Meet the Fisherman
My name is Kevin Wilson, and I have been a commercial fisherman for over twenty years. Each season I leave my home on Bainbridge Island and head north to Alaska, where I fish for salmon, halibut, and sablefish. My wife, Malerie, and our two young boys hold down the fort while I work from the decks of two boats: our gillnetter, the Miss Malerie, and my uncle’s longliner, the Dangerous Cape.
Fishing is demanding, unpredictable, and deeply rewarding. It connects me to nature in a way that few jobs can. I founded Cold Current Fish Company because I wanted to shorten the distance between fishermen and the people who eat what we catch. Too much seafood loses its quality as it bounces through complex supply chains. My goal is simple: to share fish that has been cared for at every step, from the moment it leaves the water until it reaches your kitchen.
A Life on the Water
I grew up on Bainbridge Island, spending summers digging for clams, eating smoked salmon, and listening to my dad and uncles tell stories about their time fishing in Alaska. At seventeen, I joined a family friend on his boat for my first season. The work was hard, the pay was modest, and I loved every minute of it. The wildness of Alaska, the camaraderie of the crew, and the satisfaction of catching food that people depend on all hooked me immediately.
More than twenty years later, I still feel that same sense of purpose. Fishing is part of my family story now, and one day I hope my sons will join me on the Miss Malerie.
What Makes Our Fish Different
We believe that truly great seafood starts with respect. Respect for the ocean, for the fish, and for the people who will eventually share a meal around it. Our fish is handled carefully, processed as close to the source as possible, and sold directly to you. That commitment to care and transparency is what makes our product different.
Meticulous Handling
On the Miss Malerie in Bristol Bay, every salmon is chilled immediately after it comes aboard. We bleed the fish and place it into refrigerated seawater to lock in freshness. Our boats are equipped with temperature probes to ensure that fish are kept cold at every stage. Mats and salmon slides prevent bruising as the fish are handled. From the first moment out of the net, our focus is on preserving quality.
In Southeast Alaska, where we fish for halibut and sablefish aboard the Dangerous Cape, the same care applies. As members of the Seafood Producers Co-op, we follow strict handling standards and short trip lengths to guarantee that each fish is landed, cleaned, and iced quickly. The result is seafood that truly tastes like it came from the ocean, not a warehouse.
Fisherman-Owned Partnerships
We are proud to work with partners who share our values. As fisherman-owners of Silver Bay Seafoods and members of the Seafood Producers Co-op, we know that the people processing our fish are the same people who catch it. This creates accountability, trust, and a shared focus on quality. When profits go back to the fishermen, every person in the chain is motivated to handle the fish with care.
Sustainably Caught
Sustainability is not a buzzword for us. It is the foundation of how we fish and how Alaska manages its fisheries. The salmon, halibut, sablefish, and Pacific cod we sell are all certified by the Marine Stewardship Council and rated as a “Best Choice” by Seafood Watch. These programs recognize the same values that guide our work: science-based management, strong regulations, and a deep respect for the resource.
Like most Alaskan fishermen, I want my kids and their kids to be able to fish these same waters. The best way to protect that future is to keep the relationship between fishermen, regulators, and consumers honest and transparent.
Total Traceability
Traceability is the key to trust. Without it, you have no idea who caught your fish, how it was handled, or even what species it truly is. When you buy from Cold Current Fish Company, you know the boats, the crews, and the care that went into your food. Every fish we sell can be traced back to its source, giving you confidence that it is fresh, authentic, and responsibly harvested.
