Rick Shelford [Deadliest Catch] Wiki Bio, Age, Wife, Career, Net Worth & Family

He’s not just the newest captain on Deadliest Catch—he’s five generations of fishing tradition in motion.

Rick Shelford began working aboard the Aleutian Lady as a teenager, learning the ropes under his father’s guidance and carrying forward his family’s longstanding fishing tradition. Decades later, he’s still on the water—now known for his calm leadership, deep technical knowledge, and presence on Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch. Outside the wheelhouse, Rick leads a grounded personal life with his wife and children—balancing family responsibilities with the demands of Alaska’s fisheries and television. This biography follows Rick’s steady rise from greenhorn to captain, tracing his journey through fleet management, technical leadership, and national media—reflecting the full arc of his career in Alaska’s commercial fishing industry.

Early Life and Family Background

Richard Shelford Jr., known in the fishing community as Rick, was born on February 25, 1978, and raised in Washington state. He hails from a long line of fishermen, with roots going back to Norway and a deep connection to Alaska’s fisheries. His grandfather, Soren Sorensen, emigrated from Norway and became a key figure in building the Alaskan seafood legacy. Rick’s father, Rick Shelford Sr., continued the legacy by founding Shelford Fisheries in the mid-1990s. While the Aleutian Lady eventually became the centerpiece of their operations, it wasn’t originally a family-owned vessel. Rick Sr. first invested in the boat with business partners before buying it outright around 1995—establishing the foundation for what would become a central part of the Shelford name in Alaskan crabbing.

It was under his grandfather Soren Sorensen’s quiet guidance that Rick Jr. first learned what it meant to fish—not just for a living, but as a way of life. As Rick Jr. once shared, his grandfather “taught me so much about life and fishing”—a sentiment that speaks to more than skill, but also to values and resilience. A memorable photo shows young Rick beside his grandfather and a towering catch, symbolizing the deep-rooted bond and wisdom passed through generations.

In terms of education, Rick Jr. attended Snohomish County Christian School before going on to King’s High School, both located in Washington state. These school years ran alongside his growing responsibilities aboard the boat, preparing him both academically and practically for the leadership role he holds today.

Getting Started in the Fishing Industry

Rick Jr. began fishing aboard the F/V Aleutian Lady at just 15 years old, initially helping out under his father’s guidance. While these early years weren’t yet full-time commercial work, they gave him hands-on exposure to the rhythms of the job. By 1997, he formally entered the profession as a greenhorn and steadily worked his way up—first as a deckhand, then engineer, and eventually captain of the same vessel he grew up on.

Over the years, Rick Jr. built up a broad base of experience across longline, pot cod, and crab fisheries. By the time he reached his 30s, he wasn’t just seasoned at sea—he had also developed deep technical skills in vessel operations, from refrigeration systems to hydraulics and propulsion. That combination of practical and mechanical expertise laid the groundwork for the leadership roles he would later take on.

From Fleet Management to Operational Comeback

In 2012, after proving himself on deck and in the wheelhouse, Rick Jr. stepped into the role of Fleet Manager at Shelford Fisheries, the family’s business. His focus shifted toward behind-the-scenes leadership—ensuring vessel readiness, troubleshooting technical systems, and supporting crews across operations.

Though Rick had stepped back from active sea duty for a while, by 2019, he was back aboard the Aleutian Lady—not just in a managerial capacity, but actively contributing to fishing runs. He once joked about enjoying “seven peaceful years of retirement from the Bering Sea,” only to return for high-output seasons.

In 2019, he and his crew hauled ten pots averaging 1,000 opilio crabs each, followed by an exceptional Red King Crab season in 2020, with 106,200 lbs caught in just 5 days. By 2023, the Aleutian Lady had crossed a major milestone: over 100 million pounds of seafood. That same year, the vessel was traded in for a newer model after nearly three decades of service—closing one chapter and setting the course for a new era.

Deadliest Catch Career

Rick Jr. made his television debut as captain of the F/V Aleutian Lady on Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch during Season 19 in 2023. His first season wasn’t just about navigating rough seas—it also marked a deeply personal chapter. In Episode 7, Cold Hard World, Rick received news of his grandfather Soren Sorensen’s passing while at sea—a moment that struck a chord with viewers and highlighted the emotional toll of life on the water.

