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The Popsie Fish Company
Homer, Alaska
The Popsie Fish Company has been set net fishing at the mouth of the Egegik River in Bristol Bay, the far northeastern shore of the Bering Sea, since 1987. Starting with humble beginnings, “kid power” and little equipment, the family business owns three Limited Entry Permits and leases three shore fishery sites. They are now leaders in the Egegik District set-net community. “Popsie” was what the grandchildren called Tony’s dad, Paul Neal, Jr., a successful businessman who set the example of hard work and self-reliance. Tony carried Popsie’s example forward to his own family and the fishing business. The Neal family honored Popsie by naming their fishing company after him.
Tony and Gwen are the founders of the company, managing the ebb and flow of family members and crew, and managing the business through the year. Their children, Sarah, Jeff, and Siri grew up though grade school and past college spending their summers at fish camp, learning to work hard and develop the self -reliance Popsie exemplified. Sarah, Jeff, and Siri have continued to be involved in the fishing through their adult years. Sarah is now the deck boss and crew captain, directing the fishing operations and crew. Grandchildren are stepping in to responsible positions. Jake. Erin and Gwenyth are full crew members, and Owen is in his sixth year despite his young age of 9 years. Malachy and Tadhg will hopefully come over from Ireland one of these days. Now we are joined by little Sanjay Neal, one month old.
During the salmon season, late May to mid-August, the family members who are able gather at our fish camp, located on the ocean beach near the mouth of the Egegik River. Any vacant spots are filled with hired crew. These months are spent working the nets as the tides, weather, and regulations allow, trying to catch every salmon we can while making sure quality is kept to the maximum. When the season is over, the family disperses to their homes in Alaska, Oregon, Florida, and Ireland.
After the fishing season, the company gets busy selling sockeye salmon nationally under the Popsie Fish Company label. Tony is the full time salesman and travels from Alaska across the country visiting customers and prospects, spreading the word that The Popsie Fish Company wild Alaskan sockeye salmon is the best there is. Chris, a master salesman, steps in to advise and act as sales manager, and Jeff provides the IT and engineering solutions to make it all flow. Emily handles the logistics and collects the sales receipts.
Should you wish to know more about us or what we do, we are always willing to talk. Pick up the phone or drop us an email...
Tony Neal, Captain
Gwen Neal, President
The Popsie Fish Company Story...
Jeffery Neal, Engineer
Siri Neal, Fisher & Sales
Sarah O'Neill, Force of Nature
Erin Washer, Fisher
Malachy & Tadhg Neal, Coming Soon...
Chris Olsson-O'Neill, Sales
Owen O'Neill, Still Learning...
Jake Kurz, Fisher
Gwenyth Mistretta, Fisher
View Popsie Fish Company in a larger map
Sanjay Neal, Future Sales
The map shows the mouth of the Egegik river, where the Popsie Fish Company operates it's fishing camp. Egegik is a Yup'ik Eskimo village located on the south bank with year-round residents, but the north side of the river is only inhabited during fishing season.
Our camp is located on the north side of the river, 8 miles from Egegik, closer to "Big Creek" which can be seen near the center of the map. Our camp and set-net sites are located to the southern end of the tidal flats visible on the map.
It is a cozy camp, with accommodation, storage, and washing buildings set just back from the beach.
Drop in any time if you are in the area!
