Dave Carraro is a well-known American fisherman, captain, and television personality. He became famous as the captain of the FV-Tuna.com, one of the main boats featured on the National Geographic series Wicked Tuna. The show follows commercial fishermen as they compete to catch bluefin tuna off the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts, and Carraro has been part of it since its first season. Over the years, he has built a reputation as one of the most successful captains on the program, winning more seasons than any other competitor.
Carraro grew up in New Jersey, where his passion for fishing began at an early age. He learned the basics from his father and was already involved with fishing when he was in kindergarten. By the time he was around eleven to thirteen years old, he was already tuna fishing. In his early years, he gained experience working on different types of boats, starting with party boats, then moving on to sport-fishing vessels, and later larger tuna boats. These experiences gave him a strong foundation in fishing and eventually led him to pursue it as a career.
In his late teens or early twenties, Carraro began fishing bluefin tuna commercially. Wanting to be in one of the best locations for tuna, he later moved to Gloucester, Massachusetts, a city known for its long fishing history and strong tuna stocks. He has been fishing out of Gloucester for more than twenty years and has built his professional life there. His hard work, skill, and leadership have made him a respected name in the fishing community and a fan favorite on Wicked Tuna.
Aside from fishing, Carraro is also a professional pilot. He works as a Captain for JetBlue Airways and holds a United States Coast Guard 100 Ton Masters License, which allows him to captain large boats. His career shows a balance between two demanding professions, both of which require focus, discipline, and technical knowledge.
Carraro often says that his success on the water does not come from luck but from preparation, skill, and teamwork. He believes in the importance of knowledge, good technique, and a reliable crew. Even after many years of fishing, he still feels the same excitement every time he catches a large bluefin tuna, describing it as thrilling and rewarding. He has also spoken about the joy he gets from meeting fans of the show and the chance to support charities through his public profile.
As of 2025, Dave Carraro's net worth is estimated to be approximately $600,000. His primary sources of income include his appearances on the reality TV show Wicked Tuna, where he reportedly earns around $83,000 per episode, and his career as a commercial fisherman.