A fourth-generation crab fisherman and also professional skateboarder, Jake was introduced to the world of crab fishing in 2007 by his uncle / Northwestern crewman, Nick Mavar, and fell in love with it. His personality and charisma carried him from greenhorn to full-share deckhand to relief deck boss, under Captain Sig Hansen.

After six years as an integral part of the Northwestern crew, Jake had bigger aspirations and decided to leave the Northwestern behind for a chance to run the Kiska Sea. Although Jake gave the Kiska everything he had, the crew gave him no respect in return. After the disappointing season, Jake left the Kiska Sea/ and asked the Hansens for his old spot back on the Northwestern. They said yes but demoted him to the bottom rung on the deck, driving him to chase the wheelhouse even more.

The past few years have heralded a lot of change for Jake. As Jake was welcoming his first son, Aiden, into the world he received a call from previous Saga Captain Elliott Neese asking Jake if he wanted to run the Saga, Jake accepted and had to leave shortly after his son was delivered to captain the boat. These milestones were a welcome change for the recovering addict who has faced many trials over the course of his life: His sister’s sudden death, his father’s murder, an opiate addiction — Jake has overcome a lot in a short time.

Recently, while Jake was bringing the Saga into dry dock for renovations, his wife Jenna gave birth to their second child, Cadence. Faced with the pressing demands of his career, Jake has struggled to find balance as a captain and father, and the time away from his family has exacted a heavy toll. Jake has sought guidance from fellow veteran captains, such as Sig and Keith, but with those failed partnerships, Jake has concluded that in order to earn respect as a captain, he must forge his own path.

The Southern Wind

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