James “Bobo” Fay, the towering 6 feet 4 inches Bigfoot enthusiast from Finding Bigfoot, remains a fan favorite in 2025 at age 64. Born on April 16, 1961, in Manhattan Beach, California, this American reality TV star has built a net worth of approximately $400,000 through his TV salary, commercial fishing gigs, and convention appearances. Single and fiercely private about his dating life, Bobo has quashed health rumors, crediting his dramatic weight loss—from over 300 pounds to around 180-200 pounds—to disciplined diet and exercise. As the show’s 2018 finale lingers in reruns, Bobo stays active in cryptozoology podcasts and hunts, proving his passion outlives the spotlight.
Who Is James “Bobo” Fay? A Deep Dive into the Bigfoot Icon’s Early Life and Unwavering Passion
Born on April 16, 1961, in Manhattan Beach, California, James “Bobo” Fay, now 64 years old, embodies the relentless pursuit of the unknown. His childhood wasn’t filled with typical beach games but with dreams of Sasquatch, the elusive ape-like creature of Native American lore. By his teens, Bobo was studying the 1967 Patterson-Gimlin film, the grainy footage of a Bigfoot striding through Bluff Creek, California. According to the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO), over 5,000 sightings have been reported nationwide since the 1950s, with California leading at over 400. Bobo’s early treks along coastal trails laid the groundwork for a lifelong quest.
Bobo’s passion drove him to surf the West Coast, not just for waves but to reach remote Bigfoot habitats. Choosing Humboldt State University (now Cal Poly Humboldt) for its proximity to Redwood forests, he balanced studies with woodland hunts. After graduating in the early 1980s, he worked with Native American logging crews in the Klamath region, collecting tribal stories of “wild men” that echoed Sasquatch myths. In 2001, alongside veteran researcher John Freitas near Willow Creek, Bobo claims he saw a Bigfoot—a fleeting shadow corroborated by locals. This pivotal moment fueled his rise to fame. Learn more on his Wikipedia page or Facebook.
James “Bobo” Fay’s Career Journey: From Finding Bigfoot Salary to Post-Show Adventures
Bobo’s career blends rugged work with cryptozoology stardom. A commercial fisherman in Eureka, California, since the 1990s, he earns an estimated $50,000-$70,000 annually, per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for West Coast fisheries. His big break came with Finding Bigfoot, which aired on Animal Planet from May 29, 2011, to May 27, 2018, spanning 142 episodes. Bobo, alongside Matt Moneymaker, Cliff Barackman, and Ranae Holland, drew 1-2 million viewers per episode at its peak, with his TV salary reportedly $70,000-$100,000 per season. His role as the team’s field caller and Sasquatch stand-in leveraged his pre-weight loss 300-pound frame.
Since the show’s end, Bobo has thrived. A 2021 Discovery+ special, Finding Bigfoot: The Search Continues, used drones and AI audio, but no series revival followed. He now co-hosts the Bigfoot and Beyond podcast with Barackman, analyzing sightings like the 2023 Georgia “Woodbooger” case. Guest spots on Sasquatch Chronicles and the 2025 documentary Squatchers: The People Who Believe in Bigfoot keep him visible. Conventions like the Ohio Bigfoot Conference add $5,000-$10,000 yearly. His fishing life informs his hunts: “Out on the water, you hear things—snaps that ain’t deer,” he shared in a 2024 X post, blending marine and forest mysteries.
James “Bobo” Fay Net Worth and Salary Breakdown: How Squatchin’ Pays in 2025
In 2025, Bobo’s net worth remains steady at $400,000, per Celebrity Net Worth estimates. His income splits as 40% from Finding Bigfoot (totaling ~$700,000), 30% fishing, 20% podcasts/conventions, and 10% merch like “Gone Squatchin’” hats. Living frugally in a $350,000 Eureka home, he prioritizes gear over glamour. Compared to Matt Moneymaker’s estimated $500,000, Bobo’s grounded approach stands out. “Money’s for bait and boots,” he quipped in a 2023 reel, a mindset that sustains his hunts.
