Our Story

My journey into the world of salmon started in 2008, when I was given an opportunity to set-net salmon off of Miner's Point on Kodiak Island. I was a landlubber, a flat lander to boot, and green as could be. The work was the most physically and mentally challenging thing I'd ever experienced, in an environment that can go from beautiful to deadly on a whim. 2,000 miles from home and 6 months of only an AM radio and sat phone to communicate with the outside world. But I fell in love with it, I'd found my calling. I went back that winter to fish pacific cod, then the following summer I fished Bristol Bay as well as Kodiak and winter cod. In 2010, I began working on the NEZZEN, which has been my summer home ever since.

The Sockeye Express Is Born

In 2015 I began bringing salmon home to the Red River Valley, what began as a few boxes of fish for friends and family quickly started to grow into something bigger. So in 2021, I built The Sockeye Express, and expanded our mission to bring home the very best salmon the world has to offer, to spread the wealth of Alaska's red gold to Minnesota and the Dakotas, a region often left out when it comes to premium wild-caught salmon.

As we continue to expand, our commitment to quality and sustainability remains unchanged. It is my goal to earn your business and become your personal salmon fisherman, providing you with the same premium quality salmon I bring home for myself and my family. Whether you're a chef, a seafood enthusiast, or just looking for a healthy and delicious meal, Sockeye Express is here to deliver.

The F/V NEZZEN

The salmon aren't the only beings who are called back to Bristol Bay year after year. As the salmon are preparing for their trek to their natal streams, the fishers of Bristol Bay are preparing for their treks to our summer homes. For me, over the last 14 years, that has been a trek to the F/V NEZZEN a 32' fishing vessel based out of Naknek, AK. While I've had the pleasure to work with a variety of amazing folks over the years, the last 5 years I've been joined by Capt. Steve Griffing and deckhand Nate Marz from Florida and my brother from Wisconsin, Eddie Feran. Folks from all 50 states and dozens other countries make this trek each summer in pursuit of the returning salmon. This diversity of characters from all over the globe make this fishery a true melting pot and contribute to its special nature. While cramped quarters and sleepless nights can make for some interesting interactions, the crews on each individual vessel work as a well oiled team, to out fox the weather, the salmon, and competing vessels. While these experiences certainly aren't for everyone, for those who are called back year after year, its truly in our blood.