Meet the OWER & CAPTAIN
"Commercial fishing is not just an occupation, it's a way of life." Born and raised in Bayfield, Wisconsin, Craig Hoopman grew up as a 6th generation commercial fisherman. At a very young age he worked alongside his grandfather Morris Boutin, his parents Harvey and Jeanette Hoopman, and other local mentors to learn the trade of commercial fishing. From picking whitefish livers in early morning hours, to mending and setting nets, he discovered a passion for providing a fresh product while following regulations to protect such a vital resource. He continues to pass on his knowledge and wisdom of Lake Superior to his wife Billie, his three children, and the family of deckhands who have put in the grueling hours to support his mission.
"Commercial fishing is not just an occupation, it's a way of life." Born and raised in Bayfield, Wisconsin, Craig Hoopman grew up as a 6th generation commercial fisherman. At a very young age he worked alongside his grandfather Morris Boutin, his parents Harvey and Jeanette Hoopman, and other local mentors to learn the trade of commercial fishing. From picking whitefish livers in early morning hours, to mending and setting nets, he discovered a passion for providing a fresh product while following regulations to protect such a vital resource. He continues to pass on his knowledge and wisdom of Lake Superior to his wife Billie, his three children, and the family of deckhands who have put in the grueling hours to support his mission.
Family Tradition - Six generations and counting!
The Bayfield Heritage Association shared the entire Boutin genealogy register report, which dates back to 1642. The Boutin’s are of the French and Canadian decent. Benoni Boutin was first to come to Bayfield, Wisconsin in the 1820’s. He and his wife had eight sons on one daughter. His son Edward Boutin Sr. started the family fishing tradition in the Bayfield Community.
The Bayfield Heritage Association shared the entire Boutin genealogy register report, which dates back to 1642. The Boutin’s are of the French and Canadian decent. Benoni Boutin was first to come to Bayfield, Wisconsin in the 1820’s. He and his wife had eight sons on one daughter. His son Edward Boutin Sr. started the family fishing tradition in the Bayfield Community.
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Edward Boutin, Sr. 1826-1900
Married to Charolette and they reared ten children; Minerva, Lydia Ann, Edward Jr., Theodore, Clara, Solomon, George Walter, Stella, Henry and Mary-Effie. Edward, Theordore and Solomon were all fishermen in the Bayfield community. Solomon later became a wholesale fish dealer and was instrumental in moving the fish caught in the Bayfield area to other markets. Ed Boutin Jr. 1854-1924 (son of Edward Boutin Sr.) Ed Boutin Jr. married Ms. Marien Kintz and they had seven children, Etta, Ulric, Leo, Clifford, Gladyse, Dorris and Donald. Edward Boutin Jr. was engaged in the fishing industry practically the entire time he was in Bayfield, He fished at times with his brothers, and later by himself and with his sons Ulrich, Donald and Leo. Ulric Edward Boutin, 1883 – 1945 (son of Edward Boutin Jr.) Ulric married Teressa and they had the following children, Allison “Manny”, Wilfred, Vera and Morris Edward. Ulric was a Bayfield fisherman who fished by himself and with his sons, Allison, Manny and Morris. Morris Edward Boutin 1921 – (son of Ulric Edward Boutin) Morris married Eleanor Mattson in 1916. He was a fisherman his whole life and he and his wife Eleanor started Bay Fisheries in 1968. Their business was a way of life for their whole family. Morris and Eleanor had three children, Jeanette, Maurine, and April Ann. There are stories of how they spent times on Stockton Island and how they chiseled and hauled ice from Lake Superior that was sent out for refrigeration purposes. Morris fished with his son-in-law Dean Halvorson and grandson Craig. Jeanette (Boutin) Hoopman (Daughter of Morris Edward Boutin) Jeanette married Harvey Hoopman and they had four children, Kim, Craig, Lynette and Kristin. Jeanette and Lynette managed and operated Bay Fisheries until 2022. Craig Hoopman 1969-Present (son of Jeanette (Boutin) Hoopman) Craig was six years old when he first began going out on the commercial fishing boats with his Grandfather Morris Boutin who he called “Gramps”. He continued working alongside him for years and they later created a partnership. Craig married Billie Johnson in 1994 and they had three children, twins Ellie (Hoopman) Leask and Emily (Hoopman) Wilkins and son Wyatt. Together they operate Hoop’s Fish Markets, located at 707 Wilson Avenue and the former Bay Fisheries which is located at 207 Wilson Avenue. In 2024, they opened Hoop’s Fish Dockside, the first waterfront Fish and Chips restaurant in Bayfield, WI. Wyatt Hoopman 2002 – Present (son of Craig Hoopman) Born and raised in the Bayfield Community and has been working full time at Hoop’s Fish learning the commercial fishing trade. |
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Hoop's Commercial Fishing Fleet - FL 14
Eleanor B Twin Sisters Kristin Beth
Year: 1950 Year: 1948
Length: 47.2 ft / 14.4 m Length: 47.2 ft / 14.4 m
Depth: 6.3 ft / 1.9 m Depth: 6.3 ft / 1.9 m
Breadth: 14 ft / 4.3 m Breadth: 14 ft / 4.3 m
Previous Names: Ewig II, Previous Name: Sue Carol
Jean Maur B, Seeker
Year: 1950 Year: 1948
Length: 47.2 ft / 14.4 m Length: 47.2 ft / 14.4 m
Depth: 6.3 ft / 1.9 m Depth: 6.3 ft / 1.9 m
Breadth: 14 ft / 4.3 m Breadth: 14 ft / 4.3 m
Previous Names: Ewig II, Previous Name: Sue Carol
Jean Maur B, Seeker
