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

by Josh Harris, Jake Harris, Steve Springer

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 four-story-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 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.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Adventure, Biography Memoir, Family, Drama, Audiobook

Audio CD

First published July 24, 2012

Reviews

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This, for me, was a fantastic listen. Although I didn't religiously watch the Deadliest Catch, I watched it often enough to get the feel for the show and the Captain. Upon finishing this, the story of his life, I came to the following conclusions.

1. He was a hell raiser, lived life fast and hard.
2. I would never have married this man.
3. Crabbing on the Bering Sea is definitely not something I wish I had done.
4. Although he died relatively early in age, he's lucky he lived as long as he did.
5. Despite many of his actions, at heart he was a kind man and had many friends, his sons and fans who loved him.
6. He lived his life as he wanted and went out doing the same.

Thanks Sandi for bringing this to my attention.

Audio book narration by Pete Larkin was fantastic.

[♥ Sandi ❣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of the TV show Deadliest Catch on the Discovery station. Others who would enjoy this book also are those who fish or are associated with the fishing industry or those living close to or earning their living from the Bering Sea. There is a lot about the process of crab fishing within the pages of this book. However, it centers on the life of Phil Harris, Crab fisherman extraordinaire, and his crew, his friends, his wives and his sons.

For those who faithfully watch the Deadliest Catch you know who Phil Harris is. You know his sons, Josh and Jake and you know the Cornelia Marie. They are like your extended family. When they hurt, you hurt. What you don't know is what Phil did in his off time. Phil was two people, in more sense than one. He was a master fisherman on the boat, he was a chaotic wreck off the boat wanting only excitement, speed, alcohol and drugs. He was a hard ass, but one with a marsh mellow heart. A five pack a day smoker who would loan a friend the shirt off his back, making a six figure income that he ran through quickly with high speed motorcycles, cars and boats.

Two wives, but only one that he really loved, kept him anchored. Two sons, who he felt he had abandoned, until he took them into his crew. Phil was trying to settled down and live a less than mach one lifestyle, at the peak of his fishing ability, the star of a weekly reality show - living a quiet life alone in a secluded place when his health failed. A stroke found him, while on the Cornelia Maria in the middle of his beloved Bering Sea. Phil died at the age of 53 from heart failure in 2010.

Viewers watched as Phil got worse in the hospital - watched as his sons mourned his death - watched as his fishing buddies and his crew lost a man they loved and gave him back to the Bering Sea - his first love.

This book brought the wild, the tender and the unknown side of Phil Harris to light. His sons were straight forward and honest in their depiction of their father. They saw him as a great man - we the viewers - saw him as a great man too.

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a first reads giveaway lent to me to by a fellow Goodreader.

This was a must read in my mind. Not only have I watched every season of the Deadliest Catch, but i watched the two specials that lead to the creation of the series by Thom Beers, The Deadliest Job in the World in 2000 and America's Deadliest Season:Alaskan Crab Fishing in 2003.

The book goes in chapters, in the literary sense and the stages of Phil Harris' life. Many of the facts in the book I already knew but there were a few gems. Chapter 9 is disturbing and I would have preferred not reading that, but I'm sure Phil would want full disclosure. I will leave those details to those who read the book and not reveal them.

We have heard about the hard living, hard partying, alcohol chugging, 5 pack a day smoking wildman off the boat. We have heard about the super confident, ultra competent, hard working captain on the boat. I can honestly say you probably don't know Phil Harris unless you knew him. Very complex and one of a kind.

The show is not the same without him. It has been nearly 3 1/2 years since his death. I root for Josh every time I see him. I have no faith in Jake to turn his life around and feel this book is just a payday to keep his addictions fueled.

This book is a must read for Deadliest Catch fans and a good read for anyone who may be interested in his story or may have seen an episode flipping through the channels.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a huge fan of Deadliest Catch, this was a must read for me. Phil Harris was captain of the Cornelia Marie and was on the show from the first season. He was a fan favorite. In 2010, he suffered a massive stroke while offloading crab in Dutch Harbor. The show's producer, who for years had cameras stuck in the faces of the captains and crew, often in very private moments, was hesitant to film this personal and maybe final moment. But Phil, even though he couldn't speak, scribbled a note to the producer " You've got to finish the story. It needs an ending." And that's what they got, the end of Phil's story.

Phil's sons, Josh and Jake, tell their dad's story, from the beginning, in this book. It's a brutally honest, pull no punches story. They didn't sugar coat anything. After reading the stories of his younger years and interactions with his wives and sons, I admit, I'm disappointed in the Phil I thought I knew. (To the extent that you can 'know' someone who comes into your living room every Tuesday night for years.) Given the wild life he lived, it's a miracle that Phil lived as long as he did. And it's evident that he did mellow with age.

