Russell Cockrum has fished for over 45 years and is a retired captain and commercial fisherman. Jared Cockrum started fishing around 8 years old with his father Russell and is the owner and captain of the F/V Viking Maid.

Russell started commercial fishing in 1976 on his brother-in-law Gary Haines' seine boat. He rose in the ranks back in the day when canneries owned the boats and would assign them to fishermen who consistently came in with the most fish. When the canneries sold off the boats in 1986, he purchased the F/V Viking Maid.

To Russell, commercial fishing is as much of a responsibility to the next generation as it is for making a living today. He has served on various boards and associations over the years. "You have to have a say in this process," Russell says. "You need to get involved and speak up."

Jared took over the boat in 2021. "I've fished with my dad for most of my life. Fishing meant he was around during the winter months, when most of my sporting events were happening," Jared says. "At the end of the day, if I can make a sustainable living during the summer with some short trips in the spring and fall, I get to spend from the middle of October to April at home with my family. That's my main goal. That's all it's really about."