He has known the sheer joy of a bountiful fresh catch at sea.
Today, he is thrilled when he receives a word or smile of gratitude from one of his many customers.
Kyle Fortney — the owner and operator of Fresh Fish Delaware (freshfishde.com) in Millsboro — is a third-generation local fisherman who opened his business this past May.
Fresh Fish Delaware is an independent seafood retailer and wholesaler that is quickly becoming a destination for local residents and coastal Delaware vacation visitors.
“What sets us apart is more than just fresh fish,” said Fortney, whose location includes a retail store and wholesale warehouse totaling 2,500 square feet. “It’s a philosophy built on integrity, sustainability and a deep respect for the sea. In a world where convenience often outweighs quality, Fresh Fish Delaware is swimming against that current. And that’s exactly what makes us stand out.
“We work directly with reputable suppliers and fishermen who understand our concept.” Fortney added. “If it’s not up to our standards, it doesn’t go out to the customer — it’s that simple.”
According to Fortney, the genuine connection that his store fosters with its customers also sets it apart.
“Whether that’s guiding a customer through how to prepare their purchase or recommending something new, we offer guidance, knowledge and hospitality,” he assured.
Fresh Fish Delaware features Arrowhead Point oysters, live blue crabs, homemade crabcakes, flounder, grouper, cod, mahi-mahi, red snapper, rockfish, salmon, swordfish, tuna and shrimp. And if customers are still hungry for dessert, they also offer Key West lime pies.
Changing the course of his life
At the age of 16, Fortney made a decision that would change the course of his life.
“I joined my grandfather on his boat,” he recalled. “While most kids my age were focused on exams and grades, I found my education surrounded by the saltwater and endless horizon. That decision ignited a love for seafood and a passion for fishing that still burns bright today.”
Working alongside his grandfather, Fortney became immersed in the world of fishing. His education included the operation of lobster and stone-crab boats to deep-sea grouper and snapper catches.
“I learned firsthand how to run a commercial boat, how to fish every single day, and how to pack seafood with precision to ensure it was of the highest quality,” he said. “Each catch was a testament to years of tradition and knowledge passed down through our family. Over time, I absorbed everything.”
That included the art of fishing, the business of seafood and the process of getting fresh, high-quality fish to market.
“It wasn’t just about catching seafood — it was also about understanding what it took to deliver the best product, from the moment it was pulled from the water to the second it hit the consumer’s plate,” said Fortney.
Fortney’s journey took another fortuitous turn in 2013, when he met his fiancé, Delaware native Nicole Fisher. It enabled the couple to embark on an exciting new venture that led to the creation of Fresh Fish Delaware.
“We moved back to Delaware in 2024 with a mission,” said Fortney, 49. “We knew that the East Coast had incredible seafood, but we wanted to ensure it was the best. So, we reached out to local fishermen from Florida, the Carolinas, Louisiana, Ocean City, Md., and, of course, Delaware. We handpick fresh fish from Florida all the way up to the New England coast. We forged partnerships to guarantee that our customers would always have access to quality seafood. We’ve made some great connections over the years, and if we can get it fresh, we will travel to bring it home.”
Fortney credited his years of hard work, dedication and learning from his family’s previous generations with creating this successful business.
“Fresh Fish Delaware is a reflection of my own journey,” he said. “From a 16-year-old boy on a boat to a business owner working alongside my fiancée, my commitment — our commitment — is simple. We want to bring in a fresh, quality product. Our approach to doing business is to be transparent, to provide product quality and freshness, and to provide superior customer service.”
Fresh Fish Delaware is planned to be open year-round, and they also plan to begin offering fresh steaks and premium meats to provide a comprehensive experience for customers, according to Fortney. His management team includes Fisher, Marketing Manager Jennifer Wells and Steam Master Kris Williams.
Fresh Fish Delaware is located at 27324 John J. Williams Highway in Millsboro and can be reached by telephone at (302) 410-8708 or email at [email protected].