Sophia ‘Bob’ Nielsen Wiki Bio: Age, Parents, Boyfriend, Net Worth, and Rise on Deadliest Catch

You don’t need to search far to find a compelling story in Kodiak—just follow the crab pots. At 23, Sophia “Bob” Nielsen stepped into one of the toughest roles on the Bering Sea, captaining the F/V Victory in the same waters where her family built their legacy.

Whether guiding her vessel through Kodiak’s icy channels or spending quiet moments ashore, Sophia has carved out a path defined by grit, responsibility, and deep Alaska roots. After losing her father at 14, she didn’t immediately inherit the wheel—but the responsibility lingered, waiting. Years later, she became the youngest captain on Deadliest Catch, carrying forward the family tradition while steering into her own chapter.

Early Life and Family Heritage

Sophia “Bob” Nielsen was born on May 20, 1999, in Kodiak, Alaska—a coastal town where the fishing industry shapes much of the community’s rhythm and identity. Her father, Gary Lee Nielsen, was a well-known fisherman who purchased and restored wooden vessels, including the F/V Alitak and the F/V Victory. Her mother, Annette Donvito, played a steady, supportive role in keeping the family together through the highs and lows that came with life at sea. Sophia was 14 when her father passed away in 2013. That moment marked a major shift in her life. She didn’t grow up working on the boats, but suddenly, the family’s vessels—and the legacy that came with them—were waiting on her. She described that time with clarity and gratitude:

“From a really young age, right after my father’s passing, I knew that I was going to inherit it.”

“It was actually two boats—it was the Victory and the Alitak.”

“My mom was doing everything she could, my brother did everything he could to keep it until I became of age to decide what I wanted to do with it.”

With their support, the boats stayed in the family—waiting for the day Sophia would be ready to make her decision.

Sophia never had the opportunity to fish alongside her father, but she began entering the world of fishing soon after his passing. Starting with the basics, she gradually took on more responsibility—learning the craft, working her way into the field, and eventually stepping into a leadership role aboard the very boats that had been preserved for her.

In 2015, her mother, Annette Donvito, also passed away. With both parents gone, Sophia and her siblings carried forward the legacy together—guided by the values and responsibilities their parents had instilled in them.

Rise on Deadliest Catch

Sophia made her debut on Deadliest Catch in Season 19 as a crew member aboard the F/V Saga, working under Captain Jake Anderson. Before joining the show, she already had experience handling vessel operations—steering, basic engineering, and paperwork—developed through years of family exposure. This background helped her adjust quickly to the fast-paced and demanding nature of commercial crab fishing.

Jake Anderson, recognizing her familiarity with boats, put her through every role on deck before giving her responsibilities in the wheelhouse. As she explained in an interview,

“Working with Jake, I kind of started from the bottom and worked my way up into the wheelhouse… which gave me a great perspective on what it means to be in the wheelhouse and how to keep an eye on everybody and keep everybody safe.”

Sophia appeared across multiple episodes in Season 19, first as a relief and trainee captain aboard the Saga. Later, she transitioned to captain of her family’s vessel, the F/V Victory, where she participated in the Kodiak bairdi derby. Despite a competitive and gear-heavy fishery, she stayed focused on her quota, often running through the same productive string multiple times. Later in the season, in Episode 17, she faced one of her toughest moments on the F/V Victory. The main generator failed mid-season, threatening the $25,000 worth of crab already on board. With water circulation to the tanks halted, the catch—and the season—hung in the balance. She quickly coordinated with her brother Brett, who delivered a replacement belt. With the repairs made, Sophia got the system running again and saved the haul, a moment that underscored both her leadership and the strength of her support system.

Her role continued in Season 20 aboard the F/V Seabrooke as a captain-in-training, where she faced intense conditions during her final haul. In Episode 9, Sophia captained through heavy seas, braving the biggest weather she had ever driven in. The crew pressed on despite tight deadlines, rough surf, and dangerous waves that required constant attention at the helm.

“I sat up in this chair and I didn’t know if I was really ready to be up here,” she reflected, “but they gave me the confidence and the courage I needed.”

The episode concluded with Sophia hauling the final pots, finishing the season under pressure and further proving her growth and steady leadership.

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A post shared by Sophia Nielsen (@sophiarosebud)

Her time on Deadliest Catch has shown her ability to work through high-pressure situations and adapt to the challenges of the commercial fishing industry.

Real-Life Rescue: Kodiak, January 2025

At sea, the challenges don’t end when the cameras stop rolling. That reality became clear when Sophia and her crew aboard the F/V Victory played a key role in the January 2025 rescue of two fishermen after the fishing vessel Tanusha capsized southeast of Kodiak, Alaska. When a distress signal was received by the Coast Guard, Sophia and her crew were among the first responders. They navigated to the area and located the fishermen in a life raft, helping coordinate the effort until a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and Alaska State Troopers completed the airlift to safety.

