The magic of Below Deck lies in the chaos: boatmances, broken equipment, and stews teetering on the edge of a meltdown mid-charter. But behind the reality-TV drama is a rotating cast of crew members with wildly different backgrounds — and none more surprising than Rhylee Gerber. While most yachties come aboard with sea legs from the luxury world, Rhylee’s resume reads more Deadliest Catch than Below Deck — and that’s not an exaggeration.
Why Rhylee Gerber Would Fit Perfectly on ‘Deadliest Catch’
Rhylee may have worked on a luxury yacht on Below Deck but her skillset was designed for the rough and tumble fishing boats seen on Deadliest Catch. Originally from Alaska, Rhylee spent her career moving up the ranks of charter fishing vessels in her home state where she ultimately became a co-captain and first mate of a 36-foot aluminum catamaran. As she said, “Not only is fishing a passion of mine, it’s a way to travel the world, meet new friends and expand my skills.”
While she spent time working on boats in Florida, Rhylee recently returned to the Pacific Northwest after her father’s death, forging a new path in Alaska while honoring his legacy. Rhylee has updated her life on Instagram, veering toward something fitting for the Deadliest Catch universe. With photos of herself on fishing vessels and a smile on her face, she’s celebrating her “bad b—” persona and the natural wonders Alaska has to offer. Bringing followers as she hunts and fishes, she is a proud “adventurepreneur.”
Rhylee also proved that she could fish with the best of them after filming Below Deck Season 7 in Thailand. She found a stocked pond and did what she does best – stock up on fish! She shared a video along with a detailed caption of her day. “I came across a stocked lake (man-made creation of populating an area where no fish existed prior) and sought out a bucket list item for me, the Arapaima (GTS). Here, I could easily spot the 300lb+ monsters without the use of an ill equipped transducer (or bosun ) and with the proper bait, managed to snag a large red tail catfish along with a 60lb alligator gar. I didn’t catch the Arapaima but s— happens and rather than blame the owner after fishing for 6 hours in the pouring rain and a fully stocked lake.”
Rhylee Gerber Was One of the Boys on ‘Below Deck’
One advantage Rhylee would have on Deadliest Catch is her speed. As an adrenaline junkie, Rhylee has proven that she is up for a challenge. And what bigger challenge is the high-stakes world of crabbing. Her experience on the water, working for a monetary gain, would allow her to showcase her true grit and determination. Deadliest Catch already has a small female presence, with Mandy Hansen being the most prominent in the franchise. Introducing Rhylee into this universe could revitalize her television career and Deadliest Catch. We’re on board!
Like Deadliest Catch, the yachting world has long been male-dominated—but Rhylee shattered expectations. Though new to luxury charters, her grit, outspoken nature, and no-nonsense attitude on Season 6 of Below Deck proved she could hold her own with any crew—making her a natural fit for the high-stakes world of Deadliest Catch.
