Paul Hebert Wiki, Bio, Age, Disability, Net Worth, Wife, Kids.

If you’ve followed Wicked Tuna, chances are you’ve come across the name Paul Hebert. Over the course of more than a decade on the show, Paul worked his way from first mate to full-time captain of the Wicked Pissah, building a steady presence recognized for his fishing experience and consistent performance.

Throughout the series, fans got to know Paul not just for the fish he caught, but for the way he approached the job—focused, competitive, and deeply rooted in the traditions of New England fishing. This profile looks back on Paul’s journey—from his early days in a fishing family to his years in front of the camera—highlighting the career, challenges, and choices that shaped his time both on the water and on screen.

Early Life & Family

Born on February 15, 1965, in Marshfield, Massachusetts, Paul Hebert was the youngest of six children raised by Estelle and Donald Hebert. The Heberts were a fishing family, deeply connected to the coastal traditions of New England. Paul grew up immersed in that world, surrounded by his older brothers—Donald, Bruce, Danny, Kenny, and Gary—who all took to the water just as naturally.

From a young age, Paul and his brother Bruce were already involved in the hands-on work that came with the lifestyle. They started by raking moss from the rocks and later worked aboard their father’s party boat, the White Lady. Whether it was tossing chum, scrubbing down gear, or watching how the crew handled the day-to-day, they learned early what it meant to be part of the fishery.

At just eight years old, Paul caught his first bluefin tuna—a fish reportedly weighing over 1,100 pounds. That moment didn’t just mark a milestone; it reflected the direction his life would take. The Hebert brothers were raised with a strong work ethic: respect the fishery, take care of your gear, and carry your own weight. Those values stuck.

Paul later graduated from Marshfield High School, but it was clear that the most impactful lessons came from life offshore. The sea, more than anything, shaped his discipline, instincts, and drive—qualities that would serve him for years to come.

Starting Out: A Fisherman’s Path

Before making it big on TV, Paul spent years working as a carpenter. But life threw him a curveball—an accident left him with broken legs and back injuries, forcing him to leave the trade. Still, Paul bounced back like only a true fisherman could. He got his boating license, launched a charter business, and turned his full attention back to the sea.

In fact, back in 1997, he made headlines by catching a record-breaking 1,530-pound mako shark—an incredible moment that landed him in the Old Colony Memorial newspaper.

The Wicked Tuna Ride

Paul’s entry into Wicked Tuna marked the beginning of a new chapter in his fishing career. He first appeared in Season 2 (2013) as first mate on Tuna.com, working alongside his longtime friend Dave Carraro. Although their on-screen partnership was short-lived, it laid the groundwork for Paul to step into the spotlight and begin forging his own path as a captain.

By Season 3, Paul was captaining Miss Sambvca, followed by Kelly Ann in Season 4. But it was in Season 5 (2016) that he truly hit his stride, taking the helm of the Wicked Pissah—a custom-built 40-foot Osmond Beal boat that became his signature vessel for the remainder of the series.

Across nine seasons, Paul became one of the most recognizable faces on the show. Known for his competitive spirit and no-nonsense approach, he delivered consistently strong performances. His biggest moment came in Season 10 (2021) when Wicked Pissah clinched the top spot with 15 fish worth $53,303, narrowly beating out Dave Marciano’s Hard Merchandise.

Paul stayed steady in the years that followed, closing out the show’s final season—Season 13 (2024)—with a runner-up finish. He landed 12 tuna worth $77,808, just shy of Bob Cook’s Fat Tuna. From start to finish, Paul proved that he could hold his own against any competitor, season after season.

He also appeared on Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks, where he brought his Northeast fishing style to the Southern coast of North Carolina—facing new waters, new rivals, and a whole new level of challenge.

Paul’s time on the series wasn’t just about the numbers. It was a long-running testament to his experience, consistency, and connection with fans who appreciated his grit, humor, and heart every step of the way.

