Tyler McLaughlin Wiki, Bio, Age, Net Worth, Death of first mate, Girlfriend or Marriage?

To viewers of National Geographic’s Wicked Tuna, Tyler McLaughlin is more than a familiar face—he’s the heart and helm of the Pinwheel, a fishing vessel that has sailed its way into the hearts of fans across the country. With his tall frame, determined expression, and steady hand on the throttle, Tyler quickly stood out among the rugged captains vying for Atlantic bluefin tuna in the unforgiving waters of the North Atlantic. But behind the competitive fire and sharp instincts lies a story of a young man shaped by the sea, family bonds, heartbreak, and resilience.

Tyler joined Wicked Tuna in its second season and quickly became one of the show’s most recognizable captains. Season after season, fans watched him go head-to-head with seasoned rivals, haul in massive tuna, and navigate life’s real moments out on the water. From championship wins to the emotional loss of his first mate Duffy, Tyler’s journey gave viewers plenty to connect with. While the series officially wrapped after Season 13 in 2024, his presence left a lasting mark—and for many fans, the Pinwheel will always be part of Wicked Tuna’s legacy.

Early Life & Education

Born on December 21, 1987, in Rye Harbor, New Hampshire, Tyler was destined for a life on the ocean. His father, Marty McLaughlin, recognized early that the best way to calm his toddler’s tears was to take him out on the water. By age two, Tyler was already on board boats; by three, he was catching tuna with his own hands.

Growing up in Rye alongside his younger sister Marissa, Tyler spent every summer fishing out of Rye Harbor, absorbing every lesson the sea had to offer. But he wasn’t just about rods and reels—he was also a talented tennis player, competing in high school and later at Nichols College. He graduated in 2011 with a degree in business administration, already planning his next big move: purchasing the Pinwheel and turning his lifelong passion into a career.

Career: Hooked from the Start

Tyler didn’t just love fishing; he thrived in competition. Throughout his teenage years, he competed in dozens of fishing tournaments across Maine, regularly placing first or second among fleets of up to 75 boats. He credits his early exposure to seasoned captains as instrumental in developing his instincts and technique.

In one standout moment in October 2011, Tyler reportedly landed a 1,269-pound, 124-inch tuna off the coast of Massachusetts—a catch so massive it remains legendary among peers, even if unofficial.

Television Fame: Wicked Tuna and Beyond

Tyler joined Wicked Tuna in Season 2 (2013) and quickly made his mark by winning the season with 16 tuna worth $100,861, beating seasoned captains like Dave Carraro and Dave Marciano. His aggressive yet strategic approach, paired with his strong work ethic, earned him both the winner’s title and a loyal fanbase.

Over the show’s 13-season run, Tyler remained one of its most competitive and consistent captains. He finished as runner-up in multiple seasons, narrowly missing the top spot. In Season 4, he caught 16 tuna worth $99,876—just shy of the winning tally. In Season 6, he missed the lead by a mere $19. His second win came in Season 7 (2018), when he landed 19 tuna totaling $103,936.

Tyler also competed in Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks, a spin-off series launched in 2014 that brought Northern and Southern boats together in North Carolina. He placed second in three of the early seasons before finally securing a win in Season 5, proving his adaptability beyond his home waters.

Wicked Tuna officially concluded with its 13th season, which aired its final episode on May 26, 2024. National Geographic later confirmed the show would not return for Season 14. While no specific reason was cited, the cancellation marked the end of an influential series that showcased the lives and challenges of commercial tuna fishermen.

Loss at Sea: Remembering Nicholas “Duffy” Fudge

Among Tyler’s many trials at sea, none was more heartbreaking than the loss of his first mate and best friend, Nicholas “Duffy” Fudge, who passed away on July 18, 2018. While the exact cause of death was not publicly disclosed, reports pointed to decompression sickness.

Their friendship dated back to childhood, forged in their shared love for fishing. Duffy was more than a teammate; he was Tyler’s brother in every sense. After his passing, Tyler honored his memory by dedicating his first catch of Season 8 to Duffy and inviting his sister Marissa aboard as the new first mate. He also shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, capturing the emotional void left behind.

Net Worth

Tyler McLaughlin has expanded his fishing career into multiple ventures beyond just commercial bluefin tuna fishing. While a single tuna can command premium prices, Tyler has also established a steady income stream through his charter business, Pinwheel Tuna Charters, based in Bailey Island, Maine. This operation allows him to offer guided fishing experiences to the public, combining his commercial skills with a more personalized, educational approach.

In addition to charters, his long-standing role on Wicked Tuna has helped boost his public profile, allowing for supplemental income through merchandise and limited endorsements. He actively uses social media to engage with fans and promote responsible fishing practices. Although financial details remain private, estimates place his net worth around $1.5 million as of 2025.

Tyler has also spoken about giving back to the community by donating fish to local food banks and shelters. These efforts, while not widely publicized, reflect his continued connection to the values he was raised with—hard work, respect for the ocean, and supporting those in need.

Honors & Heroism

Tyler’s bravery extends beyond reality TV. In October 2014, he helped rescue two crew members from a sinking vessel named Miss Sambvca during a storm off the Gloucester coast. For this life-saving act, he was honored with the American Red Cross First Responder Award in 2015 at the Season 4 Wicked Tuna premiere.

Trouble on Shore

Not all chapters of Tyler’s story are triumphant. In April 2016, he faced misdemeanor assault charges for allegedly punching another fisherman, resulting in a broken nose and black eyes. He later turned himself in and was released on a $10,000 bond. The incident was a sharp contrast to the calm and composed image he typically portrays at sea.