The book describes how Deadliest Catch came about and Phil's reaction to the fame that came with it. The last chapter of the book, The Final Voyage, was as difficult to read as it was to watch on TV. Phil died, loved and respected by thousand of fans who thought they knew him. But he also died, loved and respected by family, friends, and fellow fishermen, who truly did know him.
A wonderful, honest tribute to Captain Phil by Josh and Jake.

[Dorothy Presnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Millions of fans have followed the captains and their crews on Deadliest Catch for several seasons. One of the hardest seasons took place when Captain Phil Harris had a stroke and died. It was heartbreaking watching it unfold and to watch his sons and the rest of the fleet grieve his loss.
This book, written by his sons, tells the story of this beloved captains life. It was filled with drugs, alcohol, and lots of parties. He loved his cars and motorcycles and his kids.
Nothing is sugarcoated and you find yourself thinking how he survived as long as he did. Each week viewers would watch as he chain smoked his way through the crab season. You learn more of what it really is like out on the Bering Sea and the birth of the boat Cornelia Marie. It also takes you through the births of Josh and Jake and the trials they went through.
You will smile, laugh, and cry while you read this.

[Corey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. I'd stumbled onto Deadliest Catch thanks to Tucker Max and immediately was hooked. DC is so beyond my "normal" type of TV but the raw and real stories just grab you. One of those real people to me was Phil. Phil reminded me so much of my recently deceased father, he was an avid fisherman himself but being in Ohio meant it was just a hobby. They had similar wits, similar drinking habits and even acted eerily alike on their death beds. I was looking forward to getting to know Phil beyond DC but for me, while informational, this book was very stale. This is a disappointment since Phil was anything BUT bland. It's an interesting read but definitely doesn't capture the essence of Phil.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy, enjoyable read. I liked how they offered a little backstory/history of fishing in Alaska, as well as how the boats are made. I also liked the commentary from other captains (I Love Sig Hansen!) When I watched the show, I was immediatley drawn to Captain Phil Harris, and loved watching him and his sons on the boat. When I saw the episode of his death, I cried like a baby! After reading this (I cried again!), I was even more enamored of him and his life; he seems like a guy I would have been great friends with! After reading this, even three years after his death, I am sad all over again, and missing him on 'Deadliest Catch' more than ever.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly, highly, highly recommended! I was expecting the book to portray this man in a nearly perfect light. I was happy to find out that his family kept it real and did not hold back. I have learned so much from the Discovery Channel's "The Deadliest Catch" show about life, love, relationships, hopes, dreams, determination, responsibilities, and more that I feel I am a better person because of it and especially because of Phil Harris. I want to thank his sons, their friends and other family members for getting this book done. Remembering & reliving those memories I'm sure wasn't easy. I hope they know that from all of us fans that love them that it is very much appreciated!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love to watch the show Deadliest Catch you are gonna love this book! Phil Harris was such a great guy! They really did a great job writing his story for him. It was a hard to put down book. I just wanted to keep reading it to see what was gonna happen next. Definitely recommend it along with other Deadliest Catch books.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book.

If you are a fan of Deadliest Catch, and If you enjoyed Captain Phil, you will LOVE this book.
It explains Phil so much and the reason he was the way he was.

This book will make you cry, be ready to have the tissue in hand, especially for the last chapter!

Deadliest Catch is definitely not the same without Captain Phil.
May you Rest In Peace!

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fans of the show "Deadliest Catch" will appreciate this book, but I don't see that it would have any broader appeal. It made me miss Captain Phil enough to go back and watch some old episodes. I somehow expected more, but I am not sure more of what. It's a really quick read.

[Rick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received the Harris boys “Captain Phil Harris” through a Goodreads Advanced Readers contest, and after I looked at the dust cover art thought it really might not be my cup of tea. I am not particularly a fan of reality TV and this story is based on the “Deadliest Catch” reality TV series about a hard driving and hard living individual who captained a crab fishing boat in the Bering Sea. He died worn out at age 53 and this tale was written by his sons to tell the backstory of the star - their father. To me it was also their way of saying goodbye. All-in-all it was ok.

Celebrating sex, drugs, and living fast isn’t my idea of someone to look up to. Of course, here in the America we salute the individual, and Captain Harris certainly was that. He lived his life the way he wanted and became a success, especially if money is your gauge of success. His own father didn’t seem to be much of a dad to him, and Phil pretty much repeated that parenting style with his kids. Captain Phil lived larger than life and all to excess, and everyone seemed to forgive his excess. He simply lived and loved without regrets.

Captain Phil Harris was a bit like the rock star Jim Morrison - a talented person who lived in the fast lane and flamed out way too early … someone who could have done so much more. Fans of the Deadliest Catch will like this barely-book length (221 pages) tale – it is sort of like the last episode of Deadliest Catch with Phil as the star. Outside of followers of the TV series, the book may not appeal to many others because they won’t have the context.

