Sandro Maniaci from Wicked Tuna: Biography, Age, Net Worth, Career, Family.
Before he was known as “The Silent Assassin” on Wicked Tuna, Sandro Maniaci was a mechanic with a fishing past—and no plans to go pro. That changed with one trip, one fish, and one decision to stay on deck.
Sandro Maniaci is a Gloucester-based commercial fisherman best known for his long-standing role as first mate aboard FV-Tuna.com on the National Geographic series Wicked Tuna. With years of experience, a background in mechanical work, and a deep respect for the challenge of landing Atlantic bluefin tuna, Sandro has become a key figure in the Northeast tuna fleet. His contributions to multiple winning seasons on Wicked Tuna, his tournament success, and his ventures off the water—including Big Tuna Apparel—reflect a career built on persistence, skill, and a steady presence in one of the most demanding fisheries in the world.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Entry into Tuna Fishing
Born on November 22, 1986, Sandro Maniaci grew up around the fishing world but didn’t initially see it as a career. He fished casually as a kid, often just for fun, even though his uncle owned a dragger and worked commercially, targeting cod, haddock, and other groundfish. Despite that family connection, Sandro wasn’t drawn to the commercial side of the industry in his early years.
Instead, he enrolled in school to become an auto mechanic, a path he followed seriously for six or seven years. He worked full time in that field, considering it a more predictable profession—especially as commercial fishing struggled, and cod quotas were reduced.
That all changed when he was 21 years old. A neighbor introduced him to Dave Carraro, who happened to need a crew member for a tuna trip. Sandro went along, and from that day forward, he never looked back. That first outing produced a 1,200-pound bluefin tuna—his first—and it marked the start of his career aboard FV-Tuna.com. As Carraro later recalled,
“It took me over 30 years to catch a fish like that, and Sandro got it on day one.”
From that point on, Sandro became a regular fixture in the tuna scene, working closely with Carraro and building his experience with every season.
Rise to Fame on Wicked Tuna
Sandro is widely recognized as the quiet but fiercely skilled first mate on the FV-Tuna.com, one of the most dominant vessels featured on Wicked Tuna. Nicknamed “The Silent Assassin,” Sandro lets his actions speak louder than words. Whether he’s reading the water, setting bait, or maneuvering a monster tuna boat-side for a harpoon shot, his precision and calm demeanor set him apart.
The show, which ran for 13 seasons on National Geographic, followed the lives and livelihoods of bluefin tuna fishermen out of Gloucester, Massachusetts. Over the years, Sandro was part of several successful seasons on Wicked Tuna, including FV-Tuna.com’s first-place finishes in Seasons 1 (2012), 3 (2014), 5 (2016), 6 (2017), and 8 (2019). While Dave Carraro was the boat’s captain, the team’s overall performance reflected the combined effort and coordination of the full crew. Sandro’s work on deck was part of what helped Tuna.com stay consistent and competitive through multiple seasons.
Relationship with Dave Carraro
Fans often ask: Is Sandro Maniaci related to Dave Carraro? While not family by blood, their bond is tight. Sandro joined the FV-Tuna.com crew after meeting Dave through a family friend. One day, Dave needed a deckhand, and Sandro—eager to fish—joined him on a trip that changed his life. That trip resulted in their 1,200-pound catch and a professional relationship that has lasted for over a decade. As Sandro puts it, “I went with them and stuck ever since.”
Bluefin Blowout Champion
In 2014, Sandro earned a major personal achievement by winning the Bluefin Blowout Tournament with a 913-pound giant. It was only the second tournament he had ever entered, making the victory even more impressive. The emotional high of that win—backed by a roaring crowd in his hometown of Gloucester—remains one of his proudest moments. As he put it, “It was one of the best days of my life.”
The win also brought unexpected perks. Presented by Warren Waugh of Lyon-Waugh Auto Group, Sandro walked away with a trophy, a sizable check, and a brand-new Audi A3—an ironic full-circle moment, as he had previously worked at one of Waugh’s dealerships before entering fishing full-time.
Cuda Brand Recognition
In March 2016, Sandro was named Cuda Brand’s Pro of the Month, a recognition that highlighted his expertise and presence in the fishing community. At the time, he was actively fishing for tuna, cod, haddock, striped bass, and bluefish as a crew member on the FV-Tuna.com. Cuda praised his reliability on the water and noted his preference for their 5” fillet knife, which he used for everything from bait rigging to filleting during long battles with tuna. Sandro shared the honor on social media, thanking Cuda for the support and for allowing him to be part of their team.
