Captain Bill Blue has spent nearly 50 years fishing, starting at 18 catching Dungeness crab off California’s central coast. By 21, he owned his first boat, and four vessels later he’s fished the entire coast for crab, black cod, rockfish, halibut, salmon, and albacore—all from his homeport of Morro Bay. “I love the independence of being my own boss, despite the challenges of modern fishing,” says Bill. His current boat, Brita Michelle, is named after his wife. When not at sea, Bill and Brita homestead on a 5-acre ranch in Templeton, CA, with dogs, goats, mules, a horse, and sheep. He brings that spirit aboard, cooking hearty meals for his crew and taking pride in knowing where his food—and hard work—comes from.

Captain Nick Wilbur began fishing at age 20, continuing a family tradition of working on the water. After learning the ropes from various captains across different fisheries, he launched his own operation closer to home to spend more time with his children. A 2015 class with the Cape Cod Fishermen’s Association introduced him to ike jime, sparking his passion for producing top-quality catch. “I have always loved selling the highest quality fish,” says Nick. “One of the best feelings in the world is knowing that my harvest goes into the hands of those who truly appreciate how it got there.”

Captain Jay Vaughn got his start raking clams and picking oysters for his sister’s company in Nahcotta, WA. At 19, he went to sea with his girlfriend’s dad—now his father-in-law—fishing from Alaska to California. Eighteen years later, he owns and operates the Redeemer, a 52-foot steel vessel harvesting Seremoni Grade Black Cod, albacore, and Dungeness crab. Running the Redeemer is a family effort: his wife, Brooke, a third-generation fisherwoman, manages operations onshore, while Jay balances life at sea with raising three boys, coaching sports, and mentoring his crew. His favorite part of fishing? “The camaraderie and teamwork,” he says.

Captain Paul Blaylock started fishing with his dad at 12 on a salmon gillnetter in the Columbia River and has since worked Dungeness crab, Alaskan longliners, and Bristol Bay salmon boats. He now fishes out of the same port where he grew up. “Even though you’re in competition, you still care for your neighbor—it’s unlike any other industry,” he says. Now captain of the Sunrise, Paul retrofitted it with the Shinkei's Poseidon in 2025 and values Seremoni’s technology for its quality and ease. More than a job, fishing is his lifestyle. When home, he coaches his kids’ sports teams and takes family road trips for camping and sportfishing across five states and counting.