Why Did Mike Fortner Leave Deadliest Catch – And What Is He Doing Now?
For years, Deadliest Catch has kept viewers hooked with its intense crab fishing action and tough, hardworking crew. One fisherman fans won’t forget is Mike Fortner, the towering deckhand from the Time Bandit. But after years on the show, Mike walked away from commercial fishing. So why did he leave, and what is he doing now?
Mike Fortner’s Early Life and Fishing Career
Mike Fortner has been around fishing his entire life. He started at just nine years old, and by the time he graduated high school, he was already working full-time on fishing boats during both summer and winter seasons.
His first experience with commercial crabbing came in 1998, and from then on, he spent 10 months of the year at sea for over 14 years.
Mike became a fan favorite on Deadliest Catch while working on the Time Bandit, where he was known for his strong work ethic, fishing knowledge, and sense of humor. He often found himself on the receiving end of pranks—like the time Andy Hillstrand shaved off his eyebrows as a joke.
Why Did Mike Fortner Leave Deadliest Catch?
Mike’s departure came in Season 9’s finale when he made the tough decision to leave the Time Bandit after 15 years. With his wife pregnant with twin daughters, Mike realized that the demanding 10-month fishing schedule wasn’t sustainable anymore.
Looking at a picture of his wife, he tearfully told the camera:
“I’ve never quit a job in my life, but I want to be Mike the good husband and Mike the good dad—not Mike from the Time Bandit.”
Captain Andy Hillstrand completely understood, telling him:
“I could tell this year was a lot different with you… now you’ve got kids coming.”
It was an emotional but respectful farewell.
Life After Deadliest Catch – What Is Mike Doing Now?
After leaving commercial fishing in 2014, Mike started working for C&J Sales and Service, selling marine engines in Alaska and along the West Coast. Though he left the boats, he still works closely with the same industry, saying:
“I never thought I’d love something as much as being on the boat.”
Mike also became a general contractor, applying his mechanical skills from the Time Bandit in a new way. This job allows him to stay home more often with his wife and daughters, Emma and Ella, who are active in soccer and T-ball.
In his spare time, Mike coaches girls’ basketball and enjoys the quiet life in rural Washington—far from the chaos of city life. He once joked:
“The best version of living is being able to pee off my back porch.”
Deadliest Catch Season 21 – What to Expect
Exciting news for Deadliest Catch fans—Season 21 is officially in production!
Camera operator Newton Garcia Ward confirmed on Instagram that filming has begun, sharing behind-the-scenes photos from the set. In his caption, he wrote:
“Finally got to shoot and produce Deadliest Catch Season 21… Ended up finishing 2024 strong with one of the most extreme shows. Eternally grateful for this past year. 2025 is set and ready!”
This update has sent excitement through the show’s dedicated fan base, eager to see what new challenges the captains and crews will face this time around.
While Discovery Channel has yet to announce an official release date, Deadliest Catch traditionally premieres in the spring. Season 20 debuted on June 11, 2024, so if the pattern continues, Season 21 could arrive around mid-2025. However, until Discovery confirms the date, this remains speculation.
Is Mike Fortner Coming Back to Deadliest Catch?
As of 2025, Mike has not returned to Deadliest Catch and seems happy with his new career and family life. The show has moved forward with its latest season, but fans still remember him as one of the hardest-working and most fun crew members to ever set foot on the Time Bandit.
Would you like to see Mike Fortner return to Deadliest Catch? Let us know in the comments!