Fishing Philosophy and Drive
In a 2015 interview with Coastal Angler Magazine, Sandro shared thoughtful insights about what keeps him dedicated to tuna fishing. For him, it’s not just a job—it’s a test of patience and strategy. He spoke about the challenge of convincing a bluefin tuna, possibly decades old, to take a single bait after a lifetime of evading lines. That, to him, makes every catch feel like a true accomplishment.
He described how the entire process—from the initial strike to the final moments of bringing the fish aboard—offers a thrill that never fades. It’s this repeating cycle of anticipation, focus, and reward that drives him to return to the water again and again.
Sandro also emphasized the importance of discipline and detail in the craft. “Eventually, your rod will bend,” he said. “The guys who stay on it and look at every little thing… they’re the ones who get the bite.”
That kind of mindset has shaped his consistent presence in the tuna scene—steady, meticulous, and fully committed to the work.
Off the Water: Kayaks, Bass, and Layla the Dog
When he’s not chasing bluefin off the Gloucester coast, Sandro often enjoys quieter moments of fishing on inland waters. His Instagram offers glimpses into these off-season pursuits—kayak trips, smallmouth and largemouth bass catches, and experimenting with new gear. It’s clear that whether offshore or on a calm pond, fishing remains more than a job—it’s a personal passion.
Sandro is also a devoted dog owner. His pit bulls, especially Layla, have been a regular part of his life and social media for years. From Christmas photos to birthday tributes, it’s evident that Layla holds a special place in his day-to-day life, often accompanying him on boat trips and relaxing at home. Through these posts, fans see a more personal, lighthearted side of Sandro—one that reflects balance between the intensity of commercial fishing and the simplicity of everyday joys.
Thoughts on Fame and Family
In a 2014 interview, when asked how his family handles his fame, Sandro responded with characteristic humility:
“My family still treats me the same, you know? I’m still the same person as I was before—I just happen to be on TV now. The perks are great, and it’s been a blast.”
Beyond the Rod: Big Tuna Apparel
Capitalizing on the rising popularity of Wicked Tuna, Sandro launched Big Tuna Apparel by 2014. The clothing line was inspired by the fishing lifestyle and gave fans a way to connect with the world Sandro lived every day.
As of recent estimates, Sandro Maniaci’s net worth is reported to be around $500,000 to $700,000. This figure reflects his long-running involvement in commercial fishing, his appearances on Wicked Tuna, tournament winnings, brand sponsorships, and entrepreneurial ventures like Big Tuna Apparel.
Is Sandro Maniaci Married?
As of now, there is no public confirmation about Sandro Maniaci’s marital status. He has kept his personal life largely private, leading to frequent online searches for phrases like “Sandro Maniaci wife” or “is Sandro Maniaci married.” However, no verified sources confirm his relationship status.
Parents
In March 2024, Sandro shared vacation photos with his parents, highlighting time spent together on the water and relaxing outdoors. The images—taken during a family trip—showed Sandro enjoying time with his mother and father aboard a sailboat. Another post from February 2024 featured Sandro and his dad on a tarpon fishing trip, underlining their shared love for the outdoors. While Sandro has kept most of his personal life private, these rare glimpses reflect his strong family ties and appreciation for time away from the spotlight.
Current Role
As of the latest update, Sandro continues to work as a commercial fisherman at FV-Tuna.com Charters, based in Gloucester. His LinkedIn profile lists him as both a fisherman and commercial fisherman, affirming his continued commitment to the craft.
Sandro Maniaci – Wiki Bio Facts Table
| Full Name | Sandro Maniaci |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 22, 1986 |
| Age | 38 (as of 2025) |
| Hometown | Gloucester, Massachusetts, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Commercial Fisherman |
| Known For | First mate on FV-Tuna.com (Wicked Tuna) |
| Years Active | 2008–present (fishing); 2012–2024 (Wicked Tuna) |
| Boat Affiliation | FV-Tuna.com |
| Nickname | The Silent Assassin |
| Business Venture | Founder of Big Tuna Apparel (launched by 2014) |
| Tournament Highlight | Winner, 2014 Bluefin Blowout (913 lb tuna) |
| Sponsorship | Cuda Brand – Pro of the Month (2016) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $500,000–$700,000 |
| Relationship Status | Not publicly confirmed |
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