Captain Jim Voss
Kenai River Fishing Guide
Captain Jim Voss
Hello there! I’m Captain Jim Voss, the owner and manager of Kenai Sportfishing. 
My roots are deeply entrenched in Kenai, Alaska, where I attended Kenai High School – go Kards! Post-high school, I furthered my education at Montana State University. I earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in electrical engineering. My career then took a fascinating turn with Hewlett Packard. I spent a decade delving into various cutting-edge technologies. My journey at HP began with high-performance computer chips and gradually shifted to imaging products. This included things like flatbed scanners and digital photography. In time, I found myself at the helm of business strategy for the company’s $2B imaging division.
It was during my tenure at Hewlett Packard that I discovered another passion – aviation. I connected with a group of aviation enthusiasts who shared their knowledge and passion with me. This newfound interest quickly took flight – get it? And, within just a few months at HP, I had earned my private pilot’s license, opening a new chapter in my love for aviation.
At Kenai Sportfishing, we blend diverse experiences with the passion for the outdoors and Alaska, to offer unique and memorable fishing charters. Our services are not just about fishing. They’re about creating extraordinary experiences throughout the Kenai Peninsula.
Join us at Kenai Sportfishing for an unparalleled journey into Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness. While we’re at it, we’ll take advantage of its abundant fishing opportunities!
Career Highlights
During my time at Hewlett Packard (HP), my fascination with aviation only deepened. Overtime, I steadily earning a comprehensive set of pilot ratings. This journey through aviation education led me to acquire an array of qualifications: Single-Engine Private Pilot, Single-Engine Instrument Pilot, Single-Engine Commercial Pilot, Multi-Engine Commercial Instrument Pilot, and Single & Multi-Engine Instrument Instructor Pilot, and Seaplane ratings. The pinnacle of these achievements, the ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) certification – typically reserved for commercial airline pilots – was the only one I had yet to attain.
Following my tenure at HP, I played a pivotal roles at a variety of technology companies. I was focused on product development, and leading research teams in the areas of artificial intelligence. In 2008, we sold the company I was working for to a large technology conglomerate. This company was based in France, called Schneider-Electric.
Post Schneider-Electric, an opportunity arose that allowed me to fulfill my aspiration of becoming a commercial airline pilot. I embraced this chance wholeheartedly earning my ATP certification. And, for the next two years, I flew a CRJ-900 for American Eagle. This period not only marked the completion of my aviation certifications but also enriched my life with invaluable experiences and perspectives, which I now bring to every fishing charter at Kenai Sportfishing.
Three Generations Of Alaska Fishing
It’s truly remarkable to reflect on how three generations of my family have shared the joy of fishing on the Kenai River. It’s a bit surreal to realize that, separated by 30 years, I now have cherished photos of my daughters fishing at the same riverbanks where I once stood and fished at their age.
Centennial Campground, a local gem maintained by the city of Soldotna, offers nearly 200 campsites and serves as an ideal spot for riverside relaxation and enjoyment. Remarkably, little has changed about Centennial Campground since my childhood days. It’s as though time has paused in this scenic location, preserving its beauty and tranquility. This spot, along the Kenai River, continues to be a perfect place to appreciate the serene beauty of the river and the enduring family traditions that it nurtures.
This picture shows my daughters Keilli and Sydney getting their rods ready to go fishing at Centennial Camground in Soldotna, Alaska. The exact same spot my parents used to take us.
The continuity of this family tradition, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Alaskan wilderness, makes this image and the memories it holds all the more precious.
A Return To Alaska
In 2014, I took my daughters on a trip to Alaska, introducing them to the enchanting world of the Kenai River. Without realizing that this journey would rekindle my own connection to Alaska.
Originally, I hadn’t planned on reintegrating Alaska into my life permanently. However, my kids fell in love with all the amazing things to do here in the summer. The photo featured here captures their first day in Alaska. A day that marks the beginning of our return to Alaska. It’s a reminder of how this journey inspired me to share this extraordinary place with others.
Now, as college students, my daughters still dedicate a significant part of their summer spending time with our guests. They join our guests and friends in a host of activities – from hiking to glaciers and bear viewing, to fishing and socializing in the evenings.
I warmly invite you to explore the gallery below! It showcases just a snippet of the wonderful pictures and friends we’ve had the pleasure of meeting over the years. I encourage you to come and create your own unforgettable memories with us.
Our guests may arrive as customers, but they invariably leave as friends – a transformation that I cherish deeply and wouldn’t have it any other way.