Gary Soper from "Deadliest Catch" is the first mate on the Wizard fishing vessel in the Discovery Channel reality docu-series.
Gary Soper has lived most of his life near the ocean. He moved to Alaska as a boy and began fishing early on. Deck-savvy and tough, Gary is skipper Keith Colburn's most reliable crewman. Known as "Soper" onboard the vessel, Gary is a full-time professional crabber, and currently serves as deck boss and first mate.
Gary has been with the boat for over 20 years. Early on, he worked as a deckhand alongside both Keith and Monte. Today he's in charge of deck operations and drives the boat at night when the Wizard operates round the clock. He also maintains and manages both the deck and the crab pots.
A bit grizzled and quiet, Soper is the consummate fisherman, wearing tattoos of a tall ship on one arm, and an anchor on the other. Capt. Keith sees the anchor as symbolic of what Soper represents on board: a solid dependable team player who has helped build the business with unwavering dedication. As a long-time crew member and friend, Gary is part of the heart and soul of the Wizard.
During the summer, Soper fishes salmon in Bristol Bay. His lifelong dream of sailing the world and providing for his wife and two children keeps him driven. That dream comes closer to reality with every good season onboard the Wizard.
Gary Soper has lived most of his life near the ocean. He moved to Alaska as a boy and began fishing early on. Deck-savvy and tough, Gary is skipper Keith Colburn's most reliable crewman. Known as "Soper" onboard the vessel, Gary is a full-time professional crabber, and currently serves as deck boss and first mate.
Gary has been with the boat for over 20 years. Early on, he worked as a deckhand alongside both Keith and Monte. Today he's in charge of deck operations and drives the boat at night when the Wizard operates round the clock. He also maintains and manages both the deck and the crab pots.
A bit grizzled and quiet, Soper is the consummate fisherman, wearing tattoos of a tall ship on one arm, and an anchor on the other. Capt. Keith sees the anchor as symbolic of what Soper represents on board: a solid dependable team player who has helped build the business with unwavering dedication. As a long-time crew member and friend, Gary is part of the heart and soul of the Wizard.
During the summer, Soper fishes salmon in Bristol Bay. His lifelong dream of sailing the world and providing for his wife and two children keeps him driven. That dream comes closer to reality with every good season onboard the Wizard.