Captain James Baumann was born in 1986 to John and Mary Baumann. He grew up in Nisswa, Minnesota and began fishing just about the same time as he began walking. His summer “daycare” consisted of all day fishing at his grandparents’ house on Clark Lake catching panfish. James played high school and college football.
In the summer of 2008 James came to Sitka as a deckhand and immediately knew he wanted a life on the water. He planned a career as a teacher, but “working in Alaska on a fishing boat seemed like a perfect getaway from the reality of a big boy teaching job in a classroom setting with 30 whiny students. After the first day on a rough ocean with captain Greg – with the pristine wilderness, mountains and marine wildlife – the Sitka fishing lifestyle got
in my blood quick. Being on the water makes me feel more alive than anything else I’ve ever done in my life. It’s my 17th season!! Long time.”
James deckhanded one year for Captain Tom and three years for Captain Ryan before earning his captain’s license and taking the helm in 2012. He quickly established a loyal clientele that insist on fishing with Captain James every year. People love his relaxed style and the high catch rate aboard his boat.
Captivated by the pristine beauty of Southeast Alaska and the abundant wildlife, James became a resident of Sitka. He bought a 24-foot Osprey boat and a hand troll permit so he could commercially fish for salmon in the offseason. He’s a diehard Minnesota Vikings fan and never misses a broadcast of their games, thus the name of the brand-new North River he’s running in
2024 – “Purple Reign”.
James would like to scout for the Minnesota Vikings in the offseason and see them play in the Super Bowl. Until then, he plans to continue fishing at Angling Unlimited until his wife wins the lottery.
Update: Captain James and Jessica Kuhne walked the aisle on December 2, 2023 in Nisswa, Minnesota.
Favorite Quote: “Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying.” From the “Shawshank Redemption”.
Sitka, Alaska, 99835