The Fishing Club Journal - Issue #29
A reader-supported community and publication.
Welcome to Issue #29 of the Fishing Club Journal!
We hope everyone had a fish-filled summer and is enjoying the cooler weather as we gear up for winter. This issue takes a slightly different tack as we dive into the world of western-inspired freshwater.
Enjoy the issue, and thanks for being part of the club!
Cheers & stay fishy!
— Michael, Co-Founder
A Follow — I first met Sean at a somewhat "secret" fishing spot in Northern California outside San Francisco. I was fishing a trough that I thought would be a good holding spot for striped bass. Sean walked up with a cool fiberglass rod, wearing a Lost Coast Outfitters hat, and we immediately started chatting. He confirmed that I was in a good spot, then went down the road a bit to give me some space. I eventually lost interest and moved on. He fished the spot after me and landed a 30-inch bass…
Meet Sean Serrano: angler, fishing guide, musician, bamboo rod maker, and lover of mezcal. Sean currently lives in Bend, OR, guiding with Fin & Fire Fly Shop on the Deschutes. Word is, the steelhead are running thick!
A Photo — Meet A.J. Swentosky of Frogwater Productions, where he creates content that inspires appreciation, preservation, and protection of our beloved fisheries and natural environments. A.J. is equally passionate about fly fishing and content creation, bringing his enthusiasm to every project, from preproduction and storyboarding to editing and social media strategy. Like his film Preserving Paradise, a short film that captures the complex reality of the Jefferson River Basin—located in Montana, encompassing the Big Hole, Beaverhead, Jefferson, and Ruby Rivers—home to some of the world's best trout fisheries.
Check out Frogwater Productions on Instagram.
A Video — The Last Day is a beautiful documentary directed by cinematographer Josh Hardwick. It’s a heartfelt film where master casting instructor Dayle Mazzarella reflects on what truly matters in life. Through serene scenes of fly fishing, Dayle ponders the fleeting nature of time and the lessons learned from a lifetime spent outdoors. His reflections touch on the simplicity and joy of being on the water, the importance of connection with others, and the realization that the most valuable things aren’t material, but the experiences and relationships we cultivate. The Last Day serves as a poignant reminder to cherish the moments that make us feel alive, both in fishing and in life.
A Read — Founded in 1992 by Richard Anderson, California Fly Fisher has been a key voice in the state’s angling community for over three decades. Now, under the leadership of Tracey Diaz, with Editor-at-Large George Revel, owner of Lost Coast Outfitters in San Francisco, and Creative Director David Dines, the magazine has been relaunched in both print and digital formats.
The team brings a fresh perspective while honoring the magazine’s heritage, featuring top writers like Bill Barich and Scott Sadil, and photographers like Val Atkinson and Phil Reedy. Covering everything from North Coast steelhead to Eastern Sierra trout, California Fly Fisher continues to inspire and connect anglers across the Golden State.
Follow California Fly Fisher on Instagram and check out their site for articles like their latest feature on the The Trinity River.
A Podcast — FlyLords Podcast - Episode 003
In this episode of the FlyLords Podcast, the team sits down with Shawn Combs from Orvis. Shawn is the mastermind behind many of Orvis’ innovative fly fishing products, including the renowned Helios fly rod series. The discussion offers a fascinating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes stories and the process of developing and refining one of the most iconic rods in the industry. Shawn shares how passion and craftsmanship come together to drive continuous improvement in rod design. Check it out.
An Artist — I first came across Jess Mudgett's work while he was painting the mural at Los Locos Mag Bay, and I was immediately drawn to his unique style. When I was thinking of artists to feature in this issue, his vibe felt like a perfect match for the theme.
Meet Jess Mudgett, a Colorado native born in Fort Collins. From a young age, Jess developed a passion for painting and drawing. His father, a U.S. history teacher with a deep interest in the history of the American West, surrounded him with antiques, Native artifacts, and stories of the region's past. This upbringing sparked Jess’s fascination with western history, a theme that continues to shape his art. He often returns to these roots for inspiration, weaving history and heritage into his work.
Check out his work below and give him a follow.
Call for Curators and Writers
We’re looking to expand our editorial staff and what better place to start than with the community we’ve built. If you have a passion for fly fishing and storytelling, and are interested in curating future issues of the Fishing Club Journal, we’d love to hear from you.
A Fly — Each issue, we feature a fly pattern and creator. This time, we introduce Bo Wentworth, whose approach to fly fishing seamlessly blends art and craftsmanship in a way that feels deeply personal. Bo grew up in the Alleghenies of Northwestern Pennsylvania, where a love for the outdoors has always been part of his life—camping, hunting, and fishing for as long as he can remember. An artist at heart, he spent years expressing himself through painting, drawing, carving, and writing, but still felt something was missing.
For Bo, fly fishing became the artistic medium that truly resonated. He sees it as a way of life, a process of constant learning, and a deeply creative practice. Through his craft, he blends his passion for art with his love for nature, and he enjoys sharing that journey with others.
Give him a follow and check out his site for custom sets.
A Recipe — Passion Fruit and Mezcal is a perfect pairing, balancing the sweet, tropical notes of the fruit with the smoky, earthy flavors of Mezcal. The combination works well in cocktails that are both simple and sophisticated. For a quick and easy drink, shake fresh passion fruit juice, Mezcal, lime juice, and a touch of agave syrup with ice. Serve it over ice with a chili-salted rim for an added kick.
It’s the ideal drink for a laid-back evening or by the fireside at camp.
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.
