Scott Campbell Jr. in "Deadliest Catch"
Scott Campbell Jr. in "Deadliest Catch" - © Discovery Channel
Captain Scott Campbell Jr. began fishing at the age of 15 under his father. Scott would finish his testing for school early so he was able to finish off the Opilio seasons and participate in tendering salmon in the summer months. Scott Jr. would make it home just in time for daily doubles for football. This created a strong work ethic that has followed the Captain throughout his career.
After graduating high school he flew right up to Alaska to start fishing, to his father's dismay. Scott Sr. didn't want the same life for his son, which entailed long months gone from the family and long hours of work in the brutal Bering Sea.
But the passion was strong in the young captain and his mind was set on being a fisherman no matter what anybody else thought. At the age of 24 Scott Jr. started as a "relief Captain" for his father.
At the age of 26 Capt. Scott ran his first boat. It was a rough start for him on his way out to the fishing grounds the boat lost power during a storm. Capt Scott ran down to the engine room to fix the problem.
While down in the engine room a huge wave hit the side of the boat throwing the Capt. on top of the air compressor which severed his right ring finger. Captain Scott now had to make a decision head back 36 hours to port and miss the Opilio season or continue on to the fishing grounds.
If the Capt. returned to port for surgery the crew would not have made any money to support their families. Fish and Game speculated that the Opilio season would only be 7-10 days that year. That time frame and the bad weather wouldn't leave enough time to fly in a new captain.
Scott decided to continue onto the fishing grounds and ended up having a successful season despite the pain and infection that had set in due to the fact the season lasted 28 days. Word spread fast through the fleet that the young captain had heart and would not quit no matter what the circumstances.
Capt. Scott took over the Seabrooke full time in 2008 when his father Scott Sr. retired from the sea. His father is still very active in the management of the boat, as well as attending the political meetings when Scott Jr. is fishing.
Captain Scott loves spending time with his wife Lisa and two girls, wakeboarding, wake surfing, riding his harley, hunting, and sport fishing.