Scott "Scotty" Hillstrand was born on June 27, 1982, in Homer, Alaska, where he was raised in a family deeply rooted in the fishing industry. At the young age of fifteen, Hillstrand began working in commercial fishing, following in the footsteps of his father, Johnathan, who captained the Time Bandit. By seventeen, Hillstrand had already earned his Heavy Equipment Operators License, showcasing his dedication and work ethic from a young age.
His big break came when he joined the crew of the Time Bandit, a fishing boat that would later become known worldwide thanks to the Discovery reality series Deadliest Catch. Hillstrand's role as a deckhand on the Time Bandit catapulted him to fame, and he quickly became a fan favorite on the show.
As part of the cast of Deadliest Catch, Hillstrand's adventures on the treacherous waters of the Bering Sea captivated audiences around the world. His fearless and hardworking attitude on the deck of the Time Bandit made him a standout figure on the show.
Aside from his appearances on Deadliest Catch, Hillstrand also made several guest appearances on the after show After the Catch, where he shared behind-the-scenes stories and insights from his time on the high seas.
Despite his demanding career in commercial fishing, Hillstrand remains devoted to his family. His father, Johnathan, is not only his mentor but also the captain of the Time Bandit. Hillstrand's dedication to his family is also evident in his role as a father to his son, Sawyer.
Throughout his career, Hillstrand has faced numerous challenges, both on and off the water. One of the biggest setbacks he experienced was being exiled from the Time Bandit after attempting to lease the ship's quota without permission. However, this setback led to an unexpected opportunity when he was recruited to join the crew of the FV Cornelia Marie by fellow fisherman Josh Harris.
Scott "Scotty" Hillstrand's legacy in the world of commercial fishing and reality television is one of hard work, perseverance, and dedication to his craft. His time on Deadliest Catch showcased the grit and determination required to work on the dangerous waters of the Bering Sea, and his contributions to the show will not be forgotten.
As he continues to navigate the challenges of life at sea, Hillstrand remains a beloved figure in the fishing community and a role model for aspiring fishermen everywhere.