‘Deadliest Catch’ star Sig Hansen thinks about retirement after many years on the water

Sig Hansen Reflects on Life and Retirement After Years at Sea

After enduring the harsh realities of the Bering Sea for years, Sig Hansen, known from “The Fatal Catch,” is starting to reconsider his thoughts on retirement. The 59-year-old star of the popular Discovery Channel show shared that experiences such as fear, loss, and family have shifted his perspective over time.

In a candid interview, Hansen humorously stated, “Well, I’m a fisherman. You need to remember, you’re talking to a professional liar here.” He indicated that while he once felt invincible, the loss of friends and colleagues has made him more aware of his own mortality. “I think I have a few more years left,” he added, but it’s been on his mind.

Hansen mentioned that the fear he faces in dangerous waters has become increasingly difficult to dismiss. “Part of that is just thinking about your own mortality rate, and I’m afraid,” he confessed. Reflecting on his past mentality, he noted, “I don’t have the same mentality as I did before. I see everything as a challenge there. It’s still challenging, but it’s not the same.”

He’s made clear that he values time with his family more now than ever. “I want to spend more time with my family and my wife,” he said, highlighting a shift in his priorities.

Throughout his career, Hansen has battled many storms, facing both physical and emotional hardships, including a heart attack in 2016 and the loss of fellow fishermen. Though he’s not ready to step away from his role just yet, he acknowledges that his commitments have evolved beyond the call of the sea.

“I’ll continue with that,” he insists, although it’s evident that he’s contemplating changes to this long-held routine.

Recently, another factor influencing his desire to stay closer to home is the arrival of his grandchildren. “I have four grandchildren now,” he shared, laughing at his previous disbelief about how much they could mean to someone. “I was like, ‘You guys are nuts, can’t you talk about fishing?’ And now I’m one of them.”

The latest season of “Deadliest Catch,” which premiered recently, features Hansen working alongside Jonathan Hillstrand Grande as they set out to explore Adak Island for a rumored giant king crab. The mission quickly turns chaotic when they encounter unforeseen challenges, including abandoning ship in treacherous waters.