Our Story - The Popsie Fish Family
Our Story
Three generations of the Neal family, fishing the pristine waters of Bristol Bay, Alaska — bringing wild-caught seafood from our set nets to your table.
Why “Popsie”?
It started with a nickname. Tony Neal’s father was the kind of man whose grandchildren didn’t call him “Grandpa.” They called him “Popsie.” The name stuck — around the kitchen table, down at the docks, and eventually across every box of wild salmon we ship.
When we decided to share the fish we had been catching for our own family with the rest of the world, there was only one name that felt right. Popsie Fish Co is our way of honoring the man who taught us that good food starts with doing things the right way, even when nobody is watching.
Three Generations on Bristol Bay
The Neal family has been fishing Bristol Bay for three generations. Every summer, the family travels to their set net site near the mouth of the Egegik River — one of the most productive wild salmon fisheries on Earth.
It began with a deep respect for the land and the water. The first generation set the foundation — learning the tides, the runs, and the rhythms of Bristol Bay. They built a way of life around the salmon.
“Popsie” himself carried the tradition forward. He refined the family’s set net techniques and passed down the belief that quality is not something you compromise on — not in how you fish, and not in what you feed your family.
Today, all three generations work side by side at fish camp. The youngest members are growing up on the water, learning to mend nets, sort fish, and appreciate where their food comes from. This is more than a business. It is a family tradition.
“Every fish we catch is one we’d proudly put on our own family’s table.”— The Neal Family, Popsie Fish Co
Bristol Bay & the Egegik River
Bristol Bay, Alaska is home to the largest wild sockeye salmon run in the world. The cold, clean waters produce fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids with a deep red color and a flavor that farmed salmon simply cannot match.
Set Net Fishing
We fish using the set net method — stationary nets anchored near shore that allow salmon to be harvested one at a time as they return from the open ocean to spawn in the rivers where they were born. Set netting is selective and low-impact, allowing us to handle each fish with care from the moment it leaves the water.
The Egegik District
Our set net site sits near the mouth of the Egegik River, one of the five major river systems that feed Bristol Bay. The Egegik run is known for producing some of the finest sockeye salmon in the world — wild fish that have spent years feeding in the nutrient-rich waters of the North Pacific before returning home.
Why Bristol Bay Matters
Bristol Bay is one of the last truly wild fisheries left on the planet. Strict state and federal management ensures that salmon populations remain healthy for future generations. Every year, enough fish are allowed upriver to spawn before commercial fishing begins — a practice called “escapement management” that has kept Bristol Bay sustainable for over a century.
Our Promise to You
When you order from Popsie Fish Co, you are getting fish that we caught ourselves, handled with care, and stand behind completely.
Flash-Frozen at Peak Freshness
Our fish is flash-frozen within hours of harvest — locking in flavor, texture, and nutrition at the peak of freshness. Flash-freezing at extremely low temperatures preserves the fish in a state that is, quite literally, fresher than most “fresh” fish at the supermarket counter.
What We Catch
We offer a selection of wild-caught Alaskan seafood that we are proud to put our name on:
- Wild Sockeye Salmon — Rich, deep-red fillets packed with omega-3s. The crown jewel of Bristol Bay.
- Wild Halibut — Mild, firm, and versatile. A favorite for everything from fish tacos to elegant dinners.
- Wild Pacific Cod — Flaky white fish with a clean, delicate flavor. Perfect for baking, pan-frying, or fish and chips.
- Wild Sablefish (Black Cod) — Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a rich omega-3 profile. A true delicacy.
Our Guarantee
- 100% Wild-Caught — Never farmed. Our fish swim free in the cold, clean waters of Alaska.
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee — If you are not completely happy with your order, we will make it right.
- Free Ground Shipping — We ship on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, packed with dry ice, delivered to your door in 1–3 days.
- Family-Caught, Family-Packed — From our set nets to your table, we oversee every step.
What We Stand For
Wild & Sustainable
100% wild-caught from one of the best-managed fisheries in the world. No farms. No antibiotics. No shortcuts.
Family-Run
Three generations working together at fish camp every summer. We catch it, we pack it, we stand behind it.
Fresher Than Fresh
Flash-frozen within hours of harvest. Our fish arrives at your door locked in at peak quality.
Free Shipping
Packed with dry ice. Shipped on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Delivered to your door in 1 to 3 days.
Taste the Bristol Bay Difference
Wild-caught by our family for yours. Try the seafood that three generations of Neals have been proud to serve at their own table.
Shop Our Catch