The storyline jumps back and forth at times and seems more like a series of anecdotes about Captain Phil, but what comes through is the struggle of the two sons left behind and their unconditional love for their dad. The narrative came across as Jake and Josh's wish that their dad had maybe dialed his high-speed life down a notch so he could have been with them more.

If this book is your cup of tea, you may also like “Deadliest Catch: Desperate Hours” which came out in 2008. It was a series of interviews that delved into many of the other personalities involved in crab fishing.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of the television show Deadliest Catch almost since its inception. Although some of the stories are dramatized for effect, it’s a look into the world of crab fishermen on the Bering Sea in Alaska. Although he wasn’t on the show at the beginning, Captain Phil Harris became a fan favorite with the Cornelia Marie. Following his death, his two sons who were on the ship with him co-wrote a book about their father.

Phil Harris was a lot of things, but the sons are honest about him. They don’t try to paint him as a loving and devoted father. They detail his faults both as a parent and a person. Some of that led to a fractured relationship with him, and is likely the reason for some of the problems viewers saw on the show.

Phil Harris was a successful crab fisherman. He hit the “jackpot” so to speak back in the days of “derby” crab fishing where it was a free-for-all with every ship out there trying to catch and deliver as much crab as they could until the season closed. Crab fishing moved to a quota system during the show’s 20+ seasons, which made it much safer. Phil lived large. He loved fishing, but he also loved women, drinking, and drugs. Sometimes not in that order. He did seem responsible enough to stay sober when he was out at sea, but when he’d come back with a windfall from being out crab fishing, he had no problem figuring out where to spend it.

To read my full review, please go to: https://thoughtsfromthemountaintop.co...

[Sarah Lameche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before you read this review you need to know that I am biased. In other words if it had been about someone who I had never heard of I doubt I would have given it five star. After all would I really be that interested in reading about a crab fisherman?
However many moons ago I had got tired of my husband trying to persuade me to watch Deadliest Catch. To keep him quiet I decided to give it a go. Who would've thought that long after my husband has lost interest in it I would've been the crab fishing addict. So much so that if anyone had asked me to join their boat I would've said yes! (Er maybe not Keith's boat).
Anyway after a slow start ( crab fishing really isn't as exiting a read as watching it) I started to really enjoy the book.
Learning about Phil's father and meeting the famous Mary (mother to Phil's boys). All this time I had wondered why she had left such a lovely guy. After reading this book I am amazed she stayed as long as she did!
Then to read about the shocking way the boys had been treated by their step mother and the (not so) temporary loss of their own mother!
Really it's not surprising Jake turned to drugs. Though actually it would've been less surprising if Josh had.
Phil wasn't the best husband or father that's for sure. He certainly lived his life to the full, but the best description of him is on page 184. "Some people have got it," said Tony, and some people don't. Phil had it".

[chucklesthescot · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have loved Deadliest Catch since the first episode I watched despite having no interest at all in sailing or fishing. It was the captains and crew members, the weather, the danger of the job that really hooked me, pardon the pun.

As a captain, I loved Phil on the Cornelia Marie. He was grouchy and funny and witty, and watching him get pissed at his sons was entertaining. My funniest moments for Phil were his pranks against the other boats and his theory of catching crab by following their fart bubbles. That was just classic tv!

This book shows the younger Phil as a complete hellraier-his wives, the parties, the drinking, the smoking and the drug taking. We see his adrenaline junkie lifestyle with fast cars and bikes and the less known side where he carves birdhouses for fun. The book goes into the difficult relationship between his second wife and oldest son Josh, which estranged them for years and how crab fishing brought them back together.

The toughest part of the book was reading about his death and the impact it had on so many people. I watched those Deadliest Catch episodes where Phil had the stroke then seemed to be on the mend in hospital before suddenly dying. I shed countless tears watching on tv and it still saddens me that Phil is no longer around on the show.

I'm glad that his sons let us into their life and told the whole story of their father as I enjoyed reading more about him. RIP Phil.

[Anna Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a captivating, inspiring, and brutally honest biography about the life of a man that not only took life by storm but knew how to endure the storms in a fishing vessel on the Bering Sea and be a successful fisherman. Captain Phil Harris became one of a handful of Captains especially chosen for Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch" airing originally in 2005.
When I opened this book to read it, I found it difficult to put down. To say that Captain Phillip Charles (Phil) Harris lived an interesting life is putting it mildly. In spite of rough language and such, this book offers a very important glimpse into this man's life starting from when he was only eight years old when he lost his mother to cancer and how his father, Captain Grant Harris did his best to raise his only child without pawning him off on relatives and still make a living.
Included are stories from Captain Grant Harris, ex-wife Mary and mother to Josh and Jake Harris, 'Deadliest Catch' Captains and others in the fishing industry and television as well.
I am very glad to have had the opportunity to have read this book as I had always had a certain fascination and admiration for Captain Phil, Josh, and Jake Harris from seeing their personas on "Deadliest Catch."

