Roger Coffman, a.k.a “Mr. Fish” – more than a fish-hauler
Meet Roger Coffman. He’s better known by his business name: Mr. Fish.
His company has been our provider of warmwater fish (catfish, bass, sunfish, crappie, triploid grass carp, etc) for several years.
The importance of his role in maintaining the Community Fishing Program with catfish, sunfish, and other species as needed is crucial. But he’s attentive to angler needs in other areas.
Recently informed that there were 8,000 2- to 3-inch tiger bass available (tiger bass are a genetic cross between a Florida strain and northern strain largemouth bass), Coffman had some options. He could have easily sold the fish. But Coffman had a higher purpose in mind.
Immediately, he offered them to Arizona Game and Fish Department as a donation. Last week, a truck delivered those 8,000 bass from Arkansas to Arizona where they were carefully transported and stocked into heavy cover (at Coffman’s request) into Roosevelt Lake to maximize their chances of growing big for the anglers.
The history of “Mr. Fish”
Last, April, Coffman hauled 20,600 Florida-strain largemouth bass to Roosevelt Lake. During his visit, he noticed how passionate and engaged the anglers were about stocking the bass.
Coffman got his business started in central Arkansas by hauling minnows to bait dealers. During the years, he’s evolved the business to haul sportfish long distances.
When asked how Coffman does it, many fish-farm owners think he’s “got guts” for even attempting it. Roger has become a modern aquaculture pioneer by hauling catfish 1,500 miles in boxes at densities of 5 pounds of fish per gallon of water.
It’s a business he built from scratch, and he’s extremely proud of what he’s been able to accomplish.
Coffman is also very mindful of the hard-working fish farmers that helped him become successful. His business style is shrewd and extremely demanding. Yet he’s also generous.
Mr. Fish knows that he plays a vital role in the sport-fishing industry, particularly for Arizona, and his generosity is proof that it isn’t all about business – it’s about promoting recreation for everyone to enjoy …
