Who is Keith Colburn? Keith Colburn is a name synonymous with bravery, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of adventure. As the captain of the F/V Wizard, a vessel featured on the Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch," Colburn has spent over three decades navigating the treacherous waters of the Bering Sea. His journey began in 1985 when he left behind a life as a Lake Tahoe ski bum to explore Alaska with just $50 and a tent. From greenhorn to seasoned captain, Colburn's story is one of perseverance, facing personal and professional challenges head-on. His leadership style, humility, and dedication have made him an iconic figure in commercial fishing.
Key Takeaways:
- Keith Colburn's journey from a ski bum to a renowned crab fisherman showcases the power of perseverance and passion for adventure, inspiring others to pursue their dreams against all odds.
- Keith Colburn's leadership lessons emphasize preparation, adaptation, and humility, proving that staying calm under pressure and learning from challenges are essential for success in any industry.
Early Life and Beginnings
Keith Colburn's journey from a ski bum to a renowned crab fisherman is nothing short of inspiring. Let's dive into the early days that shaped his career.
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Born with a Passion for Adventure: Keith Colburn always had a thirst for adventure. At 22, he left his life as a Lake Tahoe ski bum to explore Alaska's waters with his friend Kurt Frankenberg.
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Arrival in Alaska: In 1985, Colburn and Frankenberg arrived in Kodiak, Alaska with no experience, a tent, and $50. This marked the start of Colburn's fishing career.
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First Job: Colburn's first job was as a greenhorn on the Alaska Trader, a 135-foot crabber/tender. This experience ignited his love for the sea and the camaraderie of a fishing crew.
Career Progression and Achievements
Keith's dedication and hard work quickly propelled him up the ranks in the fishing industry.
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Full-Share Deckhand: By 1988, Colburn became a full-share deckhand on the Wizard, showcasing his rapid growth in the industry.
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USCG 1600 Ton Mates License: In 1990, he earned his USCG 1600 ton Mates license, allowing him to transition from the deck to the pilot house.
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Captain of the Wizard: Colburn has been the captain of the Wizard since 1992, leading one of the most recognizable vessels in the Bering Sea.
Challenges and Leadership
Fishing in the Bering Sea is no easy feat. Keith's leadership and resilience have been tested time and again.
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Fishing Experience: Colburn has been fishing in the Bering Sea since 1985, enduring extreme weather conditions and massive storms.
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Leadership Style: Known for his humility and leadership, Colburn emphasizes preparation, adaptation, and staying calm under pressure.
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Personal Challenges: Colburn has faced health issues, drinking problems, a mid-life crisis, and divorce, yet continues to persevere.
Reality TV and Public Perception
Keith Colburn's fame skyrocketed with his appearance on the Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch."
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Reality TV Show: Colburn stars in "Deadliest Catch," which documents the lives of crab fishermen in the Bering Sea.
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Impact of Reality TV: Despite the show's popularity, Colburn insists it is not staged or scripted. The real drama lies in mechanical problems and the struggle against nature.
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Public Recognition: Colburn often encounters fans who recognize him from the show and admire his bravery and leadership.
Personal Interests and Community Involvement
Outside of fishing, Keith has various interests and is actively involved in his community.
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Cycling Enthusiast: Colburn is an avid cyclist. He once completed a 60-mile trek from Bangor to Port Clyde, leading to a series of kind encounters.
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Maine Fishermen's Forum: Colburn was a guest speaker at the Maine Fishermen's Forum, discussing the challenges faced by fishermen.
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Regulatory Challenges: Colburn engages in discussions about the crab rationalization program and the impact of regulations on the industry.
Vessel Ownership and Operations
Keith's journey with the Wizard involves significant milestones and challenges.
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Coast Guard Support: Colburn praises the U.S. Coast Guard for its support during the fishing season, providing emergency response and preseason inspections.
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Crab Rationalization Program: The crab rationalization program has made the fishery safer, though it presents challenges that require continuous adaptation.
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Ownership of the Wizard: Colburn and his wife, Florence, are the sole shareholders of the Wizard, which they purchased in 2005.
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Partnership with John Jorgensen: Colburn works with John Jorgensen, who owns the quota shares, allowing efficient operation under new regulations.
