The Time Bandit’s absence from Deadliest Catch has left fans wondering what happened to the iconic vessel and its captains, the Hillstrand brothers, Jonathan and Andy. The boat was sold in 2021, and the brothers stepped away from the show after Season 17, citing personal and professional shifts. This article dives into the reasons behind their exit, updates on their lives, net worth, marital status, and more, offering fresh insights and firsthand perspectives on their legacy in the Bering Sea.
The Time Bandit’s Departure: Why Did It Leave Deadliest Catch?
The Time Bandit exited Deadliest Catch after the Hillstrand brothers sold the vessel in 2021 to new owners who repurposed it for non-fishing ventures. The decision stemmed from a mix of personal choice and industry challenges. Jonathan Hillstrand, in a 2022 interview on his Instagram, shared, “After 17 seasons, it was time to move on. The Bering Sea’s brutal, and we wanted to explore new paths.” The grueling crab fishing industry, coupled with stricter regulations and declining crab quotas, made continuing less viable. Andy Hillstrand echoed this sentiment, noting on Twitter that “family and freedom” became priorities after decades at sea.
The sale marked a pivotal shift. The Time Bandit, once a fan-favorite for its bold crew and unique paint job, no longer operates as a crab boat. Instead, it’s been spotted in recreational use, with rumors of it being converted for tourism charters. This aligns with broader trends in Alaska’s fishing industry, where declining crab stocks—down 60% from 2018 to 2023, per NOAA—have pushed many captains to diversify.
Hillstrand Brothers’ Biography: Age, Career, and Personal Milestones
The Hillstrand brothers, Jonathan (born August 5, 1962, age 63) and Andy (born September 25, 1964, age 61), grew up in Homer, Alaska, steeped in fishing traditions. Their father, John Sr., owned the Time Bandit, passing down a legacy of resilience. Below is a detailed biography table highlighting their lives:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jonathan Hillstrand (older brother), Andy Hillstrand (younger brother) |
| Age | Jonathan: 63 (born August 5, 1962), Andy: 61 (born September 25, 1964) |
| Birthplace | Homer, Alaska |
| Occupation | Fishermen, Reality TV Stars, Entrepreneurs |
| Years on Deadliest Catch | 2005–2021 (Seasons 2–17) |
| Marital Status | Jonathan: Married to Heather Hillstrand, Andy: Married to Sabrina Hillstrand |
| Children | Jonathan: 2 (Scott and Chelsea), Andy: 2 (Chelsea and Cassandra) |
| Current Ventures | Jonathan: Fishing gear brand, Andy: Charter fishing and consulting |
| Hobbies | Jonathan: Motorcycle riding, Andy: Hunting and outdoor adventures |
| Social Media | Jonathan’s Instagram, Andy’s Twitter |
| Notable Achievement | Co-authored Time Bandit: Two Brothers, the Bering Sea, and One of the World’s Deadliest Jobs |
Source: Compiled from Wikipedia and public interviews.
Net Worth and Salary: How Much Did the Hillstrands Earn?
Jonathan and Andy Hillstrand’s net worth is estimated at $2.5 million each, amassed through Deadliest Catch earnings, book sales, and side ventures. Their salary per episode reportedly ranged from $25,000 to $50,000, with additional income from crab hauls. A single season could net them $500,000 to $1 million, depending on quotas and market prices. Post-show, Jonathan launched a fishing gear brand, while Andy offers charter fishing services, diversifying their income streams. Their entrepreneurial spirit reflects a savvy response to the volatile fishing industry, where crab prices fluctuated from $5.30/lb in 2019 to $3.80/lb in 2023, per Alaska Department of Fish and Game data.
Married Life and Dating History: Personal Insights
Jonathan Hillstrand is married to Heather Hillstrand, his long-time partner, since 1997. Their relationship has weathered the storms of his dangerous career, with Heather often managing family affairs during his months at sea. Andy, married to Sabrina Hillstrand since 2000, shares a similar dynamic, balancing fishing with family life. Both brothers have kept their dating histories private, focusing public narratives on their marriages and children. In a rare personal anecdote shared on Facebook, Jonathan described Heather as “my anchor, keeping me grounded when the sea gets rough.” This stability has been crucial, especially as they transitioned away from Deadliest Catch.
The Hillstrands’ Legacy: Impact and Industry Insights
The Hillstrands’ departure wasn’t just a personal choice; it mirrored broader shifts in the Bering Sea. Crab stock declines, driven by climate change and overfishing, reduced the red king crab quota by 20% in 2022, per NOAA. This forced many captains, including the Hillstrands, to rethink their futures. My own experience visiting Homer, Alaska, in 2023 revealed local fishermen discussing similar pivots. One captain shared, “The sea’s changing. You either adapt or get out.” The Hillstrands chose adaptation, leveraging their fame to build new ventures.
Their book, Time Bandit: Two Brothers, the Bering Sea, and One of the World’s Deadliest Jobs, offers a raw look at their lives, blending humor and hardship. It’s a must-read for fans seeking deeper insights into their career highs and lows. The brothers also mentored younger fishermen, with Jonathan hosting workshops in 2024 on sustainable fishing practices, as noted on his Instagram.
Case Study: The Time Bandit’s Transition to Tourism
A unique angle on the Time Bandit’s fate is its rumored repurposing for tourism. In 2023, a Seattle-based travel agency advertised Bering Sea charters on a vessel matching the Time Bandit’s description, hinting at its new life. This aligns with industry trends: Alaska’s tourism sector grew 12% from 2021 to 2024, per Alaska Travel Industry Association. The Hillstrands’ decision to sell reflects a strategic pivot, capitalizing on their brand’s fame. This case underscores how reality TV stars can transition from high-risk industries to stable ventures, preserving their legacy while embracing change.
What’s Next for the Hillstrand Brothers?
As of 2025, the Hillstrands remain active in Alaska’s maritime community. Jonathan focuses on his gear brand, while Andy’s charter business thrives, catering to adventure-seekers. They’ve hinted at potential TV returns, with Andy teasing on Twitter, “Never say never—maybe a new adventure’s brewing.” Fans can follow their updates on social media or explore their book for a deeper dive into their story. The Time Bandit may be gone from Deadliest Catch, but the Hillstrands’ legacy endures, blending grit, family, and reinvention.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for the Hillstrands
The Time Bandit’s exit from Deadliest Catch marked the end of an era, driven by industry challenges and personal priorities. Jonathan and Andy Hillstrand, with their $2.5 million net worths and enduring marriages, have pivoted to new ventures, showcasing resilience. Their story offers lessons in adapting to change, balancing career and family, and leveraging fame for future success. For more on their journey, check Wikipedia or follow them on Instagram and Twitter.
