Deadliest Catch's Sig Hansen Was Totally Paranoid About The Cameras At The Start Of The Show

Although Captain Sig Hansen has often come across as one of the most down-to-earth captains on "Deadliest Catch," there have been plenty of times throughout the series where we've seen him display a good deal of anxiety while at sea. One particular moment that stands out is when a set of terrifying conditions at sea forces him to kick his daughter, Mandy, off the boat.

Watching the usually level-headed Sig Hansen argue with his daughter about her safety is incredibly nerve-wracking. It makes it abundantly clear how the dangers of the sea can impact even the calmest people in interesting ways. Hansen's apprehension at sea also manifests through specific beliefs, including the strange suitcase superstition he still holds. Hansen believes that bringing bags on board is bad luck.

Indeed, we've seen Captain Sig Hansen display a good deal of paranoia and restlessness while battling the rough conditions of the open sea. According to Hansen, even the cameras on his ship caused him great unease at the start of "Deadliest Catch."

In a 2011 interview with Riverfront Times, Sig Hansen confessed that he was highly distrustful of the always-present cameras across his F/V Northwestern. "Now I'm used to it, but at the time, I didn't like it. I would put my hat over the camera and go, 'I just don't want to be filmed for a little while,'" the "Deadliest Catch" captain explained. "I wouldn't know when I was being filmed, and it just bugged me. I was paranoid. I don't like that s***."

Hansen said that his dislike of this constant surveillance became so bad that on one occasion he turned the ship around because he wanted the cameras to stop recording him. After discussing his paranoia with the producer, they agreed there was only one way to resolve the issue: "I threw the camera over the side, and we went back fishing." The captain concluded. 

In addition to his unease around being filmed, Hansen also revealed a distaste for having to "babysit" members of the camera crew, further emphasizing how much grief these cameras have caused him. In any case, it's certainly interesting to get a glimpse into the reality of the filming process. Learning about Hansen's initial discomfort is also fascinating considering how he's adjusted after nearly two decades of being filmed.