Expanding Opportunities on Alaska’s Coast
Located in Ketchikan, Alaska, Fishability LLC is breaking barriers in one of the state’s most iconic industries: fishing. Founded by John Finnegan, known as Captain Jack, an Alaskan entrepreneur with a passion for inclusion and adventure, Fishability provides adaptive fishing and wildlife excursions that make Alaska’s marine experiences accessible to people of all abilities. From a custom-built accessible boat to specialized adaptive fishing gear, Fishability ensures that everyone, from seasoned anglers to first-time visitors, can safely enjoy the thrill of Alaska’s waters.
Captain Jack brings more than a decade of experience working with people with disabilities, along with deep roots in Ketchikan’s maritime community. His inspiration for Fishability came from firsthand experience in the charter industry, where he saw how traditional boats often excluded people who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
That realization shaped Fishability’s mission: to make inclusion the standard in adventure tourism. The company’s custom-built 37-foot vessel features wide ADA-compliant doors, flush deck transitions, and adaptive equipment tailored to each guest’s needs, ensuring that everyone can share in Southeast Alaska’s ocean adventures.
In 2024, Spruce Root, a regional Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), partnered with the UAA Alaska Small Business Development Center’s (SBDC) State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) to help Fishability expand its operations.
The Alaska State SSBCI program guaranteed 50% of a $400,000 loan issued by Spruce Root, giving the lender confidence to support the company’s next stage of growth. This investment helped Fishability strengthen its fleet, upgrade adaptive equipment, and meet rising demand for inclusive outdoor experiences; creating local jobs and helping reduce unemployment in the region.
Captain Jack shared, “Getting out on the water is a crucial component of life here in Southeast Alaska, and an experience that should be available to all people in our community, plus our many visitors. It’s about more than going fishing or spotting wildlife: it’s about fully participating in our environment. And not only for those with disabilities, but also for their friends, family, and travel companions.”
Today, Fishability stands as a model for inclusive entrepreneurship in Alaska. With the support of Spruce Root, the University of Alaska Anchorage’s Alaska SBDC, and the U.S. Treasury’s SSBCI program, Fishability proves that when opportunities are accessible to everyone, Alaska’s communities grow stronger together. Learn more at fishabilityalaska.com.
