Steven Ray Tickle, widely known as “Tickle” from the Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners, is a charismatic television personality and skilled carpenter whose life blends Southern charm, entrepreneurial spirit, and a knack for controversy. Born on November 30, 1976, Tickle is currently 48 years old in 2025. His net worth is estimated at $500,000, primarily from his TV appearances, carpentry, and legal moonshine ventures. Married to Carol Ann Tickle since 2019, he balances a blended family life while navigating fame and legal challenges. This article explores Tickle’s age, net worth, married life, salary, and dating history, offering fresh insights into his colorful journey.
Early Life and Background: Age and Roots
Born in Southwest Virginia, Steven Ray Tickle grew up in a close-knit community in Pittsylvania County, where moonshining is a cultural staple. At 48 years old, Tickle’s roots shaped his adventurous spirit. His mother, Lois Eileen Tickle, raised him and his three brothers—Darrel, Glenn, and Mike—after their father, Larry Craig Tickle, battled paralysis and passed away at 64. This loss profoundly impacted Tickle, leading to struggles with substance abuse in his youth, which he later overcame. His early life as a carpenter laid the foundation for his diverse career, showcasing his hands-on skills before fame.
Career Highlights: Salary and Moonshining Ventures
Tickle’s rise to fame began with his debut on Moonshiners in 2013 during its third season. The show, which dramatizes illegal liquor production in the Appalachian Mountains, earned him a reported $1 million for his initial appearance, with subsequent salaries of approximately $30,000 per episode and $175,000 annually from his spin-off, Tickle Discovery Channel. His expertise in moonshining, learned from local mentors, made him a fan favorite. Since 2014, Tickle has legally partnered with Sugarlands Distilling Company to produce the Legends Series moonshine, diversifying his income streams.
Beyond television, Tickle’s carpentry skills shine. He built Clyde’s Restaurant near Washington, D.C.’s Verizon Center, earning recognition as a top carpenter. His entrepreneurial spirit extends to running Tickle’s Tackle, a fishing store, adding to his salary and net worth. In 2025, Tickle’s ventures reflect a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern media savvy, setting him apart from peers.
Net Worth in 2025: Financial Insights
As of 2025, Steven Ray Tickle’s net worth is estimated at $500,000, a figure shaped by his TV earnings, carpentry projects, and legal moonshine production Wikipedia. While earlier reports speculated a $1.5 million net worth, recent analyses suggest a more conservative estimate due to legal expenses and fluctuating TV appearances. His salary from Moonshiners and Tickle remains a significant contributor, supplemented by his partnership with Sugarlands Distilling. Tickle’s financial journey reflects resilience, as he navigates the costs of legal battles while leveraging his fame for new opportunities, such as guest appearances on Master Distiller.
Married Life and Dating History
Steven Ray Tickle married Carol Ann Tickle, a bail bondswoman and realtor, on October 19, 2019, in a moonshine-themed wedding that captured his larger-than-life personality Discovery. Carol, who owns Bad Girlz Bail Bonds LLC and works at Treck Realty, pursued Tickle for six years before their romance blossomed. “She completes me,” Tickle said in a 2022 Discovery interview, highlighting their deep bond. The couple, who don’t have children together, manage a blended family, with Tickle as the sole custodian of his 22-year-old daughter, Daisy Tickle, from a previous relationship, and Carol raising her four children.
Before Carol, Tickle’s dating life was private, with rumors of a past marriage tied to Daisy’s mother, though details remain unconfirmed. His relationship with Carol, sparked by her tracking him as a bounty hunter, adds a unique twist to their love story. Tickle’s commitment to family life contrasts with his on-screen antics, offering a grounded perspective on his personal growth.
Legal Troubles and Resilience
Tickle’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. In 2013, he was arrested for public intoxication, followed by a 2015 arrest for possessing a sawed-off shotgun, resulting in a three-year suspended sentence. A 2016 probation violation led to a five-month jail term, and a car accident while driving on a suspended license extended his legal woes Wikipedia. Despite these setbacks, Tickle’s reformation is evident. “I don’t want to go back to that place,” he told fans post-release, emphasizing his commitment to change. His ability to rebound, supported by Carol, showcases his resilience.
Unique Insights: The Moonshining Culture
Having followed Tickle’s career, I’ve observed how his authenticity resonates with fans. Moonshining, often misunderstood, is a cultural art form in Appalachia, blending tradition with rebellion. Tickle’s expertise, honed since age 15, reflects this heritage. His partnership with Sugarlands Distilling bridges illegal roots with legal innovation, a trend among modern moonshiners. Data from the Distilled Spirits Council shows craft distilling grew by 26% annually from 2010 to 2020, highlighting the industry’s evolution, which Tickle embodies. His catchphrase, “Tickle Time!” encapsulates his infectious enthusiasm, making him a cultural icon.
Steven Ray Tickle Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Steven Ray Tickle |
| Nickname | Tickle |
| Date of Birth | November 30, 1976 |
| Age | 48 years old (2025) |
| Birthplace | Southwest Virginia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed |
| Mother | Lois Eileen Tickle |
| Father | Larry Craig Tickle (deceased) |
| Siblings | Darrel, Glenn, Mike Tickle |
| Spouse | Carol Ann Tickle (married 2019) |
| Children | Daisy Tickle (daughter, 22 years old) |
| Stepchildren | Four (from Carol’s previous marriage) |
| Occupation | TV Personality, Carpenter, Moonshiner |
| Known For | Moonshiners, Tickle, Master Distiller |
| Net Worth | $500,000 (2025 estimate) |
| Salary | $30,000 per Moonshiners episode, $175,000 annually from Tickle |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches |
| Weight | 70 kg |
| Legal Issues | 2013 (public intoxication), 2015 (firearm possession), 2016 (probation violation) |
| Business Ventures | Sugarlands Distilling Company, Tickle’s Tackle, Clyde’s Restaurant |
| Social Media | Facebook, Twitter |
Political Ambitions and Public Persona
In 2013, Tickle announced plans to run for Virginia’s 5th Congressional District as an independent, criticizing the Affordable Care Act Wikipedia. Though his campaign didn’t materialize, it highlighted his bold personality. His brief foray into politics, coupled with his TV charisma, underscores his multifaceted identity. Fans on Twitter often praise his humor, with posts like, “Tickle’s the real mad scientist #moonshiners,” reflecting his enduring appeal.
Conclusion: Tickle’s Lasting Legacy
Steven Ray Tickle remains a beloved figure, blending moonshining expertise, carpentry skill, and a tumultuous yet inspiring personal journey. At 48, his net worth of $500,000, married life with Carol, and evolving salary sources reflect a man who thrives despite adversity. His story offers lessons in resilience, cultural preservation, and reinvention, making him more than a reality TV star but a symbol of Appalachian grit. Follow his journey on Discovery and Facebook for the latest updates.
