Welcome to Westport

On the West Coast of the U.S., there’s a vibrant traditional fishery for albacore tuna. One of the roughly 65 fishermen here is Valerie. She’s at the helm of the Aqua Leo, the boat she proudly took over from her father. Together with her husband and two crew members, she sets out in search of the finest albacore tuna. But her efforts go beyond the water: as a representative of the American Albacore Fishing Association (AAFA), she is a passionate advocate for sustainable hook-and-line fisheries in the U.S.

Using pole and line, Valerie and her team catch each tuna one by one. If the tuna aren’t biting on the rods, she switches to trolling lines—hooks trailing artificial lures through the water. Once the boat sets off and the tuna begin to hunt, she reels them in—again, one by one. Onboard, she has a collection of specially colored and shaped lures, which she rotates depending on the day, the weather, and the behavior of the fish. How does she know which to use? That’s the best-kept secret of an experienced fisher!

Albacore, also known as white tuna, is prized for its rich flavor. And the tuna caught by these fishermen is legendary. Award-winning and loved by connoisseurs across America, our cans have taken home multiple honors!

Valerie dreams of passing on her 'legacy' to her daughter. Occasionally, she joins her on board, where Valerie teaches her the ins and outs of the trade. This way, she not only keeps the tradition alive but also ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy the finest albacore tuna!