A Deep Connection to Alaska’s Waters

Founded by Clint Benson, Kenai-Red Fish Co’s story began in the late 1970s when Clint took a break from college and set off to explore the world of commercial fishing. "I made my way to Alaska and got my first job at a cannery," Benson recalls. "But the real opportunity came when we realized how inefficient the unloading process was. Boats would wait for hours, sometimes days, to offload their catch. So, A friend of mine and I started tendering fish directly from boats using skiffs. It changed everything and is also where I got my nickname 'Skiffman

That hands-on experience built a deep respect for the work of Alaskan fishermen and the complexities of the seafood industry. Decades later, Benson returned to those roots, founding Kenai-Red Fish Co with a mission to change how people access and enjoy wild-caught salmon.

"We’re not trying to take over the world," Benson explains. "We’re focused on maintaining the integrity of our supply chain — from the dock to the plate. Every fish we sell has a story, and we want our customers to be part of it."

Sustainability with Heart

Kenai-Red Fish Co operates under one core belief: sustainability is essential. Alaska’s fisheries are among the most carefully managed in the world, with regulations designed to protect fish populations for future generations. Limiting their fishing to two days a week during most of the short summer season not only prevents overfishing but also protects the long-term health of wild salmon populations

"Our dedication to sustainability is rooted in responsible practices," says Clint Benson, Founder of Kenai-Red Fish Co. "Our wild fisheries are renowned for their exceptional management, ensuring healthy, thriving populations. Furthermore, we adhere to a principle of harvesting only what our local communities require, avoiding large-scale, nationwide distribution. This commitment to sustainability extends to our operations, where a small fleet and dedicated crew prioritize quality over volume."

Kenai’s fishing practices are intentional and balanced. This responsible approach ensures that the fish are harvested at their peak, delivering superior taste and quality to consumers.

Caught to Frozen in 12 Hours

Their goal is to get the wild salmon From the pristine Alaskan waters to the finished product  in 12 hours or less, Kenai-Red Fish Co delivers freshness that mass-market seafood simply can't match. The company ships its premium wild-caught salmon to customers nationwide, offering a transparent alternative to the mass-produced seafood found in most grocery stores.

"We work with 10 to 15 fishermen during the season," says Allison Jones, Clint’s daughter and key member of the Kenai team. "Our fish are hand-processed within 12 hours of being caught, ensuring the highest quality possible. Unlike mass-market processors that rely on machinery, we fillet everything by hand. That attention to detail is what sets us apart."

Through their Community-Supported Fishery (CSF) model, customers reserve a share of the season’s catch, ensuring they receive fresh frozen responsibly sourced salmon.

"When people open a box of Kenai-Red Fish Co salmon, we want them to see the vibrant color and freshness," says Allison. "Our salmon is flash-frozen within hours of being caught, preserving its nutrients and flavor. It’s as close as you can get to catching it yourself."

The CSF model also fosters a deeper connection between consumers and the fishermen. "Our members know exactly where their fish comes from, who caught it, and how it was handled," Clint explains. "That transparency is rare in the seafood industry."

This commitment to quality has earned Kenai-Red Fish Co numerous accolades, including First Place at the 2023 and 2024 Smoked Salmon Superbowl in Alaska for their cold-smoked sockeye salmon and smoked salmon. "It’s not just about the awards," Allison notes. "It’s about knowing that our fish are consistently recognized for their freshness, flavor, and care."

Beyond Mass-Market Salmon: The Clear Choice for Quality

In a world dominated by fish farms and mass production, Kenai-Red Fish Co offers something completely different: a window into the source of your food. Through their Community-Supported Fishery (CSF) model, customers receive not just salmon but a connection—to the fishermen, the sea, and the story behind every fillet. 

"We oversee the entire process from start to finish," says Allison. "We own the dock, the processing facility, and we have exclusive contracts with the fishermen. We know exactly who is catching our fish, and we know them by name. That level of control and transparency is what sets us apart."

Farmed salmon has long dominated supermarket shelves, often produced under questionable conditions. Unlike wild salmon, which naturally develop their rich color and robust flavor from a diet of krill and other marine life, farmed fish are fed pellets dyed to mimic the vibrant hues of their wild counterparts. Additionally, overcrowding, antibiotics, and artificial additives are commonplace in salmon farms.

"You can taste and see the difference," Allison emphasizes. "Our sockeye’s deep red hue and coho’s bright orange flesh speak to their natural diet. When we say our fish is sushi-grade, we mean it — it’s the freshest, highest-quality salmon you can get."

Mass-market processors also rely heavily on machinery, which compromises texture and quality. Kenai-Red Fish Co’s hand-filleting process ensures precision and care, maintaining the natural integrity of each fillet. "We don’t do pin-boning by machine," Allison says. "It’s all done by hand, without degrading the meat, via the pin boning process,like mass processors often do. We don't pinbone at all. Because, to do this, it takes more time to slack out and we’d need to use machinery, instead of all by hand.”  This hands-on approach ensures every fish is handled with care and maintains the highest quality standards.

“We’re not just selling fish,” says Clint. “We’re inviting people into our world. When they sit down to eat, they’re part of something much bigger.”

This model fosters loyalty and trust. Subscribers know the name of the fisherman who caught their salmon and the exact waters it came from. With each meal, they support sustainable fishing practices and coastal communities.

Looking Ahead

As Kenai-Red Fish Co continues to grow, its commitment to quality, sustainability, and transparency remains unwavering. Rather than chasing mass production, the company is dedicated to maintaining a balanced, responsible approach.

"We don’t want to lose what makes us special," Clint says. "Our goal is to continue supporting our fishermen, protecting our fisheries, and providing our customers with the best wild Alaskan salmon possible. That’s what drives us every day."

For those seeking the highest quality salmon and who deeply care about their food, Kenai-Red Fish Co is the best option.

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