Jimmie Jack’s Lodge Staff and Captains
Your staff here at Jimmie Jack’s Lodge has an overwhelming commitment to excellence. The success of your trip is our focus. Our commitment to you starts with your inquiry. We give you what you desire. Experience easy online booking, attention to detail in your lodging, meals, and professionally guided fishing trips. You will fish in the cleanest boats, and some say the best looking boats, on the Kenai River. Most importantly, Jimmie Jack’s guides fish to produce fish. An Alaska fishing vacation at Jimmie Jack’s Lodge will leave you smiling!
Jimmie Jack Drath
Phone: (907)-262-5561
Email: jimmiejack@jimmiejackfishing.com
“Big Jim” Drath (1944 to 2021) – 20 Year Kenai River Guide
Jimmie Jack’s Dad, Big Jim, passed away on July 10, 2021. His robust legacy at Jimmie Jack Fishing lives on. He guided the Kenai River for 20 years. Big Jim fished the Kenai River since 1982 when he brought his family “North to Alaska”. When he retired from his career in security on the Alaska Pipeline, he found out that his son, Jimmie Jack had painted his boat red. Jimmie wanted his dad to join him as a fishing guide on the Kenai River. Big Jim joined the team, and began making lasting memories with his son and multitudes of JJF guests. Big Jim knew the Kenai River well, and how to pull out the big kings. As he puts it, “This is where I live, this is my house.” Jimmie Jack says that his dad had the HOT plugs. “Shoot, he had more awesome plugs than any of us other guides combined. We would try and take them, but he slept with them under his pillow.” Big Jim will be greatly missed on the Kenai River and around the campfire. We will fish with him again in Heaven.
Dave “Catdaddy” Drake
Jimmie Jack met Catdaddy on the mission field in Bolivia. They were building a church, and laying brick side by side. Then Cataddy showed Jimmie Jack how to enter into a street water balloon fight, and they have been good friends ever since. Catdaddy leads missions trips to build churches around the world. Catdaddy has been guiding the Kenai River and surrounding areas for over 8 years, and brings a cheerful, positive atmosphere to the boat. Ask him to show you his special fish call!
Scott Blahnik
Fishing has been a way of life for me for as long as I can remember. After catching my first steelhead and salmon at the age of 10 I was literally hooked. My first experience fishing the Kenai was in 1994. My dad and I hauled a jet boat up the Alcan Hwy. from the lower 48. We camped along the banks of the Kenai and fished for Kings 48 days straight. My first Kenai King that summer was 65 lbs. Needless to say I had to come back. The next summer after graduating from the University of Montana with a teaching degree, I put everything I owned into my truck and hauled two brand new boats up the Alcan to start my guiding career on the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers. I also started a business in the lower 48 guiding for Kings and Steelhead. I worked hard, paid my dues, and learned from some of the best to become one of the top guides on the Kenai. My teacher training has been very helpful in my guiding career, as a successful guide is also a good teacher. After 20 years as a year around guide on the Kenai, Kasilof and lower 48 rivers I have joined with the team at Jimmie Jack Fishing. I look forward to using my experience to put you into a fish of a life time.
Nathanael D. Motes
Nathanael D. Motes was born and raised deep in the bayou of Southeast Louisiana, right in the heart of Cajun country. He grew up hunting and fishing, and always dreamed of one day going to Alaska to explore the Last Frontier. Motes spent years of hard work honing his entrepreneurship skills, and had success in many small businesses, but even with all of this, he still had the dream of a great Alaskan adventure. After meeting his wife and little convincing, they sold their belongings, and headed north. Motes and his wife found a remote property in Southeast Alaska.
There, nestled on the side of a mountain in the Chilkat Valley, they lived an agrarian lifestyle of hunting, fishing, growing their own crops, foraging, and raising animals. They ran a remote bed and breakfast with a fishing outfit, where they hosted people from all over the world who wanted insight into their amazing lifestyle. As years passed, Motes and his realized how much they really missed running water, flushing toilets, Internet, and yes, the occasional Walmart visit. More importantly, they missed the constant interaction with people on a daily basis, and wanted to see more of what Alaska has to offer.
So, once again, they packed their bags and headed even further north, landing in the Mat-Su Valley. Being this close to Kenai River proved providential. Motes had always heard of the magnificent Kenai King Salmon and he just knew that was going to be his next chase. Through the guidance of God, he crossed paths with Jimmie Jack and the rest is history. He now spends his summer with the amazing Jimmie Jack crew, entertaining clients, chasing salmon, and making as many new friends as possible.
