‘DEADLIEST CATCH’ INTERVIEW: Capt. Colburn opens up on the money lost this crabbing season

Captain Keith Colburn, an alum of Discovery Channel’s hit show Deadliest Catch, knows a thing or two about difficulties on the open sea. As captain of the Wizard, a boat he actually started with in the 1980s, Colburn navigates the icy waters of the Bering Sea, sidestepping obstacles and hoping to take in a profitable haul. This past season, which wraps up with a finale episode Tuesday, Aug. 5, was fraught with danger and disadvantage, but interestingly some of that danger came not from the sea but the land.

The government shutdown in Washington, D.C., caused a delay in permits for the captains, and every minute they were not braving the waves was another minute without crabs in the net and money in the hand. Colburn was on the front lines of the political battle, and he actually flew to Washington, D.C., to testify on how the shortened season affected the boats and the industry.

Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Colburn to discuss his impressive career, which began when he was 22 years old and first landed in Kodiak, Alaska. Since then, it has been a series of ups and downs — both literally and figuratively. Answers have been slightly edited for style.

How did the government shutdown affect your season? What was the largest challenge?

Ultimately it looks as though we lost about $1 per lb which cost the fleet $8 million plus additional expense from being tied up.

Do you have great pride in now owning the Wizard after beginning as a deckhand on the ship?

I never dreamed I would be a fisherman, and the thought of becoming a captain and then owner of a crab boat seemed as attainable as a walk in space. Today I pinch myself for all the good luck and good fortune that I have worked for. There is no other boat I would ever want to own than the Wizard.

What’s the biggest misconception in the minds of greenhorns who try to crab for the first time?

Pain! People don’t or can’t grasp the concept of working so hard that you push your body beyond anything you have ever experienced. It’s not the discomfort that makes greenhorns crack but not being able to mentally accept the pain associated with the job.

What are the qualities of a good worker on your boat?

Keep your eyes ears and senses focused on the task. Listen and don’t question why.

When you step foot on your boat at the beginning of the season, what’s going through your mind?

Have I put myself and boat in the best possible position to succeed and bring everyone home safe.

When you step back on land at the end of the season, what’s going through your mind?

The only thing that matters is did I get the guys home safe. The rest takes care of itself, and I can’t wait to see my kids and sleep in a bed that’s not constantly moving. 

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

• Watch the season finale of Deadliest Catch 9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5 on Discovery Channel. Click here for more information.

• Want more Deadliest Catch? Click here for our interviews with Mandy Hansen, Sig Hansen, Wild Bill Wichrowski and Scott Campbell Jr.