Meet The Crew | Wild Strawberry Lodge
Captain Mike White
F/V JACKPOT
There is no question that Mike is a fishing veteran, as he has been a captain for 30+ years. He has been a year-round resident of Sitka for many years and has extensive knowledge and great respect for the local waters. Mike is one heck of a salmon fisherman and great at sharing his knowledge with anyone who comes aboard his vessel. Fishing with Captain Mike is bound to make you want to come back time and time again.
Captain Johnny Belcher
F/V HIGH ROLLER
Johnny has been one with the sea for as long as anyone can remember. Starting as a commercial diver at age 14, and eventually moving on to Alaska Premier Charters, Inc. in 1996, Captain Johnny rarely seems to leave the water. He has also been a commercial halibut long-liner for over 10 years, which has given him ample experience in the migration and distribution patterns of halibut. As an all-time winner of the McGyver award, and natural flair for good fishing stories and non-stop entertainment, fishing with Captain Johnny is always a memorable experience.
Captain Jeff Ching
F/V FULL HOUSE
Jeff was born and raised in the Seattle area and is a graduate of Washington State University. He came to Sitka in 1997 as a deckhand and became a skipper in 2000. Captain Jeff has a great passion for fishing and the ocean. His proven angling techniques, easy-going nature, and abundant knowledge of the history of the area make for a memorable experience for all who have the pleasure of fishing with him. Fishing with Captain Jeff guarantees a wonderful and relaxing fishing vacation.
Captain Greg Trevarthen
F/V TRIPLE PLAY
Greg is known around the lodge as “G-Money” and has been fishing in Sitka for many seasons. Greg joined forces with Alaska Premier Charters in 1999. His knowledge of the area makes him one of “The Greats” when it comes to finding the best king salmon in the sea. Derby winning king salmon have been caught on Captain Greg’s boat three times in Sitka. He is personable, easy-going, levelheaded, and has a keen instinct when it comes to finding that special fish. He has developed “the gene” and uses it to his advantage.
Captain Kyle Muir
F/V CHECKMATE
Kyle was born and raised in Oregon. He grew up fishing on rivers, lakes, and the ocean his whole life. His love for fishing brought him to Sitka, Alaska to work as a deckhand at Alaska Premier Charters which allowed him to become a captain in 2018. Captain Kyle instills confidence in everyone he meets, and has an irresistible smile. His continuous attention to detail combined with his top shelf customer service, ensure a memorable and productive trip that you will not soon forget!
Captain David Haapala
F/V BINGO
David grew up in central Minnesota and has always loved the thrill of tight lines and learned the ropes of being a great deckhand from his brother Captain Dylan, with the goal of becoming a captain. He has already proven himself to be a competent and first-class addition to our captains team. David is hard-working, cheerful and always ready to coach and assist you in the art of fishing. It’s always a fun time fishing with Captain David!
Captain Michael Bloch
F/V BANKROLL
Captain Alex Riley
F/V KUMA
Captain Alex was born and raised in Minnesota, where his passion for the outdoors, adventure, and exploration began at an early age. From his first days on the water, Alex knew that fishing wasn’t just a hobby—it was what he wanted to build his life around. That calling eventually led him west to Alaska, and since 2019 he has proudly called Sitka his summer home.
What Guests Are Saying | Wild Strawberry Lodge
