Early Life and Introduction to Fishing

Jake Harris was born on October 23, 1985, and raised in Seattle, Washington. Alongside his older brother Josh Harris, he was introduced to the world of crab fishing by their father, Phil Harris, who captained the F/V Cornelia Marie. Jake joined the crew as a greenhorn in his late teens, determined to earn his place and make his dad proud. He first appeared on “Deadliest Catch” during season 2, quickly becoming a recurring figure in the crew’s dynamic. Fans connected with Jake’s youth, emotional transparency, and complicated relationship with his father, who was both a mentor and a demanding boss.

“Deadliest Catch” and Phil’s Death

Jake’s storyline became a central part of the show during seasons 5 and 6, particularly in 2010 when Captain Phil suffered a fatal stroke while offloading crab in St. Paul Island, Alaska. Jake and Josh flew to his side in Anchorage, where they spent several days with their father before he passed. The emotional scenes that followed, including Jake’s tearful confession that he had never told his father “I love you,” became some of the most impactful moments in the show’s history. Phil’s death left a profound mark on both brothers, and Jake struggled to cope with the loss in the years that followed.

In the aftermath of Phil’s death, Jake’s personal life spiraled. He dealt with a growing dependency on drugs and alcohol, leading to several arrests and stints in rehab. He left the show after season 6, citing the need to focus on his mental health and recovery. In 2019, Jake was arrested in Washington and later sentenced to 18 months in prison on multiple felony charges, including possession with intent to distribute and driving under the influence. His battles with addiction and the law continued to make headlines, and his absence from “Deadliest Catch” became permanent.

Brief Return and Life Beyond the Show

In 2021, Jake made a brief return to the screen in the spinoff “Deadliest Catch: Bloodline,” appearing alongside his brother Josh in Hawaii as they investigated their father’s past. The appearance was emotional and hinted at possible reconciliation and recovery, though Jake did not return in a regular capacity.