Jimmie Jack Crew - Alaska Fishing Lodges

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!

The man behind Jimmie Jack Fishing, the best Alaska fishing guides on the Kenai.

Jimmie Jack Drath

Jimmie Jack grew up on the Kenai River. He began running the river on his own when he was just 13 years old in 1982. Jimmie Jack was a world class pole vaulter and competed at the 1996 U.S. Olympic Trials. Currently, his passions are fishing and Christian missions in Mexico. He and his wife, Rosy, are raising 3 boys, Billy, Enzo and Wesley. Jimmie Jack has been featured on Larry Csonka’s North to Alaska, Globo Reporter in Brazil, IGFA Featured Captains, Travel Channel, Last Frontier Magazine, and many TV and Radio fishing reports in Alaska. Jimmie Jack recently earned his Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Read “The Jimmie Jack Story” here.
Phone: 907-262-5561
Email: [email protected]

“Rosy” Jack Drath (since 2008)

Jimmie Jack’s hot Brazilian wife. Mother of Billy Jack, Enzo, and Wesley. Rosy loves to fish…especially for sockeye salmon at home! Jimmie Jack presented her a trophy in 2021 when she reached her goal of catching 100 sockeye. Rosy is from Jales, Brazil. Rosy has a secret prayer room where she prays for you to catch fish, create memories, and rejuvenate your spirit in Alaska.

“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.

Shirie Drath “Mama Jack” (since 1982)

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!

Abbi Hyder – Manager and Sales

Abbi is the Manager of the Operations at Jimmie Jack’s Alaska Fishing Lodges. Abbi is always available to help you plan your dream Alaska fishing trip. You can reach her anytime at 907-262-5561, or at [email protected]. Abbi is always willing to do whatever the team needs to get the job done. Abbi loves to fish during her free time, so you may see her out on the boats with you during your stay! Abbi works full-time managing Jimmie Jack Fishing Inc.

Jenna Storms – Sales and Administration (since 2023)

Jenna is always available to help you book your fishing trip. You can reach her anytime at 1-907-262-5561, or at [email protected]. She also provides support year round in the office working behind the scenes as Jimmie Jack’s administrative assistant. Jenna grew up on the Kenai River.

Cynthia Sweeney – Office (Since 2018)

Cynthia has been a part of the Jimmie Jack Fishing Team for 7 years now. She has worked in many different roles and is dedicated to making Jimmie Jack Fishing the best it can be. Nowadays you will find Cynthia enjoying her free time being partly retired. Cynthia will still reach out to you prior to your arrival to complete your guest questionnaire with you and answer any questions you might have about your trip. You can reach Cynthia at 907-262-5561 or [email protected].

Nathanael D. Motes – U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain – (Since 2022)

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.)

Brian Kyncy Sr. – U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain – (Since 2018)

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.”

Tom Phillips – Drift Boat Guide (Since 2019)

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 sockeye salmon and silver salmon in July and August, Tom will get you on top of the fish.

Guide Paul Wilcox – U.S.Coast Guard Licensed Captain – (Since 2020)

Guide Sam Rush – U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain – (Since 2023)

Captain Cooper Sutherland – U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain – (Since 2016)

Cooper has been with Jimmie Jack’s since he was a teenager. He started as a deckhand under the famous Captain Charlie https://jimmiejackfishing.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=35&action=edit#Barberini in 2016, and put his time in fishing out of Ninilchik and Homer. He has since become an excellent captain for the team and currently runs the F/V “Big Jim” out of Homer for our Homer Combo Trips. We are proud of Cooper and the great Captain that he has become. It has been awesome to watch him grow up on the waters of Alaska.

Captain JP – “Big Iron”

Captain JP lives in Seward, Alaska and has been a professional mariner for 15+ years. She has an impeccable safety record on the water. Captain JP is wonderful to fish with, and prides herself on taking care of our guests. Jimmie Jack says, “JP is famous with our guests, she gets rave reviews all the time. I told her I would make her famous, but she really does that on her own. We are proud to have JP on Team Jimmie Jack Fishing!”

