'Catch' Captains Reflect on Phil Harris, Their Future

By Mike Hess Posted Apr 13th 2010 10:20AM

Exclusive: 'Deadliest Catch' has enthralled millions not just because of the crab fishing that takes place, but due to the overwhelmingly lovable crew members the hit Discovery show documents. PopEater had the opportunity to sit down with Jonathan and Andy Hillstrand, captains of the Time Bandit, at City Crab in New York City to discuss what to expect this season (which premiered April 13) and just how the death of fellow captain Phil Harris impacted them. "Even though he's only five or six years older than us, it's like we lost our dad," Andy Hillstrand tells PopEater. After the jump, the full interview, including more on the passing of Harris, the prospect of retiring and how Jonathan once insulted The Queen. There's also an amazing guide to cracking crab legs that you've got to see to believe.

On Phil Harris

Jonathan: It's one of our best seasons, and one of our worst. We lose a really good friend this year. I spent 10 days in the hospital with Phil. We've known Phil for 30 years... It was a huge loss for the fleet. I promised Phil I'd take care of his kids. At least I got to say goodbye to Phil, tell him I loved him.

Andy: Even though he's only five or six years older than us, it's like we lost our dad.

On Saving an Overboard Fisherman on Television

Andy: The adrenaline still runs through my blood. I was literally 20 feet away from him when we pulled up to him and he's going, 'Don't let me die, don't let me die!' I go, 'You're not gonna die!' We were pumped up for two days after we did it.

On the New Season

Jonathan: There's no do-overs, there's no lines. This is 'Deadliest Catch.' I watched the first episode and the hair was standing on my neck.

Andy: We took a wave that filled up our deck for 20 seconds.

On a Disastrous Trip to England

Jonathan Insults the Queen: I corrected her grammar. She says "sheduled" but it's "scheduled." And everyone says "sheduled" because the Queen says "sheduled." But she had a few pain pills at night (said very jokingly). I love the Queen. God bless the Queen.

Andy Insults Tea Drinkers: They said, 'What's the girliest thing you've ever done?' I said, 'I drank tea.' ... We don't know why we weren't invited back. It was 5:30 in the morning and I just said tea.

On Retirement Plans

Andy: Fishing with the brother for marlin. I haven't caught a marlin, sailfish... I want to catch every billed fish.

Jonathan: Scott is our last chance for blood to run the boat, so if he doesn't want to step up, we just have to find that guy that wants to be on that boat and says, 'Hey, I love it on here.'

Tags: deadliest catch

Comments

(152)

Wednesday 14 April

By Trout Snout

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I loved the show last. I guess there is going to be no Captains bet this season. I would of bet that if Phil did not get between Jonathan and Keith that Jonathan would of cleaned his clock. I don't know what it is about Keith but he's one of those kind of persons that make you want to smack him upside his head just because he's breathing. I guess every one hates a puss baby like Keith. Mouse is not any better either. Do me a favor Jonathan, if you ever get close to Keith again. Jap him right in his teeth and tell him that's for the old Trout Snout. Oh ya we love fishing with a mission baby.

By RPK

RIP Phil

By mitchell

We will surly miss Phil, and I hope his sona can carry on. You have to love all the Captians an crew,Its a job I can ever do, even if I was young.But we never miss Deadiest Catch.It does't get no realer than that

By bobparks

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The guy smoked like a chimney. Good God, how many warnings do you need ? Get a brain.

By lakerman

I love boats & being on them & fishing; the whole idea seems great. That being said, I could NOT do what these men do for a living. When I hear some 'blowhard' watching the show say "I'd love to be out there doing that" it makes me sick. These guys are a special breed of human being. May God bless and watch over the entire fleet. Without Phil, there will a void. You will not be forgotten Captain. R.I.P.

By Michelle Sampson

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Phil was an excellent captain and a wonderful father. He was one tough guy, who had an even tougher job. As a female captain in the Keys I am fortunate to have much better weather.

He was an inspiration to many captains. Played the game fair and had respect of his fellow captains. I hope one day I can just fill a toe in one of his shoes. Thanks for the laughs, tears and great memories. I never missed a show. R.I.P

By Bob T

I just watched the first of the 2005 season, and it had good shots of Phil. He was so much younger looking. Just 5 years, and he's an old man. Now he's gone. Good man, but too many serious vices. I hope his sons learn to get along. They appear to be spoiled rotten and don't realize how foolish they are for all the petty disagreements.

By willyd

I will miss Capt. Phil. Wasn'
t it the Hillstrands that put the old pickup truck on the end of Capt. Phils bouy, and they pulled that old pickup out of the water. That was the best prank any of them have pulled. I hope the Harris boy continues the family business.

By mzg

My thoughts and prayers go out to Captian Phil's family...his friends and all the crews that work those boats. It's a tough way to earn a living. You could almost feel the love he gave his sons and crew, he will be missed. We will continue to watch the show but will think of him often...RIP..maybe the other crews and captians will look @ their own health...

By Sue

U guys r da bomb as we say in da NJ hood! Phil will be on the show in spirit.

By will

rip to phil harris we will miss you you was the best captin on the show u will never be forgotin from 1 of ur biggest fans we love you phil harris

By palmdesertsandra

So Jonathan thinks it's O.K. to correct the Queens
pronounciation. Bloody stupid and ignorant I say. Now poor guy has egg on his face. He needs to get off his boat and learn about other countries, before he puts his foot in his mouth.

By Wayne

RIP Phil. You were one of the best. God Bless the Captains and crews as well. Without you guys where would the lower 48 be without crab?

By margo

I will miss phil on the show immensely. As for Keith...well,,,, He acts and looks like a miserable person. He never smiles or laughs just talks negative all the time. I started to clap when jonathan pushed him!!! he deserved alot more. I know the Hillstrands will look after the boys. And for the idiot that wrote they look like bums on the show ,,YOU are a IDIOT what are they suppose to look like after fishing in the bering strait for weeks on end..I would like to see you last 1 day out there.These men deserve alot of credit and they will get it from me!!!!!

Sunday 18 April

By ed

Jonathan was a jerk to push Keith, who is also a jerk. Jonathan also fired his friend Russell. Good friend. Good show!

By Jan Harding

What a sad day in the marine world. He was a hardy old salt if there ever was one. He lived his life his way,family,fishin',and lovin'.You will be missed Phil.All my love to your family!!!

By pmf

I think I could work for Phil or the Brothers but I would wind up slappin the s..t out of one of those other guys.Especially that crackhead looking jerk that makes the new guys bit the head off a fish.

By Matthew

One thing that might help them all is to QUIT SMOKING! Why must they smoke. Yes thejob is SUPER stressfull but the cigs arent helping! Stop smoking... end of story!

By SHUSH

If u don't like Cigarettes, no one is forcing u to smoke.

By Frankie Bananas

By Bfrjds1981 wrote:....."I have never watched the show but if you have time in your life to watch people fish, you will be a virgin forever. PLEASE get a life. Thank you"..............................says Bfrjds1981 while posting on some blog on the internet.

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