Q: What made you decide to do this?
A: I didn't decide to fish, it was forced child labour. My dad made it so. He said if you're not going to go to college, don't be a dummy, go fish. So, he bought me my first plane ticket and shot me on up here. And here I am. Thank God.
Q: You have spoken of your late father with great regard and said he was a great fisherman. Can you tell us something about him as a dad?
A: It was tough love, that's how we were raised. You have to imagine back in the day, those old timers were gone 10 months out of the year. Every time we got in trouble at home, mom would say "Wait until your father gets home." We were like "Jeez, he's not going to be home for months!" So, we had to sweat for four months until he got home, and then of course Mom never told him all the bad things we did. So, when he was home, he was the best father he could be. Calling us dummies, making us mow his lawn. That's Norwegian love!
Q: How long has your family been fishing?
A: We are fourth generation, so that'd be our great grandfather. He fished when he was a child. So, ever since I can remember, going back four generations. And I hope it shows.
Q: What is it really like working with your brother as the captain?
A: Living hell, literally! But it works out. He sticks with the best of what he does and I do the best at what I do. So, it works out.
Q: We've seen some of the other brothers take turns between working on the deck and being captain. Have you and Sig ever considered that for yourselves?
EH: Not really, because Sig is pretty much too lazy to go out on deck. And he's too old. So, it's my deck and it's run the way I like it. If he were to come down I'm sure he'd try to change things. I like where I'm at, which is pretty much as far away from Sig as possible. He did take a turn down on deck this last season, a little something to look forward to on the show. But, no, his place is upstairs and mine is on deck. I'd like to keep it that way, until he's ready to give up the chair. Then I'll find another deckhand. Until then, I'll keep it the way it is.
Q: Norman seems to be the quietest of the Hansen brothers. Does he ever play pranks on you? Or is he the mediator between you and Sig?
A: The only mediator we have on board is Matt, he's our on-board psychologist. Norman is just Norman, he's a hermit. He likes keeping to himself and does. He knows what to do, does what he's told. He's the perfect deckhand. One thing about not talking; he doesn't talk back!
Q: Are you ever going to get your own crab boat or are you going to work with Sig until you get tired of crab fishing?
A: No, I think he's going to leave the boat to me at some point in time. He's not getting any younger. I'll probably take the boat for cod fish, and during crab seasons if we end up getting more quota we'll end up swapping out. One more boat would just add to the madness.
