Many anglers discover their love of fishing as kids. But for thousands of youth—especially those from underserved communities—that first chance never comes. Since 1999, Captain Rollo’s Kids at Sea has been changing that. This volunteer-led nonprofit works to support youth fishing by taking children on their first ocean fishing trips; giving them a hands-on introduction to marine life, conservation, and the outdoors. With help from the fishing community, including custom rod builders, the organization has introduced over 150,000 kids to the water.
“Our mission started as a way to honor Captain Rollo, a legendary long-range boat captain in Southern California,” explains Mike Lum, a longtime industry advocate and volunteer with the organization. “After he passed away unexpectedly, a few of his friends decided they couldn’t let his legacy die. So they raised money and chartered boats to take kids fishing in his memory.”
The Mission: More Than Just a Day on the Water
What began as a tribute to a beloved captain quickly became a movement. The organization formed officially in 1999 and has remained lean and grassroots ever since. “We don’t have any full-time employees or fancy offices,” Lum says. “Everything’s done by volunteers who have other full-time jobs. But that’s exactly how we want it.”
The impact of these trips goes far beyond fishing. Many of the children they serve live just miles from the coast but have never seen the ocean, let alone fished it. “It sounds unbelievable, but it’s true,” says Lum. “Some of these kids live 20 miles from the Pacific and have never even laid eyes on it.”
The results speak for themselves. “We’ve had people come up to us at trade shows and say, ‘I went on one of your trips as a kid. Now I own a boat and take my own kids out,’” Lum shares. “That’s what makes this life-changing.”
Gear for Beginners: What Works for Youth
For most participants, it’s their first time holding a rod. That makes the right gear essential. The rods used on trips need to be lightweight, balanced, and durable enough to handle ocean conditions without overwhelming young anglers.
“Kids need simple setups,” Lum says. “Something that won’t frustrate them. We’re not trying to make them experts—we just want them to have fun and succeed out there.”
More than just a recreational tool, the fishing rod becomes a gateway into a broader experience. “Fishing is what gets them on the boat,” says Lum. “But they walk away with a real understanding of ocean life, the environment, and what it all means. It sticks with them.”
The Role of Custom Rod Builders
In recent years, the rod-building community has become a vital force behind Captain Rollo’s mission to support youth fishing. From product donations to collaborative raffles, custom builders have helped the organization raise tens of thousands of dollars.
“These guys are artists, plain and simple,” Lum says. “And when they donate rods to us, we don’t just treat them like gear—we treat them like treasures.”
The turning point came about eight years ago, when a local rod-building competition donated 16 rods to the organization. Lum wasn’t sure what to do with them at first, until inspiration struck during planning for their annual raffle.
“We decided to do a special drawing,” he explains. “If someone bought $100 worth of regular raffle tickets, they’d be entered to win one of these custom rods. We limited it to 100 people, and boom—raised $10,000 just like that.”
Since then, partners like Bill Batson and others have helped scale the idea, donating custom rods year after year. On one charter trip alone, two custom rods and matching reels helped raise $14,000 through a boat raffle. “That’s nearly 190 kids we can now take fishing,” Lum notes. “From just two rods.”
How the Community Can Get Involved
Custom rod builders aren’t the only ones who can help. Tackle shops, charter captains, and individual donors all have a role to play.
“We get groups reaching out all the time—churches, public schools, Scout troops—asking for trips,” says Lum. “And we pay for everything: boat, tackle, bait, lunch. But it all comes from grassroots fundraising. We’re not backed by big corporations.”
One easy way to help is by donating gear or hosting on-board raffles. “We had one captain raise $6,000 just raffling off prizes to his group during a long-range trip,” Lum shares. “Now he does it every year.”
The organization also offers an easy monthly giving program through its website. “Even $10 a month helps,” Lum says. “It adds up, and every dollar counts. We stretch it as far as we can.”
Rod donations are always welcome—especially when they’re custom. “I promise you, if you build a rod and give it to us, it will get used to its full potential,” he says. “We’ll turn it into more kids on boats. No question.”
Legislative Push: The Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act
In addition to fundraising, Lum is now helping push for national policy change. Last year, he testified before Congress in support of the Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act, which would allocate $2 million annually to fund programs like Captain Rollo’s.
“If we could get even $100,000 of that, we’d put every penny toward getting more kids on the water,” Lum says. “We don’t have to build offices or hire staff. The money goes straight from the donor to the boat operator.”
He adds that the California coast offers a unique advantage. “We’ve got deep water just 20 minutes from shore, so kids can see whales, dolphins, sea lions—things that spark their imagination and stay with them forever.”
Looking Ahead: Raffles, Rods, and New Opportunities
Captain Rollo’s Kids at Sea will hold its Grand Raffle at Day at the Docks in San Diego on April 13th, where 30 major prizes—including custom rods—will be awarded. Tickets are $10, and while online sales aren’t allowed under California law, you can purchase them by calling (951) 226-7382.
Interested in donating gear, building rods, or hosting a fundraiser? Visit rollokids.org or email info@rollokids.org. For ticket inquiries, reach out directly to tim@rollokids.org.
Final Thoughts: One Cast Can Change a Life
Captain Rollo’s Kids at Sea proves that one trip can open a whole new world for a child. It’s not just about fishing—it’s about perspective, opportunity, and connection.
“We don’t take this for granted,” says Lum. “When you see a kid amazed by a pelican or a starfish—something we might overlook—it reminds you how special this is. And that’s why we keep doing it.”
For custom rod builders and anyone passionate about the water, this is a chance support youth fishing and to make a lasting impact. The rods you build could be the bridge between a child and a lifelong love of the ocean.