[Crystal Rafuse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.
Talk about bringing all that heartache back again!
When we (the collective fans of both Deadliest Catch and the Captain himself) lost Phil on that day in 2010, I cried for hours. Tonight, reading all of that all over again, along with the intimate details provided by Jake and Josh, I can honestly say I didn't cry quite as much. The pain is still there, still raw, as is the hole where the great Captain used to be in each of our lives, but hearing about the good times, and the love of his friends and family made it just a little bit easier to recall. And for that fact, I will forever be in debt to Jake, and Josh, as well as the other two brilliant writers who were involved in this book.
I miss Phil dearly, and every Tuesday wish we could see him just one last time... Now, thanks to this book, I have a few extra "fish tales" to recall and smile about a man who was, indeed, larger than life, and there he will remain.

[False · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am a fan of Deadliest Catch, let me begin by stating that, but I hated this book and I really didn't approve of this man's life choices. Kicked out of his home at 15, he made his way into a life of complete dissipation and disregard, even for his own children. Little surprise they made their own way into a life of equal addictions, although the eldest seems to have gotten a better grasp on growing out of that. You make $80,000 on a crabbing trip and in three weeks it's gone...blown on coke (and the hangers on to collect the crumbs), slatternly women, cars destroyed before the ink is dry, gambling, and a lot of blackouts. A lot of his fans call him a true rock and roll star and living large and living life the way he saw fit. A totally self absorbed life in cheap (and not so cheap) thrills. Living the early death wish sounds more like it. He got his wish.

[South Brunswick High School Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are a fan of the popular television program Deadliest Catch, Captain Phil Harris is probably well known to you. Harris, who died of heart failure in 2010, is remembered by his sons in this heroic, but realistic, biography. The authors share the personal life of the Bering sea captain beyond what the cameras captured. If you were one of the millions who watched Harris' death (filmed and aired with his permission), the story of his life on and off the Cornelia Marie is guaranteed to hold your attention.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. I get the impression that it was told in a no holds barred, honest version. Or at least as honest as possible, given that it was based on a lot of impressions and memories. We have watched this show for years and remember most of the events from the tragic episode involving Big Valley to Phil's passing. It makes sense that this exhausting and dangerous job takes a lot of personality to endure.

[Melissa Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a DC fane you have to read this as Phil was quite a legend who is really missed on the show. I enjoyed reading it, but must admit I was not as taken with him. I lost a little respect for him as a person, but it was a true account of him as a person and I am glad his sons didn't sugar-coat the real Phil. Worth reading for fans of the show.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a fan of the show, then you'll love this. A straight up, brutally honest look into the life of one of my favorite captains.

As I was reading the ending, it took me back to that final episode when he passed away. Sad then, sad now...I loved watching this guy do his thang on the show. Miss ya Captain Phil:(

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

The onboard stupification of Thom Beers, the program producer of Deadliest Catch, "Even a simple thing like walking down the steep, narrow steps to the galley to get a bottle of water could take fifteen minutes. You start thinking about anything else you might need down there because you certainly don't want to have to make that trip a second time."

[Kylie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

a must rad for any DC fan. It's a well written book giving you that bit more into the life of Phil. Finishing with heartwarming final moments with Jake and Josh and then a thank you from the sons for giving them the support that millions will remember him ... they certainly will RIP Phil, forever missed in that wheelhouse

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting stories about a man who lived life in the fast lane. It focused more on his home life (which is where there is more to learn) than his crabbing life, but both are well represented. Certainly worth a read if you are a fan of Harris or Deadliest Catch.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of Deadliest Catch I was afraid that the boys would paint an awful picture of their dad. Phil wasn't father of the year by any stretch but this book describes his way of loving his boys and the lifestyle of the Bering Sea. It only made me miss Capt Phil more!

[Kimberly Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was raw, just the way Phil was. It was great to read about the man outside the wheelhouse! As I read the book, knowing the outcome, I so badly wanted a different ending. Phil lived a rough life but lived a thorough life! I cannot wait to see his sons succeed!

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A must read if you are a fan of the show and Phil Harris. Not the best written book but I wasn't expecting it to be. A sometimes sad and honest look into Phil's life. Lots of info in the book that you wouldn't know from just watching the show.

[Jerry Junker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. JuSt like the tv show

it fellows Phil very closely from birth to his death. the tv show is very accurate in how he was and what made him tick and he died the same way. never give up.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy I finally picked this book up. I am a huge fan of Deadliest Catch, and in particular the boys on the CM. Reading his story was so emotional, and I'm sad that I never crossed paths with him, having grown up in the next town over. RIP Captain Phil