Motes is a foremost fishing guide with experience fishing all over Alaska. He is passionate about fishing, but more importantly dedicated to making sure his clients have a great experience. There’s nothing Nate enjoys more than sharing the river with young anglers. He greatly appreciate spending time teaching the youth how to enjoy and respect the great outdoors. His low pressure guiding philosophy translates into a relaxed group of confident anglers.
No matter what age or skill level all are welcome aboard. Motes is known for going above and beyond and letting his southern hospitality shine on whoever is in his presence. He brought a famous tagline from Louisiana with him to Alaska, “Laissez les bon temps roulez” (Let the good times roll.)
Captain Seth Ellis
Seth lives in Homer Alaska year round. He has 13 years of experience charter fishing the local waters, 11 as a skipper. He runs the Dream Catcher II for Jimmie Jack Fishing. Seth has also commercial fished the Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska. He graduated from the University of Idaho in 2007 and has been living the Alaska fishing dream ever since!
Timothy Farring
Hi! My name is Timothy Farring. I was born in Anchorage and was raised in Palmer, Alaska and have fished the Kenai River my entire life. I am currently enrolled and going to school and playing rugby at Western Oregon University. I am seeking my degree in elementary to middle school education and am looking to get my master’s in special needs education. To me fishing isn’t just my job it’s been a passion of mine ever since I can remember, and now I have been able to turn that into a summer position. There is no where else I’d rather be than on the river, so I hope you’ll enjoy your time with me. If you want a fun story to start the day off right, ask about how I lost my fingers.
Dave Coram
Dave is your Original Lodge Host. Dave runs the show super organized. He will get you breakfast and your fisherman’s lunch as you head out the door, and keep your rooms fresh and clean. He is Superman. We all still wonder how he manages to do it all himself. He is our “get-er-done” guy at Jimmie Jack’s Original Lodge. You are in good hands with Dave in charge!
Kevin Toliver – Administrative Assistant to Jimmie Jack
Kevin is our behind the scenes intelligence. You will rarely see him, but be sure that he is keeping the details straight behind the scenes. He doubles checks the scheduling to make sure everything is on point. He has been into all aspects of the office since 2014. Kevin does the HR, spreadsheets, reports, works the books, and even makes our Videos! The details are in Kevin’s hands.
Colleen Shaw
Colleen has managed both of Jimmie Jack’s lodges at different times over the years. Although she is not at SeaScape every year, she is our on call manager/chef when needed. If you get to meet her, you will be blessed. She is always willing to jump in and make things run smooth. She loves being at the SeaScape, as she says, “This view is just gorgeous!”
Brian Kyncy Sr.
Big Brian was raised in Northern California spending every spare moment hunting or fishing the premier creeks and river drainages from Yosemite to Mount Shasta. Although early in his life he excelled in the corporate world, he was still able to use this travel to his advantage making it a personal mission to fish in every major mountain range in the entire U.S, from New York to California. Leaving the corporate world and moving back to North Eastern California in 2000, Big Brian opened an outfitting business which offers fishing trips on the picturesque Trinity and Sacramento river systems. This fueled Big Brian’s desire to explore waterways and the different species of salmonids. Big Brian soon became a successful Alaskan river guide. Big Brian lives in North Eastern California with his wife and high school sweatheart. He says, “Families that Hunt, Fish and Pray together, stay together.”
JR – Camphand Extroadinaire
JR is Jimmie Jack’s right hand man with boots on the ground. He is our “Giterdone” Guy. Do not get in his way because he is usually on a mission. Jimmie Jack says, “If JR cannot fix it, then you might want to chuck it because it can’t be fixed.” JR takes care of the grounds at Jimmie Jack’s private Kenai River boat launch, and is in charge of all maintenance on the JJF boats and vehicles. JR can also clean fish at lightning speed when needed. You will see JR launching the river boats on the Kenai River every morning. JR loves to hunt, fish, and enjoy the great outdoors.
Sarah Joy Kvasnikoff – SeaScape Executive Housekeeper
Hello, I am Sarah Joy! I grew up on the beaches of Sarasota & Bradenton, Florida. I met my Alaskan husband, Wesley, on December 2008. We were Married in Florida on Anna Maria Island in April of 2009. I have been taking care of lodges seasonally in Alaska since 2011. We moved back to Kenai permanently in December of 2016. I have been caring & catering for private homes & clubs for over 15 years. I will help make sure you have a vacation of a lifetime! I am looking forward to making memories together.