Season 19 also captured behind-the-scenes tensions and Rick’s leadership during adversity. In Episode 3, Rick was seen grappling with crew readiness, equipment concerns, and Coast Guard compliance—showcasing the pressure captains face even before leaving port. His experience was further tested in later episodes, where storm delays, crew injuries, and internal disagreements put his decision-making and calm demeanor on display.

Rick was also credited as a consultant on several Season 19 episodes, including Call of a New Generation, Amazing Grace, Bering Sea Superstition, and Million Dollar Season—a nod to his dual presence as both captain and contributor.

In Season 20 (2024), Rick returned to the show as the Red King Crab fishery reopened. He became central to a dramatic narrative in Episode 8, where Jake Anderson boxed in the Aleutian Lady with a strategic pot placement. Despite the competitive tension, the two captains ultimately worked together, coordinating sets and agreeing to split crab zones—a move that reflected mutual respect and strategic thinking. Rick’s line, “sometimes you just got to play the game,” highlighted his willingness to adapt in high-stakes situations.

Throughout the season, Rick continued leading pot strategy, mentoring younger crew, and helping reestablish the Aleutian Lady as a strong player in a shifting fleet.

Outside the show, Rick has used his Instagram handle @captain_rick_shelford to connect with fans and share moments from the wheelhouse, behind-the-scenes prep, and life at sea. His posts show not just the scale of the harvests, but also the discipline, grit, and personal reflection that come with the job.

Through both seasons, Rick Jr. has emerged as a voice for both legacy and innovation in the Bering Sea crab fleet—offering a rare inside look at the reality of modern crabbing, both in front of and behind the camera.

Rick Shelford Jr.’s Wife, Children, and Family Life

Rick married Veleska Johnston on August 12, 2018, and they live together in  Stanwood, Washington, raising their blended family. Rick has two daughters—Sadie Shelford (born August 7, 2005) and Lili Shelford (born August 5, 2008)—from a previous relationship. Veleska has a son, Preston Johnston, from a previous marriage as well. Together, the couple has embraced parenting as a shared commitment, celebrating family milestones including birthdays, school achievements, and prom send-offs.

Rick often shares glimpses of this side of his life—birthdays, school events, and family adventures. His role as a father is as important to him as his captain’s hat, and his posts reveal how much joy and pride he finds in parenting. Beyond the high seas, Rick maintains an active role at home—supporting his children’s milestones and staying present for family moments, even while balancing the pressures of commercial fishing.

Net Worth

Rick Shelford Jr.’s net worth reflects decades of work in one of the world’s toughest industries. With income from commercial fishing, his management role at Shelford Fisheries, and his appearances on Deadliest Catch, Rick has steadily built financial success. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is placed between $750,000 and $1.5 million, factoring in high-yield crab seasons, long-term business operations, and national television exposure.

Rick Shelford Jr. Wiki/Bio Quick Facts

Field	Detail
Full Name	Richard Shelford Jr.
Known As	Rick Shelford
Date of Birth	February 25, 1978
Age (as of 2025)	47
Place Raised	Washington State, United States
Nationality	American
Profession	Commercial Fisherman, Captain, Fleet Manager
Company	Shelford Fisheries
Primary Vessel	F/V Aleutian Lady
TV Show	Deadliest Catch (Seasons 19 & 20) – Discovery Channel
Years Active	Since 1997 (formally), began fishing at 15
Education	Snohomish County Christian School, King’s High School
Net Worth	Estimated $750,000 – $1.5 million (as of 2025)
Marital Status	Married
Wife	Veleska Johnston (married August 12, 2018)
Children	Sadie Shelford, Lili Shelford (from previous relationship); Preston Johnston (stepson)
Father	Rick Shelford Sr. (Founder of Shelford Fisheries)
Grandfather	Soren Sorensen (Norwegian immigrant and Alaskan fishing pioneer)
Email (Pro)	rshelfordjr@shelfordfisheries.com
Social Media	Instagram – @captain_rick_shelford