Life Beyond the Show

Even with Wicked Tuna concluded, Tyler McLaughlin hasn’t slowed down. Based in Bailey Island, Maine, he runs Pinwheel Tuna Charters, a business that gives recreational anglers a chance to fish alongside a seasoned professional. Through this venture, Tyler shares not only his expertise but his deep respect for the ocean, helping others experience the thrill of bluefin fishing firsthand.

He has also become an outspoken advocate for better handling practices in sport fishing tournaments. On social media, Tyler has regularly voiced his concerns about the risk of histamine poisoning from improperly handled fish, urging tournaments to require bleeding and gutting at the dock. His participation in the 2024 Northeast Bluefin Showdown, a tournament that aligns with these standards, was part of his ongoing effort to set an example for responsible commercial practices.

Tyler’s focus on education and industry ethics has earned him both praise and debate within the fishing community. From Instagram videos calling for an end to unbled trophy catches to Facebook posts encouraging reform, he continues to use his platform to champion safer, more sustainable practices.

Tyler McLaughlin’s Girlfriend, Dating History, and Relationship Status

Tyler McLaughlin has been in a committed relationship with Shannon Harris since August 2019, as confirmed by his social media posts. Shannon, a former branch manager from Worcester, Massachusetts, has become a steady part of Tyler’s life, both on and off the water. Though she works outside the fishing industry, Shannon occasionally joins Tyler aboard the Pinwheel for recreational outings. The two are often seen spending quality time together in Bailey Island, Maine, where they currently reside. That close connection was especially clear on May 28, 2021, when Tyler took to Instagram to celebrate Shannon’s birthday with a post that gave fans a glimpse into how much she truly means to him. Calling her ‘Shay Shay,’ he described her as the most genuinely amazing person he’s ever met—someone with a big heart who always puts others first. The post, full of warmth and gratitude, captured the kind of everyday love that fans of Tyler have come to admire. It wasn’t just a birthday message—it was a reflection of how Shannon has supported him behind the scenes, through long fishing seasons and life’s ups and downs. For followers of Wicked Tuna, it was a touching reminder that even the toughest captains have a soft side when it comes to the people they love.

Before Shannon, Tyler dated Savannah Tapley beginning in 2015. Their relationship was frequently shared on social media, with Savannah participating in fishing trips and bonding with Tyler’s family, including his sister Marissa. Though their relationship eventually came to an end, it was an important chapter in Tyler’s personal life. Since the breakup, Savannah has largely stepped away from the public spotlight and leads a private lifestyle.

Tyler Mclaughlin is a name that many fans of reality TV and fishing enthusiasts are familiar with. He is the captain of the PinWheel crew, one of the most successful teams on the National Geographic show Wicked Tuna. The show follows a group of fishermen from Gloucester, Massachusetts, who compete to catch the elusive and valuable Atlantic bluefin tuna in the North Atlantic Ocean. Even though fishing is what Tyler does for a living, he is competitive in nature and seeks to prove he is the best by catching more and bigger Tuna than his fellow fishermen. Aboard his 35 ft single-engine fishing vessel “Pin Wheel,” Tyler has been crowned champion two times first in season two and later in season seven of Wicked Tuna.

Tyler McLaughlin Wiki/Bio Facts (2025)

Field	Details
Full Name	Tyler McLaughlin
Date of Birth	December 21, 1987
Age	37 years old (as of 2025)
Place of Birth	Rye Harbor, New Hampshire, U.S.A.
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	White
Zodiac Sign	Sagittarius
Height	6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Occupation	Commercial Fisherman, TV Personality
Education	Business Administration, Nichols College (Graduated 2011)
Father	Marty McLaughlin
Mother	Not Publicly Known
Siblings	Marissa McLaughlin
Boat Name	Pinwheel
TV Show	Wicked Tuna (Seasons 2–13), Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks
Wicked Tuna Status	Series concluded after Season 13 (2024)
Net Worth (2025)	Estimated $1.5 million
Business	Pinwheel Tuna Charters, Bailey Island, Maine
Relationship Status	In a relationship with Shannon Harris (since 2019)
Ex-Girlfriend	Savannah Tapley
Children	None
Known For	Winning Wicked Tuna Seasons 2 & 7
Awards	American Red Cross First Responder Award (2015)
Legal Issues	Misdemeanor assault charge (2016), released on bond
Hobbies	Tennis, Hockey
Charity Work	Donated tuna to food banks and shelters
Advocacy	Promotes ethical fishing practices, especially tuna handling standards

Name:	Tyler McLaughlin
Place of Birth	Rye Harbor, New Hampshire, U.S.A
Nationality	American
Ethnnicity	White
Relegion	Marital Status
Age	35 years old
Birthdate	December 22, 1987
Height	6ft 2in
College degree	Nichols College (2011)
Occupation	TV actor, Commercial Fisherman
Awards	American Red Cross First Responder Award (2015)
Net Worth	$1.5 million (estimated)
Boat Name	Pin Wheel
Father	Marty Mclaughlin
Mother	N/A
Sibling	Marissa McLaughlin
Gender	Male
Sexuality	Straight
Marital Staus	Unmarried
Relationship Status	Dating a girlfriend
Girlfriend	Shannon Harris (together since 2019)
Ex-girlfriend	Savannah Tapley
Other Hobbies	Tennis; Hockey
Zodiac	Sagittarius