Public Praise & Support

Beyond the deck of the Wicked Pissah, Paul Hebert has also earned recognition off the water. In 2014, he was honored by Operation Restored Warrior for helping raise money for veterans through the Warriors for Warriors Fishing Tournament in New Jersey. The group awarded him a medal for his commitment and support, which Paul described as one of the most humbling experiences of his life. “Your military service means the world to me,” he wrote in a heartfelt post, thanking veterans for their sacrifice.

Paul has also been featured in publications like Field & Stream, which captured the precision and discipline he and his brother Bruce bring to tuna fishing. Paul once shared a quote from the article that highlighted what separates seasoned professionals from amateurs: “They crimp it together, they reel it on the rod, and they don’t even look at it… These are giants! You have one hitch in your gear, it will fail.” For Paul, that level of attention to detail isn’t optional—it’s the standard he’s lived by his whole life.

Net Worth: How Much Is Paul Worth?

Now that Wicked Tuna wrapped up with its final season in 2024, fans might wonder what’s next for Paul Hebert—and how that affects his earnings. As of 2025, his estimated net worth sits around $900,000, possibly more when factoring in the momentum from over a decade on television, charter bookings, and his commercial catches.

While Wicked Tuna was still running, Paul likely made about $10,000 per episode in later seasons. That consistent income, paired with the exposure the show brought him, helped him expand his other ventures—especially Wicked Pissah Charters. A single Bluefin charter today can bring in over $2,000, and with multiple trips per season, those numbers add up fast.

His 40-foot custom-built Wicked Pissah, remains central to his success. It’s fully equipped for both charters and offshore tuna fishing, helping him continue earning even after the cameras stopped rolling. The boat isn’t just an asset—it’s a business hub on the water.

With Wicked Tuna ending after Season 13 in 2024, Paul has remained focused on his charter business and commercial fishing. 

Family & Personal Life

Paul tends to keep his family life fairly private. He is the father of two children—Adam Hebert and Ashley Hebert. While they haven’t pursued fishing like their father, Paul has shared that he hopes they find stability in their own careers, possibly in more traditional, office-based roles. It’s a sentiment that reflects both his pride in their independence and his understanding of the demands that come with a life at sea.

As for his romantic life, little is publicly known. Paul has never shared details about his ex-wife or the timeline of his marriage. A New Year’s Facebook post from 2023 once featured him alongside a woman, sparking speculation about a possible relationship, but the post has since been removed, and Paul has not commented publicly. To date, his current relationship status remains private.

Challenges, Loss, & the Disability Scandal

Life hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Paul. In 2016, he was sentenced to four years of probation, fined $5,000, and ordered to repay over $53,000 in restitution for Social Security and Medicaid fraud.

Hebert had claimed that he was unable to work at any job, walk properly, lift heavy weights, or drive for more than short distances when he applied for disability benefits in 2009. However, between 2010 and 2013, he was actively fishing and earning income through both commercial work and his role on Wicked Tuna, while continuing to receive disability payments. These earnings were not reported to the government, which was required by law.

Federal officials noted the seriousness of the case, particularly given Paul’s visibility on national television during that time. While the charges marked a difficult period, they became a part of Paul’s public journey—one he has continued to move forward from while remaining active in his fishing career. 

Quick Wiki/Bio Facts

Fact	Value
Full Name	Paul Hebert
Date of Birth	February 15, 1965
Age	60 Years Old
Place of Birth	Marshfield, Massachusetts
Current Residence	Gloucester, Massachusetts
Nationality	American
Zodiac Sign	Aquarius
Occupation	Commercial fisherman, TV personality
Boat Name	Wicked Pissah
Show	Wicked Tuna (Nat Geo)
TV Debut	2012 (Season 1)
Season Win	Season 10
Season 10 Earnings	$53,303 (15 fish)
Father	Donald Hebert
Mother	Estelle Hebert
Siblings	Five older brothers
Children	Two (Adam & Ashley Hebert)
Estimated Net Worth	$900,000
Salary Per Episode	~$10,000 (reported)
Criminal Record	Yes (Disability fraud, 2016)
Probation	4 years (2016–2020)