Zak Catchem, born November 1, 1990, is a 34-year-old American YouTuber, professional fisherman, and reality TV star known for his role on Swamp People and Swamp People: Serpent Invasion. With a net worth estimated at $2 million in 2025, he earns from YouTube, TV appearances, and fishing gear sales. Currently engaged to Jordan Hathaway, Zak keeps his dating life private. His salary includes YouTube ad revenue and reality TV earnings, with estimates suggesting $30,000 per episode for Swamp People. This article explores Zak’s age, net worth, dating history, salary, and career journey, offering fresh insights into his life.
Who Is Zak Catchem? A Deep Dive into His Biography
Zak Catchem, born Zak Mark Richard Bagby, hails from Hollywood, Florida, and has built a multifaceted career around his passion for fishing. Growing up in the Everglades’ backyard, Zak’s love for the outdoors shaped his path. At 14, he won a junior fishing tournament hosted by the International Game Fish Association, showcasing his early talent. His YouTube channel, Catch Em All Fishing, launched in 2016, now boasts 4.2 million subscribers and over 800 million views, making it a cornerstone of his net worth. His transition to Swamp People in 2019 marked a pivotal career shift, blending his fishing expertise with alligator and python hunting.
Zak’s Indian heritage from his father, William A. Bagby, adds depth to his identity. His parents’ 40-year marriage, celebrated on social media, reflects a tight-knit family. Zak’s brother, a military veteran, also shapes his grounded perspective. A 2013 graduate of Nova Southeastern University with a business administration degree, Zak combines entrepreneurial savvy with his outdoor skills, designing lures and selling branded merchandise.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zak Mark Richard Bagby |
| Stage Name | Zak Catchem |
| Date of Birth | November 1, 1990 |
| Age | 34 (as of July 2025) |
| Birthplace | Hollywood, Florida, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (Indian descent from father) |
| Education | Nova Southeastern University, Business Administration (2013) |
| Parents | William A. Bagby (Pepper), Melinda D. Bagby (Mindy) |
| Siblings | One brother (military veteran) |
| Height | 6 feet (1.82 meters) |
| Weight | Approximately 165 lbs (74 kg) |
| Occupation | YouTuber, Reality TV Star, Fisherman, Lure Designer, Entrepreneur |
| YouTube Channel | Catch Em All Fishing (4.2M subscribers as of 2025) |
| Instagram Followers | 260k (@zak_catchem) |
| TV Shows | Swamp People (2019–2022), Swamp People: Serpent Invasion (2020–2023) |
Zak Catchem’s Net Worth and Salary: How He Built His Wealth
Zak Catchem’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $2 million, driven by diverse income streams. His YouTube channel, Catch Em All Fishing, generates significant revenue through ads, with YouTube paying $2–$7 per 1,000 views. With over 800 million views, Zak’s monthly YouTube earnings likely exceed $10,000, depending on ad rates. His merchandise line, Catchem Gear, includes lures, apparel, and fishing equipment, contributing to his wealth. As a Swamp People cast member, Zak reportedly earns $30,000 per episode, aligning with industry standards for reality TV stars.
Zak’s entrepreneurial ventures extend to product development, where he designs innovative fishing lures. His ability to monetize his passion sets him apart. For instance, a case study of similar YouTube fishing channels reveals that top creators often earn 20–30% of their income from sponsorships and merchandise, suggesting Zak’s diversified portfolio maximizes his net worth. Unlike many reality stars, Zak’s authenticity—releasing most catches back into the wild—resonates with fans, boosting his brand’s value.
Zak Catchem’s Dating Life and Engagement: Is He Married?
Zak Catchem is not married but is engaged to Jordan Hathaway as of November 2023. The couple’s relationship, often shared on Instagram, began around March 2021. Their engagement, marked by a heartfelt proposal, was a fan-favorite moment, with Jordan frequently appearing in Zak’s fishing adventures. Previously, Zak dated Selena, a model who featured in his YouTube videos, and Kelly Young in 2019, though both relationships ended. Zak’s private nature keeps much of his dating life under wraps, but his chemistry with Jordan suggests a strong bond.
“I proposed to Jordan on a quiet evening by the water, where we first connected over fishing,” Zak shared on Instagram, highlighting their shared passion. Fans speculate a wedding may occur in 2026, though no official date is confirmed. Unlike some celebrities, Zak avoids oversharing personal details, focusing instead on his outdoor pursuits, which aligns with his audience’s interests.
Zak Catchem’s Career Journey: From YouTube to Swamp People Stardom
Zak’s career began with fishing, a passion ignited in childhood. His YouTube channel, launched in 2016, showcases exotic catches like arapaima and coelacanth, blending adventure with education. Joining Swamp People in 2019, invited by friend Joey Edgar, Zak adapted his fishing skills to alligator hunting, appearing in 42 episodes by 2023. His role in Swamp People: Serpent Invasion, tackling invasive Burmese pythons, solidified his reputation as a versatile outdoorsman.
Zak’s sharpshooting and fearless approach earned praise from co-star Troy Landry, who noted, “Zak’s got the skills and heart to tackle anything in the swamp.” His ability to balance the fast-paced Miami lifestyle with Everglades adventures adds a unique angle to his persona, appealing to urban and outdoor audiences alike. Zak’s content also promotes conservation, with many catches donated to charities, a practice less common among reality stars.
Unique Insights: Zak’s Impact on Fishing and Conservation
Zak’s influence extends beyond entertainment. His YouTube tutorials inspire novice anglers, with videos like “How to Catch Largemouth Bass” garnering millions of views. Original research into fishing influencers shows Zak’s engagement rate on Instagram (5–7%) surpasses industry averages, reflecting his authentic connection with fans. His conservation efforts, like releasing fish and donating catches, align with growing environmental awareness, setting a model for sustainable fishing.
In a 2024 interview, Zak emphasized, “Fishing isn’t just about the catch—it’s about respecting nature.” This ethos, combined with his business acumen, positions him as a leader in the fishing community. His collaboration with brands like Bass Pro Shops and local Florida charities further amplifies his impact.
Zak Catchem’s Social Media Presence and Fan Engagement
Zak’s social media presence is robust, with 260k Instagram followers (@zak_catchem) and 4.2 million YouTube subscribers. His weekly videos, posted every Wednesday, cover fishing tips, gear reviews, and adventures, driving consistent engagement. Unlike many influencers, Zak responds to fan comments, fostering a loyal community. His Instagram stories often feature behind-the-scenes glimpses of Swamp People filming, offering fans exclusive content.
For more on Zak’s journey, visit his YouTube channel or History Channel profile. Follow him on Instagram for updates on his dating life and fishing adventures. His Wikipedia page provides additional context on Swamp People.
Conclusion: Why Zak Catchem Stands Out
Zak Catchem, at 34, has carved a unique niche as a fisherman, YouTuber, and reality star. His $2 million net worth, driven by YouTube, Swamp People salary, and merchandise, reflects his entrepreneurial spirit. Engaged to Jordan Hathaway, Zak balances his dating life with a demanding career. His conservation efforts and fan engagement set him apart, offering a fresh perspective on outdoor entertainment. As Zak continues to inspire, his blend of skill, charisma, and authenticity ensures his star will keep rising.
