Following his final appearance on Deadliest Catch, Andy Hillstrand has gone on to lead other business endeavors and embrace life as a devoted family man. He was popular as one of the most courageous captains on the show, who documented his story as he braved the dangerous world of Alaskan crab fishing.

During his time on Deadliest Catch, Andy co-captained the fishing vessel, Time Bandit, with his brother, Johnathan Hillstrand. Both brothers quickly rose to fame due to their sense of humor and daring antics on the Bering Sea.

Fans loved that Andy brought his no-nonsense attitude to the show, along with his fun-loving spirit, which kept the morale of his crew members high during the treacherous crab seasons.

However, things took a turn in 2017 when the Hillstrand brothers decided to step away from the spotlight after being on the show for over a decade. They had disagreements with Discovery, which led them to shift their focus to other business ventures and their family.

Even though Andy ultimately bid farewell to Deadliest Catch, fans still remember him as one of the fearless captains on the show. He is best remembered for his tough yet charismatic personality as he braved the icy waters in search of crabs.

Andy Hilstrand Left A Big Mark On Deadliest Catch

Andy was more than just a master crab fisherman on the boat. He also took on the roles of electrician and medic.

His larger-than-life personality drew a large audience to Deadliest Catch. For a decade, Andy, along with his brother, showed viewers what it took them to brave the deadly waters of the Northern Pacific Ocean.

Andy’s sharp mind, his tough decision-making skills, and his close bond with his crew made him a fan favorite. He worked seamlessly even in dangerous situations, helping turn the Time Bandit into one of the most legendary boats on the show. Although Andy eventually left the show, he remains one of the most memorable cast members of Deadliest Catch.

Why Did Andy Leave Deadliest Catch?

Andy thoroughly enjoyed being the main cast member of the show for years. However, the stress of filming eventually started to wear him down. Andy found himself at odds with the network over their filming and editing approach, which clashed with the brothers’ vision for their own brand.

While talking to Entertainment Weekly in 2011, Andy bluntly said, “It got to the point in our relationship where something had to change and we just said enough’s enough. So we butted heads for a while.”

What Has Andy Been Doing Since Leaving Deadliest Catch?

While Andy quit filming after season 11, Deadliest Catch season 21 is scheduled to premiere on August 1, 2025. Since leaving the show, he has shifted his focus to managing Hobby Horse Acres, a horse ranch in Indiana. Andy has been training horses and teaching riding skills to others.

Known for his expertise as a master crab fisherman, Andy also displays natural horsemanship. While he may miss battling the elements and icy waters in Deadliest Catch, Andy is content tending to his personal endeavors and enjoying time with his two grown daughters and grandchildren.