Nickname(s):
Age: 45
Fishing vessel: The Wizard
Years aboard current vessel: 14
Previous vessel(s):F/v Alaska Trader; F/V Sirene (owner)
Years of captain experience: 16
Total years at sea:23
Hometown: Redmond, Washington
Strength(s):knows where the crabs sre
Weakness(es):
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Keith Colburn Bio: Capt. Keith Colburn of Redmond, Wash., has served at the helm ofThe Wizard for the last 14 years.He took a huge risk in 2005 purchasingThe Wizard without any of her valuable crab quota. A World War II-era ship that was converted into a fishing vessel in 1978, The Wizard, a perennial top five producer, is one of the largest vessels in the fleet at 155 feet in length. Being forced to lease his entire crab quota, Keith struggled in his first year owningThe Wizard. This season the stakes are that much higher for his ship and crew.
Described as having a "militaristic, hard-ass style of leadership,” Keith considers himself to be an overly-prepared and meticulous captain who is more cerebral in his decision-making than most other skippers. Keith is a first-generation fisherman who grew up in Lake Tahoe, Calif., and worked in restaurants from the time he was 14 until his early 20s. He decided to try fishing in 1985, at which time he went to Alaska with $50, a backpack and a tent. Now married with two children, Keith describes the fishing as being the greatest and worst lifestyle in the world. Having taken over a more managerial role for much of the year has allowed Keith to spend more time with his family, but leaves him missing time out at sea. During the off-season, Keith travels, bicycles, runs triathlons, and coaches little league. Always the adventure, seeker he recently ran with the bulls in Pamplona. | | |
CAPTAIN: Keith Colburn 
