The Fishing Club Journal - Issue #27
A reader-supported community and publication.
Welcome to Issue #27 of the Fishing Club Journal!
Happy Spring to all our new and loyal readers. As the fishing season unfolds, we're paying tribute to a species that has captivated us all, likely occupying a permanent place in our thoughts — the Tarpon. The thrill of stalking tarpon on the flats involves a dance of anticipation: making the cast, feeding the fish, witnessing the eat, setting the hook, and then experiencing the exhilarating leaps and formidable fight, culminating in a respectful release. It's a seamless choreography involving angler, guide, and Mother Nature herself. It's an experience I dream of sharing with my sons and, eventually, their own children.
This issue, featuring a vibrant watercolor by Frederick Stivers, is dedicated to the majesty of the Silver King and the intricate ecosystem that allows for such unforgettable encounters. As you read it, we hope you are as captivated by the art and stories as we are grateful for the contributions that make them possible. Have fun and stay safe on the water.
Stay fishy!
— Michael, Co-Founder
A Follow — Meet Frederick Stivers: an artist with a zeal for the outdoors. Frederick creates strikingly lifelike wildlife drawings on the most unexpected of canvases. I’ve been admiring his work for some time, waiting for the perfect moment to showcase it. With the tarpon theme of our current issue, the timing couldn't be better.
The more I delved into his artwork for this feature, the more captivated I became by the seemingly simple yet profound complexity and depth in each piece, such as the story conveyed through the charcoal drawing shown below.
For an in-depth look at Frederick’s craft, delve into the engaging long-form article by Hudson Lindenberger on the Filson Blog.
You can follow Frederick's artistic journey on Instagram.
"At the heart of what I’m doing is my experience... the day I’m having, drawn on and with whatever is at arm's reach. I want you to know I was there and lived it. I don’t dabble in mythologies, so I paint what I know. That’s not necessarily the angler victorious. More often, it's the tarpon that bit and came off inexplicably, leaving you with the same burning confusion as a breakup or a dropped phone call." — F. Stivers
A Photo — Meet Colin Gonzalez, a seasoned fisherman dedicated to mastering his passions: fly fishing, filmmaking, and photography. Inspired by visual storytelling, Colin captures the raw beauty and thrill of nature, evident in the stunning detail of tarpon scales.
Follow through his lens on Instagram @underslotcolin
A Read — Reading "Tributaries: Essays from Woods and Waters" by Ryan Brod feels like a journey into the heart of what drives us outdoors—the intricate dance between passion and obsession. Brod's collection of personal essays pulls you into a world of fishing, hunting, and deep reflection that's both familiar and immensely profound. He captures the essence of the relationships that shape us, interlacing stories the evolving dynamics between fathers and sons, fishing companions, anglers and their guides, and nature enthusiasts and the environments they hold dear. His writing does more than tell stories; it reaches into the soul of the outdoors.
If the striking cover art captures your attention, it’s the work of Frederick Stivers, whose artistry features prominently in this issue.
Tune in to hear Ryan and April Vokey delve into 'Tributaries,' and discuss hunting, fishing, and more on the Anchored podcast.
Signed copies of 'Tributaries' are available at islandportpress.com and visit ryanbrod.com to learn more about Ryan and his other projects.
Conservation — Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) recently launched the "Win Back Our Water" campaign to confront three critical threats to Florida's water quality: outdated wastewater systems, pharmaceutical pollution, and the widespread use of glyphosate, the active ingredient in many herbicides. Outdated infrastructure is leading to contaminants in sportfish, jeopardizing a $13.9 billion recreational fishing industry and over 120,000 jobs. The presence of glyphosate in over 100 tested fish from the Indian River Lagoon not only highlights the urgent need for innovative plant control methods but also raises significant concerns for the safety of our food fish.
BTT's campaign calls for immediate action to upgrade water treatment systems and implement conservation strategies to protect Florida's waterways and marine life.
To stay informed and get involved visit BTTs "Win Back Our Water" website.
A Fly — The “Tarpon Nugget” has a rabbit strip tail to mimic the natural swimming action that tarpon find irresistible. It features bead chain eyes for added allure and is tied on a sturdy 2/0 hook to ensure solid hook-ups. With an overall length of approximately 3.75 inches, we haven’t fished one yet but seems perfect for the upcoming trip.
Check out this pattern and many others at Space Coast Flies.
A Rod — The Sage team just dropped a new limited edition of their acclaimed 11 weight SALT R8 — TARPON ONE. It’s an 8’11” one-piece rod, born from a collaborating between their rod designers and some of the best saltwater guides on the planet. All proceeds from this project will be donated to the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust's Juvenile Tarpon Habitat Initiative and the Captains for Clean Water Education & Awareness programs. This rod is available only through specialty Sage retailers & only 150 were made.
Visit the Sage website to learn more.
A Song — 'Stick Season' by Noah Kahan echos the poignant emotions experienced in the wake of breaking off a trophy fish. The song expresses heartache and loss, with lyrics that narrate the struggle of coping with the unexpected end of a relationship (or a tight line). It captures being stuck in the liminal space between anger, blame, and nostalgia.
As we mentally prepare for this Tarpon season, give it a listen.
A Recipe — There's a vibrant symphony of colors and flavors with this recipe by Chef Pedro Forato. It's not just the visually stunning presentation that captures your attention; the elegant simplicity of combining sea bass with the refreshing zing of citrus and the aromatic subtlety of dill that does it for us. Each ingredient carefully chosen to complement the others, creating a delightful and sophisticated dish.
Check out Chef Pedro Forato for more recipes like this.
That’s a wrap! Thank you for reading and we hope to see you on the next issue or on Instagram. If you don’t already, you can follow the Fishing Club Journal on Instagram and feel free to reach out with tips, feedback or just to say hello.
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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.