| Biography Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Fay |
| Nickname | Bobo |
| Date of Birth (Age) | April 16, 1961 (64 years old) |
| Birthplace | Manhattan Beach, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Height | 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) |
| Weight (Current Est.) | 180-200 pounds (post-weight loss) |
| Education | Humboldt State University (Cal Poly Humboldt) |
| Occupation | Reality TV Star, Commercial Fisherman, Bigfoot Researcher |
| Net Worth | $400,000 |
| Salary (TV Peak) | $70,000-$100,000 per season |
| Salary (Fishing) | $50,000-$70,000 annually |
Is James “Bobo” Fay Married? Insights into His Dating Life and Family Privacy
At 64, Bobo is single, with no wife or dating rumors in 2025. His personal life is a fortress: “Love’s like a squatch—hard to spot,” he teased in a 2024 podcast. No children are documented, and family details are sparse, limited to mentions of his Manhattan Beach roots. A 2014 Facebook jest about “in-laws” referred to castmates, not romance. Fans speculate on Reddit, but his X profile stays hunt-focused, dodging personal queries. Privacy protects him in a field rife with skeptics and hoaxers.
| Personal Life | Details |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Single |
| Wife | None (not married) |
| Dating/Girlfriend | Private; no public relationships |
| Children | None known |
| Family Background | Private; raised in Manhattan Beach |
| Residence | Eureka, California |
James “Bobo” Fay Illness Rumors and Health Update: Debunking Myths with 2025 Facts
In late 2016, Bobo’s weight loss and shaved head sparked illness rumors, with fans fearing neck cancer or HIV. He debunked them in January 2017 via Facebook: “Just a buzz cut from Tiki’s in Hawaii and ditched sodas.” His health challenges were physical—a 2003 diving accident caused a spinal fracture, worsened by a 2017 car crash. By 2025, at 64, he’s robust, with podcast appearances showing vitality. A September 2024 Reddit thread squashed a “missing” hoax, confirming he’s active. His transformation aligns with CDC data: 42% of adults over 60 face obesity, but Bobo’s lifestyle defies it.
| Health Timeline | Key Events |
|---|---|
| 2003 | Spinal fracture from diving accident |
| 2016 | Weight loss begins; cancer rumors erupt |
| 2017 | Car accident reignites neck issue; debunks illness on Facebook |
| 2021 | Reunion special shows improved fitness |
| 2024-2025 | Active in podcasts; no health concerns reported |
James “Bobo” Fay Weight Loss Journey: Before, After, and Real-World Lessons
Bobo’s weight loss—dropping 100+ pounds from over 300 pounds—is remarkable. Pre-2016, his bulk suited Sasquatch reenactments but slowed hikes. By cutting sugary drinks and starches, eating whole foods, and exercising four days a week, he reached 180-200 pounds by 2021. Fishing’s physical demands—hauling 50-pound traps—and forest treks helped. A 2023 NIH study notes outdoor activity aids weight maintenance by 15-20% in midlife men. “Lost the weight to keep squatchin’,” Bobo said in a 2024 YouTube clip. Fans mimic his “Bobo diet” on forums, blending keto and trail runs.
| Weight Loss Factors | Strategies |
|---|---|
| Diet Changes | Reduced sugars, starches; more whole foods |
| Exercise Routine | 4x/week gym + daily fishing/hiking |
| Motivation | Sustained Bigfoot hunts |
| Results (Est.) | 100+ pounds lost; maintained since 2017 |
James “Bobo” Fay’s Lasting Impact: Quotes, Conferences, and the Future of Squatchin’
Bobo bridges believers and skeptics. At the 2025 International Bigfoot Conference, he presented on “Wood Knocks as Communication,” citing 150+ audio samples. “Bigfoot ain’t myth—it’s family,” he said, honoring Native lore. BFRO’s 2024 data shows his Eureka area has 25% more class-A sightings than averages, suggesting untapped coastal habitats. His 2023 Oregon hunt yielded 15-inch print casts, featured in Cryptozoology Today. Stream Finding Bigfoot on Animal Planet GO and follow his X or BFRO for updates. At 64, Bobo’s a testament: True hunters evolve.
