F/V Sunfish

Sitka, Alaska

Wild Alaska King Salmon, Wild Alaska Coho Salmon, Wild Alaska Sablefish (Black Cod), Wild Alaska Halibut

John Skeele originally came to Sitka to study at the local college, Sheldon Jackson. Over the years, his time in and around the fleet inspired him to give fishing a try. He invested in a cheap, old salmon troller and on his very first day out he lost nearly all of his gear. Despite what some may have regarded as the beginning and end of a fishing career, John landed two rather large king salmon that day and considered himself hooked.

John’s earnings that first year allowed him to upgrade to a new boat before the start of the next season. Driven by the notion that “fishing is what you make of it,” and having the opportunity to spend his days on the water in beautiful Southeast Alaska has kept John fishing for 37 years. In 2010, he transitioned to the F/V Sunfish, a combination troller/gillnetter. In addition to requiring a different pace, this vessel has allowed John the opportunity to explore new fishing grounds.

As is true for many others in our Sitka Seafood Market fleet, fishing runs in the family for the Skeeles. John is often accompanies by his daughter, Nora, while his son, Sitka Salmon Shares Co-Founder and Vice President, Marsh used to captain the F/V Loon. “To be able to spend so much family time . . . that’s one of the things I like best about fishing,” he says.