Captain Phil Harris: The Legendary Crab Fisherman, Our Hero, Our Dad

Josh Harris · Jake Harris · Blake Chavez · Steve Springer

Apr 2013 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

The electrifying behind-the-scenes story of the late Deadliest Catch star, from his own two sons.

Prior to his untimely death in 2010, Captain Phil Harris was a star of Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch, the hit show that follows the exhilarating lives of Alaskan crab fishermen as they brave the vicious Bering Sea. He led his crew through hurricane-force winds and fourstory- high waves, hauling in millions of pounds of crab and raking in millions of dollars.

Phil worked hard, but he played even harder. His life on shore—from his rebellious days to his tempestuous marriages, from his addictive habits to his fundamental American success story—could serve as a reality show in itself. He lived his life at Mach speed: the blitz of crab season, the six-figure paydays, the thunderous motorcycles, and the drug-fueled parties. High-speed chases and all-night blackjack binges were par for the course.

But as wild as Phil could be, he was always openhearted and infectiously friendly. He was a devoted friend, a loving father, a steadfast captain, and a hero to audiences across America and around the world.

His death in 2010, the result of stroke and heart failure at the age of fifty-three, left a hole in the hearts of millions. In this exclusive authorized biography, Phil’s two surviving sons, Josh and Jake Harris, team up with bestselling author Steve Springer and coauthor Blake Chavez to share the thrilling story of Phil’s remarkable life.

Ratings and reviews

I loved Phil Harris and sad that he died. Never met him in person. But on the show he looked to have a heart of gold. He was the calm and collected captain, who appeared not to want any trouble

The stories told of a fisherman and a capt that really lived life has hard as he could is a really good page turner...thanks Jake josh and Mary Harris.

I, like many, thought Capt. Phil Harris was awesome! Getting to dive into a little bit of his crazy life was quite an experience. Great read!

About the author

Josh Harris is one of Captain Phil’s two surviving sons. He followed his father into crab fishing and is now a Deadliest Catch star in his own right. In late 2012, he accomplished a dream by purchasing Phil’s famous crab boat, the Cornelia Marie, which he now co-captains with his brother, Jake, on the Bering Sea.

Jake Harris is one of Captain Phil’s two surviving sons. He followed his father into crab fishing and is now a Deadliest Catch star in his own right. In late 2012, he accomplished a dream by purchasing Phil’s famous crab boat, the Cornelia Marie, which he now co-captains with his brother, Josh, on the Bering Sea.

Blake Chavez attended California Pacific School of Law and achieved success as a business executive before becoming a professional writer. His previous book with Steve Springer is Hard Luck. He lives in California with his wife and daughter.

Steve Springer is a veteran journalist for the Los Angeles Times, an award-winning sportswriter, and the author of ten books, including three bestsellers. He currently lives with his wife in Woodland Hills, California.