads a busy life on land. He owns and operates a successful hydro-seeding and landscaping business—bringing the same work ethic and discipline to soil as he does to saltwater. His downtime is rarely dull. Whether it’s surf and sport fishing, snow machining through Alaska’s rugged terrain, hunting, or unwinding on the beaches of Hawaii, Neal embraces life full throttle.

Wife and Children

Neal was married to Sugayle Marie, with whom he has three children, including sons Axl and Phillip. While details about his third child remain private, Axl and Phillip are known for following in their father’s footsteps, working on the F/V Time Bandit and appearing on “Deadliest Catch.” Both Axl and Phillip have followed in their father’s footsteps, working on the F/V Time Bandit and appearing on “Deadliest Catch.”

In 2019, Neal filed for divorce from Sugayle Marie. The proceedings brought attention to the division of assets, including Neal’s one-third ownership of the F/V Time Bandit. As part of the settlement, Sugayle was entitled to a $10,000 payment in the event of the boat’s sale.

Neal Hillstrand Net Worth

As of 2025, Neal Hillstrand’s exact net worth isn’t publicly disclosed. However, considering his long-standing role on Deadliest Catch, his one-third ownership of the F/V Time Bandit, and his hydro-seeding and landscaping business, it’s reasonable to estimate his net worth to be in the range of $1.5 to $2 million

Neal Hillstrand Wiki Bio Facts Table

Field	Details
Full Name	Neal Hillstrand
Date of Birth	September 9, 1967
Age	57 (as of 2025)
Place of Birth	United States
Raised In	Homer, Alaska
Height	5 feet 11 inches
Occupation	Fisherman, Engineer, Cook, Business Owner
Known For	F/V Time Bandit crew, Deadliest Catch
Years Active on TV	2008 – Present
Siblings	David, Johnathan, Andy, Michael (brothers); Rick, Eric, Jeff (stepbrothers)
Spouse (Ex)	Sugayle Marie
Children	Three, including Axl and Phillip
Business	Hydro-seeding and landscaping
Hobbies	Surf/sport fishing, snow machining, hunting
Home Port	Homer, Alaska
Boat Registration	Juneau, Alaska