Captain Chris Morlock – U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain – (Since 2023)

Chris is one salty captain. He has captained boats from South Carolina to Seward, Alaska. Jimmie Jack says, “He runs the Kenai River or the Saltwater for us here at Jimmie Jack’s. Chris is a very talented guy, he is a registered nurse, commercially fishes big tuna, and even plays guitar.”

Captain JR – – U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain (Since 2021)

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!

Captain Frank – U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain – (Since 2006)

Captain Frank is Jimmie Jack’s friend from Riverbend. He trained Captain Charlie on the F/V Unforgiven, and occasionally dials in our captains on the details of halibut fishing. Captain Frank is an expert bear guide if you are interested. https://alaskatrophyoutfitters.com/about/

Audra Leininger – SeaScape Manager (Since 2019)

My adventure in Alaska began in August 2019, when Jimmie posted he needed a breakfast chef to finish the last month of the season. I had just quit my “real job” (9-5 job), and the very last day of work, I opened Facebook to see Jimmie’s post. I came to help him out for a month – and I’ve been here every summer since (minus one): first as the breakfast chef and now as the lodge manager. During the off season, I live in Gaylord, MI. I enjoy hosting Airbnb guests at my adorable A-frame cabin. I run a life coaching business called “The Road to Gold,” and help people learn how to accomplish their life dreams. And I recently became the Executive Director for Gaylord Area Council for the Arts. I am passionate about hospitality, creativity, and all things food related! My goal is to create an incredible team and help make the guest experience as memorable as possible. I look forward to serving you this summer!

Shauna Valentine – Head of House (Since 2021)

My name is Shauna Valentine and I have lived on the Kenai Peninsula with my husband and 3 out of 6 children since December 2020. We moved here from Florida with our 6 children, 2 German Shepherds, a cat and hamster. Might sound crazy, but we moved by Faith. It was a “Journey of Faith”.

I have been in hospitality for 35+ years. I started in the hotel and banquet industry at the age of 18. In all of those years I have worked 4+ star Hotels including Hilton, Hyatt, and Beachfront properties of JW Marriott. In those years I have been a part of 100’s of weddings serving the bride and groom, private events including “The Beach Boys”, and “Ron DeSantis“ (Governor of Florida), and other multi-million dollar events. My passion and experience in the hospitality field has lead me to be right where I am today. I still remember the days I prayed for the things I have now. I look forward to meeting you and serving you and your family. God bless!

Tana Moore – SeaScape Lodge Guest Services (Since 2021)

Tana loves to fish! She has been working at the SeaScape Lodge for a few years, and then moved to Alaska. Tana is studying hard to be a speech pathologist so she can help young kids find their voice. Did we mention that she was passionate about fishing?!

Mirian Olivo – Lodge Manager and Cook (since 2019)

Mirian has been a huge asset to Team Jimmie Jack. Her guest service skills are top notch, and she has worked in many positions: housekeeper, lodge manager, and cook.

JR – Camphand Extraordinaire (Since 2020)

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.

Nate “The Knife” Good – Deckhand (Since 2017)

Nate is our fish species expert. He knows more about fish than anyone. Ask him a question when you see him. You will be amazed. Nate has worked at Jimmie Jack’s as a camphand and now as a Top Level Deckhand. He is a wizard at cutting and filleting fish.

Jennifer Wooley –Fish House Manager (Since 2022)

Jennifer manages Jimmie Jack’s Fishhouse here, and makes sure your fish are processed and ready for you. Please call her after you arrive to plan to ship your fish. Call 907-395-7676.

Rob Wooley – Fishhouse (Since 2020)

Rob is our lead man in the Fishhouse. He cleans, cuts, vacs, packs, boxes your fish with excellence.

Taylor Wooley – Fishhouse (Since 2020)

Billy Jack Drath – Guide Trainee (since 2009)

Enzo Jack Drath – Guide Trainee (since 2011)

Vin Garden – River Guide/Camphand

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.”