Our Heritage

Grimsby’s fishing heritage stretches back over 1,000 years. Historically, Grimsby had a significant fishing fleet and was the biggest fishing port in the world in the late 1950s and early 60s. In those days, the deep sea trawlers caught mainly cod and haddock in Icelandic waters.

The Reel Grimsby Fish Co. was created in 1960 by John Lamming after he returned from national service. Back then, it was known as Lammings Fish, and John, along with his brothers, Pete and Sam, were amongst the first of what became known as overland trawlers - or mobile fish merchants - supplying fresh fish into Yorkshire and the surrounding areas.

The ‘Cod Wars’ of the late 70s and early 80s drastically diminished the Grimsby deep-water fleet. Fortunately, the Lamming brother’s businesses survived and adapted. Over the years, our name may have changed, and the Lamming brothers have retired, but we are honoured to carry on their tradition and be part of the fish industry and local identity of Grimsby.

The Reel Grimsby Fish Co. is now successfully run by Kevin and Sarah Loadman, who have been building and taking the business forward since 1998. From the shore to your door, we are proud to deliver sustainable, high-quality fish to the restaurants and residents across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.