Cynthia Sweeney
You will find Cynthia and her sweet southern hospitality ready to take care of you in the office. Cynthia will book help you book your fishing trip. She can always be reached at 1-866-553-4744, or at office@jimmiejackfishing.com. During the summer months she manages things at Red Boat Club, and she will be your go to person for getting your fish vacuum sealed and shipped home. Give her a call, she is a joy to talk to!
Abbi Hyder – Manager and Sales
Abbi is in charge of many of the operations at Jimmie Jack’s. Abbi is always in the office ready to help you book your fishing trip. You can reach her anytime at 1-866-553-4744, or at sales@jimmiejackfishing.com. Abbi can do just about any work the team needs. She is even good with a toolbox, and can swing a hammer! You will typically meet her upon arrival at check-in time. Her goal is to be a very successful entrepreneur. Currently, Abbi works full-time managing Jimmie Jack Fishing Inc.
Tom Phillips
Tom is our man dedicated to the Kasilof River. Tom will row you down the “drift only” Kasilof River in search of salmon. Tom know where the Kasilof from the lake to the ocean, and will always do his best to put you on the salmon. Whether it is Kasilof River king salmon in June and July, or silver salmon in August, Tom will get you on top of the fish. He has also been known to find the sockeye in high numbers, as you can see in this photo!
Shirie Drath “Mama Jack”
Jimmie Jack Fishing would not exist without Jimmie Jack’s Mama! She started by placing hand made brochures in local hotels back in 1995. She has been in the wings helping with the success of Jimmie Jack Fishing since the beginning. She also keeps Big Jim well fed, and ready for the river in the early morning hours. We are very thankful to Shirie, and her spirit behind the scenes!
Captain JR – F/V POGO
Captain JR has been a Captain out of Homer, Alaska for 10 plus years. JR has proven over and over that he can find the fish in any weather. His extensive knowledge and experience in Cook Inlet and outside in the Gulf of Alaska makes him a great Charter Captain. Jimmie Jack says, “Captain JR is just straight up a fun guy to fish with!” Homer halibut combo fishing is super exciting, and Captain JR makes it that much better with his enthusiasm for fishing. He just loves being out on the saltwater!
Audra Leininger
I currently live in Northern Michigan, however, I am a mountain girl at heart. I love mountains and adventure of any kind, so I am thrilled to be in Alaska in the summer! I grew up in southern Michigan, but I have lived in Colorado three times, spent 4 summers in Grand Teton National Park, lived 9 months in Redding, CA and spent 7 years in Lake Tahoe. I moved back to Michigan about 8 years ago to pursue my master’s degree. It didn’t take me long to realize I needed to live in Northern Michigan to get back to enjoying and exploring the great outdoors. I now have a vacation rental, and absolutely love having an outlet for hospitality. Through it all, baking and cooking have been my passion. I look forward to helping you start your day off right with an amazing breakfast and yummy baked goods!
Rosy Jack Drath
Jimmie Jack’s hot wife. Mother of Billy Jack, Enzo, and Wesley. Rosy loves to fish…especially for sockeye salmon at home! Rosy is from Jales, Brazil.
Guide in Training – Billy Jack
Guide in Training – Enzo Drath
Captain JP – “Big Iron”
Seward, Alaska
Guide – Mike Polyhronakis
Emily Hamilton
Emily will get you booked on your next fishing package with Jimmie Jack’s. She is in the office keeping you informed of your trip. You might meet her at Check-in Time! Her smile is contagious and she likes to kiss fish. You can each her at the office. (907) 262-5561, and bookings@jimmiejackfishing.com
What Our Guests
Have To Say
“Professional, friendly and successful captains!”
“I’m glad we chose Jimmie Jack Fishing. The guides and staff made this an unforgettable experience and gave my son and I memories that will last a lifetime.”
“The 3 times we have been at JJF, Jimmie Jack has provided outstanding service, quality fishing, and made us feel more like a friend than a client.”
“I did not expect this year’s trip to be as good as last year’s trip. Last year was great. Boy, was I wrong! It was even better!”
“It was completely hassle free, and we had a fantastic time.”
“We came hungry and left with big fish. Boat was big and extremely comfortable ~ lots of room outside but also a great indoor area with protection from the elements.”
“Spectacular views, great service and gourmet meals all exceeded our expectations!”
“Excellent Lodge with a million-dollar view. If you are going to fish the Kenai stay at Jimmie Jack’s Lodge. Best fishing vacation of my life!”
“The entire experience was great! Well organized fishing trips and fish packaging arrangements. Clean lodge and boats. Excellent staff!”