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Leased Shares: Colburn leases a substantial amount of A, B, and C shares for the Wizard, a common practice among captains in the fleet.
Mechanical Challenges and Maintenance
Maintaining an older vessel like the Wizard comes with its own set of challenges.
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Mechanical Challenges: The Wizard has faced several mechanical issues, including a pipe failure that allowed seawater into one of the tanks.
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Age and Metal Fatigue: As the Wizard ages, metal fatigue becomes a concern, emphasizing the need for regular maintenance.
Leadership Lessons and Philosophy
Keith Colburn's leadership lessons are invaluable for anyone facing challenges.
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Preparation and Adaptation: Colburn stresses the importance of preparation and adaptation in leadership.
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Perseverance: He believes perseverance is crucial for any captain, having faced numerous challenges himself.
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Visionary Leadership: Colburn emphasizes the need for a clear vision and the ability to make informed decisions quickly.
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Calm Under Pressure: Staying calm during intense situations is Colburn's mantra, recalling an incident where a massive wave hit the Wizard.
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Humility: Despite his success, Colburn remains humble, always learning from others and adapting to new situations.
Career Milestones and Fishing Rights
Keith's career is marked by significant milestones and strategic decisions.
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Captain's License: Colburn earned his captain's license in 1992 and has been at the helm of the Wizard ever since.
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F/V Sirene: In 2002, Colburn purchased the F/V Sirene but continued to operate the Wizard, selling the fishing rights for the Sirene in 2004.
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Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) System: The IFQ system, implemented in 2005, significantly impacted the fishing industry. Colburn and Florence purchased the Wizard without its valuable IFQs, which they had to lease separately.
Crab Species and Industry Involvement
Keith's expertise extends to various crab species and industry roles.
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Crab Species: The Wizard fishes for king, tanner, and snow crab, with Colburn's annual catch being substantial.
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Alaska Crab Producers Co-op: Colburn serves on the Pacific Northwest Crab Advisory Committee, contributing to the management and regulation of the crab fishery.
Community and Public Speaking
Keith actively participates in community events and public speaking engagements.
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Community Involvement: Colburn supports local fishermen and attends forums to raise awareness about industry challenges.
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Public Speaking: He has been a guest speaker at several events, sharing his experiences and insights with audiences.
Media Appearances and Fan Recognition
Keith's media presence and fan interactions highlight his impact beyond fishing.
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Media Appearances: Colburn has been featured in various media outlets, discussing his experiences and the challenges of fishing.
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Fan Recognition: Despite his fame, Colburn remains grounded, often encountering fans who appreciate his bravery and leadership.
Philosophy on Fishing and Reality TV
Keith's views on fishing and reality TV set him apart from other reality show stars.
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Philosophy on Fishing: Colburn believes fishing is about the journey and the camaraderie of the crew, not just catching crabs.
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Comparison with Other Reality Shows: He distinguishes "Deadliest Catch" from other reality TV shows by highlighting its authenticity.
Government Involvement and Personal Life
Keith's career has intersected with government issues and personal challenges.
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Government Involvement: During the 2013 Alaska government shutdown, Sen. Mark Begich called Colburn to testify about its impact on the crab fishing season.
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Personal Life: Colburn has publicly spoken about his health issues, drinking problems, mid-life crisis, and divorce, showing his resilience and dedication to the sea.
Keith Colburn: A True Sea Captain
Keith Colburn's journey from a Lake Tahoe ski bum to the captain of the F/V Wizard is nothing short of inspiring. His story highlights the grit, determination, and adaptability needed to thrive in the harsh world of commercial fishing. With over three decades of experience, Colburn has faced countless challenges, from brutal weather to personal struggles, yet he remains a symbol of resilience and leadership. His role on "Deadliest Catch" has brought the realities of crab fishing to a global audience, showcasing the true drama of life at sea. Whether dealing with mechanical failures or navigating regulatory changes, Colburn's ability to stay calm under pressure and lead his crew is commendable. His legacy extends beyond the Bering Sea, inspiring many with his dedication to the craft and the camaraderie of the fishing community. Keith Colburn truly embodies the spirit of a sea captain.
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