The Fishing Club Journal - Issue #22
A reader-supported community and publication.
Welcome to Issue #22 of The Fishing Club Journal!
In this issue, we traverse the globe with content and stories that span from Mexico to the deep fjords of Patagonia. We also feature a special podcast with Chris Wittman, co-founder of Captains for Clean Water — an inspiring organization that's mobilizing the next generation of conservationists.
I hope you enjoy.
Stay fishy!
— Michael
A Follow — Meet Simon Kay (@si_onthefly), a fly fisher, filmmaker and content creator who joined the Fly Fishing Nation crew in 2022 as Director of Photography after a chance meeting and creative session with founder Stephan Dombaj. Jr.
Born in the Cape Flats of South Africa, every deployment and adventure to a distant country with a camera and fly rod is something he approaches with both appreciation and childlike wonder. Having grown up not allowed to go to the beach due to the color of his skin, he makes sure to soak it all in now and hopes to show the underprivileged youth of his country that anything is possible if you want it badly enough. Leaving a career in finance late in life to pursue a path of film and flies, perhaps he shows it’s never too late to follow your passion.
He approaches his work with a simple idea: What is the feeling and how do I describe that in an audio visual way. Keep an eye out for some on his work soon to be released on the @flyfishingnation platform, including:
Surface Crab Eating Permit in Mexico
A piece on sculptor and fly angler Chris Bladen
Spotted Grunter fly fishing in South Africa
His first fly fishing short film, Kristallklar, about backyard browns in Europe is available for free to watch on YouTube.
A Video — This film goes beyond the typical hero shots, delving into the story of Rachel Finn's journey from the Adirondacks to the deep fjords of Patagonia and Paraná in pursuit of large dorado. The entire adventure serves as a tribute to her late husband, encapsulating their mutual love for and exploration of fly fishing.
Check out the film and read about it from the crew at Flylords.
Starring: Rachel Finn | Producer: Jared Zissu | Director / DP: Max Erickson | Editor: Jeb Burroughs | First Assistant Camera: Zento Slinger | Audio Engineer: Katie Maynard
A Fight — Chris Wittman is a fourth-generation Florida native and lifelong fishing enthusiast. He became a fishing guide in 2000, the same year significant legislation aimed at restoring the Everglades was enacted. Recognizing the critical need for clean water to preserve Florida's ecosystem, Wittman witnessed firsthand the environmental struggle as local waterways were polluted, particularly in 2016 when toxic discharges from Lake Okeechobee caused widespread devastation. In response, Wittman and colleague Daniel Andrews left their guiding jobs to found Captains for Clean Water, an organization focused on challenging political decisions and restoring the flow of clean water in the region.
This is the story of their conservation efforts.
A Call to Action — If you're inspired to support Captains for Clean Water and their mission, consider making a tax-deductible donation to help save the Everglades and protect them for future generations. You can do so here.
A Read — This article takes a look at some lesser-known species to target on the fly. Authored by Nicola Vitali, of Wild Sea Expeditions and published on Flylords. From unpredictable Triggerfish, Napoleon Wrasse, Sweetlips, and Blue Bastard, each species explored with details and some personal insights. Read the full article here and give Nicola a follow.
An Artist — Mark Maggiori's upcoming print release is yet another celebration of his homage to the American West. Maggiori infuses each piece with the authenticity gained from his own Western adventures. A few featured below and the full drop is available 12/9-10th. Check out Mark’s website and follow him on Instagram.
A Song — Jack Broadbent is a brilliant British musician who’s riffs flow like a spring tide through the heart of blues-rock. Born into a musical lineage in Lincolnshire, England, Jack swapped drumsticks for guitar strings, finding his rhythm in the raw, uncharted waters of songwriting and performance. Jack’s playing style is distinctive as he utilizes a steel whiskey flask as his slide and conjures up a sound that’s both innovative and timeless.
A Recipe — Noma Projects is an extension of Noma, the three-Michelin-star restaurant located in Copenhagen, Denmark that’s been named the world’s best restaurant five times. The initiative encapsulates the restaurant’s ethos of exploration and innovation, like the Corn Yuzu Hot Sauce. A unique blend of roasted habanero, sweet corn, and yuzu offers a mild and fruity heat, rated at 1230 Scoville Heat Units—a gentle warmth compared to the spicier jalapeño, which ranges from 2,500 to 8,000 SHUs — perfect for this Sesame and Panko Chicken, or perhaps with some Mahi Fish Tacos served on fresh yellow corn masa tortillas?
Learn more here and follow this project as they close the restaurant in 2024 and develop more products.
Our Mission
To inspire stewards of our fisheries so they thrive for future generations.
The Fishing Club Journal (FCJ) is our vehicle for advancing this mission. We’re a reader-supported publication curating stories that illuminate the passion, and positivity inherent in the world of fly fishing. To unlock full member benefits, consider becoming a paid member.
