F/V Sassy

Sitka, Alaska

Wild Alaska Coho Salmon, Wild Alaska Keta Salmon, Wild Alaska King Salmon

I started fishing in 1986 on Lake Michigan as a first mate. With a lot of encouragement from my family I earned a Bachelors of Science in Fisheries Management from Michigan State University in 1995. Since then my career has solely focused on fish. I have owned my current vessel, Sassy, since 2013, and she is rigged as a power troller. Prior to this, I worked on seine, trap net, gillnet, shrimp, and Dungeness crab boats. In between those fisheries, I spent 15 years in management at state and private sector salmon hatcheries.

For the last eight years, I have also served as a troll representative on the Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (NSRAA) board. Throughout all of this, I have been lucky to create a lifetime of experiences, memories, and most importantly, friendships.

Quick Takes

What do you love about fishing?

Seeing salmon hit your gear and catching them is fun. Honestly though, at this stage of my career, my favorite part of fishing is pulling into one of my favorite anchor spots or finding a new one and relaxing for a few hours while enjoying my surroundings.

What do you do in the off-season, when you’re not fishing?

My two main hobbies when not fishing are antler hunting and metal detecting. The funny thing is that both hobbies are very similar to fishing—you’re searching for something that’s hard to find. Plus, patience and persistence are required to be successful.

What is one of your pet peeves or rules on your boat?

Don’t sit on my bunk with your smelly rain gear on!

What’s one thing you’d want to say to Sitka Seafood Market customers?

Thank you for supporting Sitka Seafood Market and my business!

Why do you like fishing for Sitka Seafood Market?

People want to know where their food is coming from and how it got to them, so I really appreciate the connection between customers and the fishermen who caught the fish.

What’s something that most people would find surprising about being a commercial fisherman?

I grew up farming, and you would not believe how good dirt smells after being on the ocean for several months!