Built for Bait. Backed by Science. Trusted on the Water.
Established in 2021 in Islamorada, FL, Keys Feeds was founded to revolutionize live bait nutrition. Our mission is simple: deliver superior feed that enhances the strength, health, and endurance of baitfish—giving anglers a competitive edge. Every pellet we produce is scientifically formulated to outperform traditional feeds like frozen shrimp, krill, or squid, which often lack essential nutrients and carry pathogen risks. Our formula is backed by science and available in multiple sizes, browse the full lineup.
Backed by over 50 years of combined expertise in animal health and feed development, our team leads the charge in advancing fish vitality and performance across pilchards, goggle eyes, crustaceans, and more. We’re proud to help captains, bait handlers, and fishing operations cultivate stronger, longer-lasting bait that thrives under pressure and delivers more hookups. Our commitment doesn’t stop at nutrition, see how to care for your bait with our expert tips.
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Our Team
Rick Barrows, Ph.D. - Founder
Frederic T. “Rick” Barrows, PhD, embarked on his distinguished journey in fish nutrition in 1982, pioneering the field with his groundbreaking dissertation on the nutrient requirements of walleye at Iowa State University—a first for the species. His career, spanning over three decades, includes a significant tenure of 15 years with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Bozeman, MT, where he developed specialized feeds for various Threatened and Endangered species, as well as recreational and food fish species.
Rick’s expertise was further amplified during his 13 years with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, where he led a team of four scientists in advancing feed development projects for a diverse range of freshwater and marine fish species and shrimp. His innovative contributions to the field are marked by several patents in feed processing and ingredient development.
As an accomplished author, Rick has contributed to over 150 peer-reviewed publications, penned 9 book chapters, and written numerous articles for trade magazines, establishing him as a thought leader in fish nutrition. His lifetime of contributions was honored in 2016 with the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Aquaculture Society, U.S. Chapter.
That same year, Rick channeled his expertise into founding Aquatic Feed Technologies, a consulting firm dedicated to the development of sustainable fish feeds. This venture collaborates with ingredient suppliers, feed companies, and fish farms across the globe. Additionally, as the Chief Scientific Officer for the Feed Innovation Network and the Future of Fish Feed (f3fin.org), Rick continues to influence the future of sustainable aquaculture.
A lifelong angler with a history of fishing the Keys since his high school years, Rick made Islamorada his home in 2015. The establishment of Keys Feeds is a culmination of his 38-year career in fish nutrition, manufacturing, and culture, seamlessly blended with his fervor for saltwater fishing, showcasing his dedication to enhancing the industry he loves.
Sue Barrows, DVM - Co-founder
Sue Barrows, DVM, is a distinguished alumna of Iowa State University, where she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1984. Her early career was marked by an enriching preceptorship at the Bronx Zoo, where she honed her skills across a diverse range of aquatic species, including various fish. In 1992, Dr. Barrows made a significant impact in Bozeman, Montana, by founding the Animal Medical Center, a facility dedicated to providing comprehensive care for companion animals and exotics, such as birds, reptiles, and fish.
Over the span of two decades, Dr. Barrows collaborated closely with researchers from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, contributing her expertise to the study of health issues affecting both wild and hatchery-reared fish populations. Her commitment to animal welfare and her extensive experience in aquatic veterinary medicine led to her invitation in 2017 to serve on the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at the Bozeman Fish Technology Center, where she plays a crucial role in ensuring the humane treatment and health of fish involved in research.
As a valued member of the Keys Feeds Nutrition Team, Dr. Barrows leverages her veterinary knowledge to guarantee that all feed formulations support the utmost in fish health and vitality. Additionally, she extends her expertise through site visits and consultations, providing tailored advice and solutions to enhance the well-being of fish in various environments. Dr. Barrows’ blend of veterinary excellence and dedication to aquatic life enriches the Keys Feeds mission, ensuring the highest standards of health and care in the industry.
Bill Barrows, BA Philosophy - Co-founder
Captain Bill Barrows, a native of Bozeman, Montana, brings to the table a lifelong passion for fishing, honed on the pristine rivers and high-altitude lakes of his hometown. This deep-seated passion led him to pursue a career in guiding fly fishing expeditions in Alaska, where he further refined his expertise in angling and customer service. In 2018, Bill graduated from Montana State University with a BA in Philosophy, a discipline he often intertwined with his love for fishing, using the serene backdrop of Montana’s rivers as a canvas for contemplation.
Transitioning from the freshwater challenges of Montana to the vast marine environments of Islamorada, Bill has seamlessly adapted his skills to the pursuit of saltwater giants, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a customer-first approach to our team. With his blend of high-quality customer service and a tireless work ethic, Bill’s commitment to excellence is evident in all his endeavors. His status as a certified PADI diver speaks to his ever-growing passion for the ocean and its mysteries. Beyond his role at Keys Feeds, Bill captains a charter fishing business out of Islamorada with his fiance Rebekah Dunaj, sharing his rich tapestry of experiences and knowledge with those eager to explore the depths of fishing.
Since relocating to Islamorada in 2020, Bill has continued to immerse himself in all aspects of fishing, leveraging his extensive background to enrich our team’s expertise and our clients’ adventures. His unwavering passion for the ocean and its inhabitants makes him an invaluable asset to anyone looking to explore the depths and wonders of saltwater fishing.
