Where does the fish you eat come from? Issue #2: Alaskan Leader Pacific Cod

At Wild for Salmon, we believe you deserve to know exactly where your food comes from and the people behind it.
Traceability isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s a promise. Every fillet we sell carries a story of wild waters, hard work, and hands you can trust.

In this issue of our “Where Does the Fish You Eat Come From?” series, we’re taking you far north into the icy, slate-gray waters of the Bering Sea, where our partners at Alaskan Leader harvest one of the most beloved white fish on Earth: Pacific Cod.

Who Is Alaskan Leader?

In 1991, seven fishing families from the island of Kodiak, Alaska, joined forces to bring wild, sustainably caught Pacific Cod to American tables. Together with the Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation an Alaska Native–led organization that supports sustainable use of Bering Sea resources they formed Alaskan Leader Fisheries, a company now recognized worldwide for innovation and stewardship.

This is a fishery that values people as much as product. Half family-owned, half Native-led — 100% committed to the ocean.

How Pacific Cod Is Caught

The Alaskan Leader fleet fishes deep in the Bering Sea using a hook-and-line method, one of the most environmentally responsible fishing practices in the world.

Each vessel lays out 45 miles of line with nearly 70,000 individually baited hooks, taking six hours to set and eighteen hours to retrieve. Every fish is caught by hand — one at a time — ensuring the highest quality and minimal environmental impact.

Processing happens on board, where fish are cleaned, filleted, and frozen-at-sea within the hour to lock in freshness. Nothing goes to waste. The Alaskan Leader fleet has even been awarded for its ability to use 100% of each fish — from meat to oil to byproducts — reducing waste and maximizing sustainability.

This is what responsible fishing looks like: careful, deliberate, and deeply respectful of the resource.

Why Pacific Cod Stands Out

Pacific Cod is the quiet hero of the whitefish world — mild, flaky, lean, and endlessly versatile.
It’s the classic choice for fish and chips, but it’s also a light, nutrient-rich protein that fits effortlessly into modern kitchens.

Each wild Pacific Cod loin from Alaskan Leader is:

Additive-free and naturally pure
High in protein, low in calories
Rich in B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium
Snow-white in color — a hallmark of the fleet’s exceptional bleeding and freezing practices

It’s the same wild purity that defines every Wild for Salmon product — clean, traceable, and caught with care.

Why Traceability Matters

In today’s seafood market, the word “cod” is often used loosely. You’ll see names like rockcod or lingcod that describe the look of the fish, not the species. But our Pacific Cod is exactly what it says it is: true wild-caught Gadus macrocephalus, sustainably harvested in the Bering Sea.

When you buy from Wild for Salmon, you know the hands, the vessel, and the waters behind your fish. You’re connected directly to the fishermen — not a supply chain.

A Partnership Rooted in Shared Values

We’re proud to partner with the crew of Alaskan Leader because they remind us of ourselves — hardworking, family-centered fishermen who believe in doing things the right way.

Their boats may be larger, built to withstand the Bering Sea’s winter gales, but their spirit is the same as ours aboard the F/V Ava Jane in Bristol Bay. Both fleets share a deep respect for the ocean and a commitment to delivering pure, sustainably harvested seafood to your plate.

Fishermen Favorites: How to Enjoy Alaskan Leader Pacific Cod

Sometimes simple is best and for many fishermen, Pacific Cod and fries remains the gold standard. As one Wild for Salmon customer shared:

“The cod is very fresh and thick, so even after air frying them they were still soft and juicy. I think I made the best fish and chips with these.” — Tim, Verified Customer

But Pacific Cod is more than comfort food. It’s endlessly adaptable:

Fish Tacos: Try our favorite from Kim’s Cravings — flaky cod with avocado, slaw, and lime crema.
Pesto-Baked Cod: Captain Scott from Alaskan Leader swears by this one. Spread homemade pesto and a sprinkle of parmesan over cod loins, then bake until tender and golden.
Healthy Weeknight Meals: Pair with roasted vegetables or toss into a Mediterranean grain bowl.

Mild, snow-white, and family-friendly, Pacific Cod is the kind of fish you’ll want on regular rotation.

Taste the Difference

Each loin of Alaskan Leader Pacific Cod is proof of what happens when ethics, craftsmanship, and sustainability align.
Frozen at sea. Handled with care. Harvested by people who love what they do.

Try our hook-and-line caught Pacific Cod today and taste the clarity of wild Alaska — clean, nourishing, and unforgettable.

Shop Alaskan Leader Pacific Cod →