Meet the Heart Behind the Hooks: Our Volunteer Captains

Day at the Lake wouldn't be possible without the incredible generosity of our volunteer captains. These experienced anglers not only share their boats, but also their time, mentorship, and love of fishing with kids who might otherwise never have the chance to experience it. Learn more about the amazing people behind the helm

  • Jeff Young is the founder and driving force behind Day At The Lake, a non-profit organization dedicated to introducing young people to the world of fishing and fostering a lasting connection with the outdoors. As a lifelong angler and community advocate, Jeff’s passion lies in giving kids the same opportunities for growth, discovery, and peace that fishing has given him throughout his life.

    For Jeff, fishing has always been more than a pastime—it is a tool for teaching patience, respect, and perseverance. From an early age, he discovered that time on the water provided not only excitement but also valuable lessons in responsibility and appreciation for nature. Those lessons became the foundation of his mission: to use fishing as a way to guide youth toward positive values and meaningful experiences that can shape their futures.

    Through Day At The Lake, Jeff has created a welcoming environment where children can learn the fundamentals of fishing while also gaining confidence, teamwork skills, and an understanding of environmental stewardship. He believes that fishing can have a transformative impact on young people, especially in a world where technology and busy schedules often pull them away from outdoor experiences. His programs emphasize more than just catching fish—they focus on personal growth, respect for nature, and building lifelong memories.

    Jeff’s commitment extends beyond education; he strives to make fishing accessible to all children, regardless of background or financial circumstance. By organizing community events, youth tournaments, and mentorship opportunities, Day At The Lake provides children with access to quality gear, guidance, and safe environments to learn and explore. Each event reflects Jeff’s belief that every child deserves the chance to experience the calm, excitement, and joy that comes with spending a day on the water.

    PB Largemouth - 8.55lbs

    PB Smallmoutn - 4.34lb

  • General Manager, Matson Navigation Company of Alaska, LLC

    Mike has a passion for fishing and enjoys targeting a wide variety of species, with a special love for both smallmouth and largemouth bass. His favorite place to fish is Alder Lake, where the peaceful scenery and lively bass keep him coming back.

    Mike volunteers with Day at the Lake because he values the opportunity to mentor and inspire the next generation of anglers. For him, it's all about sharing the joy of fishing and giving youth a chance to learn, grow, and experience the outdoors in a fun, supportive environment.

  • Randy brings over three decades of experience in Alaska freight forwarding, having spent 31 years with Spenard Builders Supply/BFS and now working with Span Alaska. A passionate bass angler, Randy’s personal best is a 9.05 lb largemouth, though he enjoys chasing both largemouth and smallmouth alike. His favorite lake? Riffe — no contest.

    What makes Randy a perfect Day at the Lake captain is his love of coaching and teaching new anglers. “Being able to coach and fish at the same time is a win-win for me and the kids,” he says. His team-first attitude and natural mentorship style make him one of the most engaging captains on the water.

  • Chris is the owner and operator of First Choice Finishes LLC, a South Sound-based home remodeling business celebrating over 10 years of excellence in kitchen and bath remodels, tile work, and fine finish carpentry. When he’s not transforming homes, you’ll find him fishing for bass, mountain biking, or snowboarding.

    A newer face to the bass fishing scene, Chris is already making waves with a personal best of 5 lbs 13 oz for largemouth and 4 lbs 6 oz for smallmouth. While he can’t pick a favorite between the two species, he loves the thrill of battling a smallmouth and the payoff of weighing a big largie. He fishes Black Lake most often but says Mason Lake currently holds the title of his favorite.

    Chris volunteers at Day at the Lake to help kids unplug and reconnect with the outdoors. “Seeing the pure joy on their faces reminds me of fishing my grandpa’s ponds as a kid,” he says. For Chris, it's about building memories, sharing smiles, and passing the love of fishing to the next generation.

  • Larry has been fishing his entire life and loves nothing more than sharing that passion with others. He works at Fred Meyer and Big 5 Sporting Goods, where he’s surrounded by the gear that fuels his favorite pastime. While he enjoys the hard fight of a smallmouth bass, Larry’s true love is chasing big largemouths across Washington waters.

    His favorite fishing spots include Lake Tapps in Western Washington and Potholes Reservoir in the east. Larry’s personal bests are impressive — a 5.6 lb smallmouth and a 6.2 lb largemouth. When he’s not on the water in spring and summer, you’ll find him watching hockey through the colder months.

    Larry also gives back through multiple organizations, including volunteering with the Cast 4 Kids Foundation and, of course, Day at the Lake. His enthusiasm for helping young anglers shines through every cast and conversation.

    Motto: #TIGHTLINES

  • 💼 Web Designer & Online Marketing Specialist
    🎣 PB Smallmouth: 4.4 lbs   |   PB Largemouth: 5.3 lbs
    🌊 Favorite Lake: Banks Lake
    🎯 Target Preference: Smallmouth Bass

    Bio Summary:
    Mat is a digital strategist by trade and an avid bass angler at heart. With a career in web design and online marketing, he blends creativity with precision—skills that translate well to the water. As a volunteer captain for Day at the Lake, Mat brings his passion and experience to the forefront, helping young anglers build confidence and create unforgettable memories.

    He thrives on the chase for aggressive smallmouth bass, favoring finesse techniques and topwater tactics. Whether he’s teaching kids how to cast or sharing stories of his latest tournament, Mat is always ready to lend a hand and lead by example.

🧭 How to Become a Captain

We’re always looking for enthusiastic and responsible boaters who want to share their love of fishing with the next generation. If you're passionate about bass fishing and enjoy giving back to the community, volunteering as a Day at the Lake Captain is a deeply rewarding way to make a difference.

🎣 What It Means to Be a Captain

As a volunteer Captain, you’ll host 1–3 kids on your boat during one of our tournament-style events. You’ll teach them fishing basics, help them land their first bass, and make lifelong memories — all while enjoying a fun, low-pressure day on the water.

Captains are the heart of the program. We rely on their experience, patience, and mentorship to create safe, inspiring experiences for every participant.

🧰 Requirements

  • Own a safe, operable boat (bass boat, aluminum skiff, or equivalent)

  • Have a valid Washington State Boater Education Card

  • Carry liability insurance on your vessel

  • Pass a brief volunteer screening

  • Be comfortable coaching youth anglers ages 8–17

  • Be available for the full event day (typically 6am–2pm)

  • Attend a pre-event Captain Orientation (virtual or in-person)

🙌 What You’ll Get

  • Bragging rights for your co-angler’s big catch 🎉

  • Swag & tackle from our sponsors

  • Featured spot on our Captain Spotlight page

  • Lunch & snacks provided

  • A fun, purpose-filled day on the water

✅ Ready to Join the Team?

📝 Fill out the quick interest form below, and we’ll be in touch with next steps:
 Become a Captain - Sign-Up Form

Still have questions? Reach out anytime at info@dayatthelake.org