Reflecting on the experience, Sophia shared:

“So glad everyone is okay! We only have each other and I’m happy I can pass forward some good karma because I have been in the position where I relied on the kindness of others as well as the coast guard. It’s very scary to be at the mercy of the ocean, thankfully we can all come together and help.”

The rescue demonstrated Sophia’s calm leadership in real-life emergencies and her ongoing dedication to Alaska’s maritime community.

In a follow-up post, Sophia expressed her relief and gratitude:

“Another eventful Tanner season under my belt. Thank God the crew of the Tanusha made it off the boat safely before she capsized. May she rest easy.”

She went on to thank the U.S. Coast Guard and Alaska State Troopers for coordinating the rescue, adding:

“Kodiak Tanners 2025 was still a success in my book.”

Net Worth

Sophia Nielsen earns her living primarily through commercial crab fishing and captaining her family’s vessel, the F/V Victory. In addition to income from the fishing seasons, she has gained wider visibility and supplemental earnings through her appearance on Deadliest Catch, beginning with Season 19.

While she has not publicly disclosed financial details, based on standard earnings for captains in the Alaskan crab industry and reality television, her estimated net worth falls in the range of $200,000 to $400,000 as of 2025. These earnings reflect years of hands-on experience, ownership responsibilities, and visibility through the series—not celebrity, but sustained effort on and off the water.

Subsistence Lifestyle and Personal Pursuits

Outside of fishing, Sophia actively participates in subsistence hunting—a tradition rooted in Kodiak life. In March 2025, she purchased her first skiff, which she proudly named Arlo after her nephew. To celebrate, she embarked on a mountain goat hunt in the southern region of Kodiak Island, calling the experience unforgettable.

“Everything from fish to crab to red meat,” she wrote, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to harvest and live off the land.

She shared photos from the trip, proudly reflecting on the ability to source her own food and the community support that helped make it possible.

“We’re truly blessed to have the means to reap all the amazing resources that Kodiak has to offer,” she posted.

Her lifestyle reflects a deep connection to her surroundings and a respect for Alaska’s resources, blending modern fishing work with traditional subsistence values.

Reflecting her lifelong connection to the region, Sophia once shared in late 2024:

“I genuinely don’t know if I could live in anywhere but Alaska. Born and raised in the wild and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

That sense of rootedness continues to shape her work and personal values, whether she’s at sea, on a mountain, or rowing through Kodiak’s remote waters.

Sophia Nielsen’s Boyfriend: Relationship Insights and Personal Life

Sophia Nielsen has not been married and has not publicly shared any plans regarding marriage or children. However, her long-term relationship with her boyfriend—known on Instagram as @bobo—has remained a steady and valued part of her life outside of fishing. The two have been together for over five years, sharing adventures that stretch from Kodiak’s rugged coastline to tropical hikes and water-filled canyons abroad.

In March 2024, Sophia posted from a trip to the Philippines, writing:

“Thanks for making this trip one for the books. We’ve made some incredible friends so far! I know I’m not easy to deal with but I’m glad you stuck it out with me. I’m thankful I get to do this life with you.”

Just over a year later, in April 2025, they marked five years together. Sophia commemorated the milestone with an anniversary post, writing:

“We’ve had our share of ups and downs, but there’s truly no one else I’d rather grow through life with… I didn’t think we’d make it this far (still kinda shocked), but here we are—stronger, wiser, and even more in sync.”

Over time, their relationship has adapted to the demands of Sophia’s career—rooted in patience, shared experience, and steady support through the unpredictable rhythms of fishing life.

Sophia “Bob” Nielsen – Wiki Bio Facts

Full Name	Sophia Nielsen
Nickname	Bob
Date of Birth	May 20, 1999
Age (as of 2025)	26
Birthplace	Kodiak, Alaska, USA
Nationality	American
Profession	Commercial Fisherwoman, TV Personality
Known For	Deadliest Catch (Seasons 19–20)
Current Vessel	F/V Victory
Other Vessels	F/V Saga, F/V Seabrooke
Years Active	Commercial fishing (start date not public); Deadliest Catch (2023–present)
High School	Graduated May 2017 (Kodiak, Alaska)
Father	Gary Lee Nielsen (d. 2013)
Mother	Annette S. Donvito (d. 2015)
Siblings	At least one brother, Brett Nielsen
Marital Status	Not married
Boyfriend	Known on Instagram as @bobo
Children	None
Estimated Net Worth	$200,000 – $400,000 (as of 2025)