Keith Colburn's Net Worth and Career
Keith Colburn, an American fisherman and reality television star, boasts a net worth of $1.5 million. He amassed his wealth through his work as a commercial fisherman and his prominent role on the documentary/reality television series Deadliest Catch. This Discovery Channel series documents the perilous and real-life events aboard fishing vessels during the Alaskan king crab and C. opilio crab fishing seasons. These adventures occur on the Bering Sea, with the fishing boats operating out of the Aleutian Islands port of Dutch Harbor in Unalaska, Alaska. The series is notably named Deadliest Catch due to the high risk of injury and death inherent in this grueling occupation. Premiering on April 12, 2005, the show has captivated audiences in over 150 countries and continues to air its riveting sea voyages.
Unlike many seasoned fishermen on Deadliest Catch, Keith Colburn is a first-generation fisherman who caught the fishing bug in 1985. He embarked on his fishing journey alongside his friend Kurt Frankenberg on a trip to Kodiak, Alaska. Starting as greenhorns, they worked aboard the 135-foot crabber/tender, the Alaska Trader. By 1988, Colburn had become a Deckhand on the Wizard, and two years later, he advanced to the pilothouse, taking on the role of Skipper. Colburn's career saw significant growth when he purchased his first fishing vessel, a 100-foot crabber named the Sirene, in 2002. However, he continued to operate the Wizard, which he loved dearly.
In 2004, in response to a government fleet reduction initiative — which shrank the crabbing fleet from 250 to 80 vessels — Colburn sold his fishing rights to the Sirene. This move allowed him to secure ownership of the Wizard, ensuring his continued presence in the crabbing industry. Today, Colburn remains the Captain and Owner of the distinguished Bering Sea crab vessel, the Wizard, navigating the treacherous waters and leading his crew through one of the world's most hazardous professions.
