POCF Kat Jones Runs a Family & Seafood Co. Too.

Going through the archives of the POCFs who have shared their lives with us is such a joy. I started to lean into our community during 2020, and out of that came community, discovery, and learning about how we, as POCFs, contribute to our partnerships, fishing business, and industry. 

One of those gems discovered through Instagram is Kat Jones. She’s a fisherman’s wife and runs Ventura Fresh Fish, a seafood market located in Ventura, California, that overnight ships to Nevada, Arizona, and across California. Oh, and they sell every Saturday at the Ventura Fisherman’s Market, too! On top of that, she’s a mom of three. So, multi-tasking as a businesswoman/wife/mother for this POCF is just another day.

On a side note, I’ve helped Chris sling some lobsters to a few friends, and the logistics behind it is, well, a bitch. There’s coordinating how many lobsters to sell, who to sell to, for how much, and where they’ll be delivered. So, I want to give a *big* shout-out to Kat’s family-run biz, which seems to do it seamlessly. Let’s Dive in!

Here’s how Ventura Fresh Fish works when you get on their list:

1. Sign up for their text list by texting the word “ADD” to 805-273-4488.
2. Kat’s hubby and crew go out and fish.
3. They notify you of the catch via text.
4. You text back with your order and schedule a pick-up or delivery.
5. You eat fresh seafood while supporting American fishermen. Simple as that!

The cool thing is, it’s a catch-to-order situation. Meaning that they only catch what their customers want and then deliver it from the dock to your doorstep. “No waste, no over-fishing, keeping it local, keeping it domestic, and keeping it organically fresh- that’s what we do!” Yas, girl! Ok, it’s time to get cozy and hear what this matriarch has to say.

Meet Kat Jones:

POCF Kat Jones Runs a Family & Seafood Co. Too.

What is your fisherman’s name, what does he fish, and where?

My husband, Evan Jones, and I are a husband and wife fishing team. While my husband gets to spend more time on the water than I do, we still consider ourselves a fishing partnership.

When our young ones are a little older, I will be able to transition back on the deck more often. We harvest CA spiny lobster, rockfish, black cod, CA king salmon. We’ve harvested CA market squid and various other species… 

How long have you been together?

We have been married for 11 years and have commercially fished together for six-plus years

Have you had experience with the fishing industry before you got together? If so, in what way?

Evan grew up recreational fishing in Canada, I grew up recreational fishing in the US, and both of us come from generations of watermen.  When we got married, we decided that we would live in the United States, as it offered more opportunities for our love of being on the water.

It’s so nice to connect with another PCF! Please tell us you experience with women in the industry and other fishermen’s wives. What stories can you share?

Being the wife of a fisherman is daunting, to say the least. I am fortunate because I am also a fisherman and understand the hardships and the ebb and flow of catching fish. The financial elements of being a Commercial Fisherman, the marriage stressors, and raising young children is unlike any other industry. We never know if we’re going to make a paycheck, every month, every fishing trip, and every effort to harvest is a faith effort. My heart goes out to the women behind the fishermen; we are all too many times forgotten. Have faith in something bigger. 

What advice can you give new POCFs?

It’s ok, to not be ok with…every relationship is different. Each person has different needs.

• I personally need independence and freedom from being with the kids day-to-day. I love my kids, don’t get me wrong, but I find great joy in harvesting, working, and interacting with adults. Moms need to thrive in what they love, too.

• Marriage counseling IS GOOD! If you want your partnership to be mutually enjoyable, get help – trading in your partner for someone else won’t “fix the problem.”

• The financial strains that parallel our industry are real. Learn how to save, save, and save more. Learn how to budge and strive for a debt-free lifestyle. That way, when El Niño shows up, or COVID strikes or the trade war rises (hello, 2015-2020), you’re not drowning, divorcing, and taking meds to stay sane. 

How can others support our domestic seafood market?

Buy from your neighborhood fishermen. Period. 

Kat Jones of Ventura Fresh Seafood
Instagram: @VenturaFreshFish 
Facebook: Ventura Harbor Dockside Market

What is your takeaway from Kat’s advice? Anything you can relate to or find helpful? Please share your thoughts in the comment below!

Learn how to cut open a lobster tail *like a boss* here!