iFishiBelong is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive fishing community where everyone feels welcome, empowered, and connected. This organization is for everyone who supports all people, all techniques, and all species. Through programs like All Kids Fish, DIY Fishing Events, Ubuntu Fly Anglers, and United Women on the Fly, we provide education, leadership opportunities, and a platform for underrepresented groups in the fishing world. We believe true integration honors individual differences, elevating them within the collective whole rather than forcing uniformity. We promote equitable representation, offer financial assistance, and create spaces for all anglers to thrive. At iFishiBelong, we celebrate individuality within the collective love for fishing, ensuring that every person has access to the sport and the opportunity to lead.
Real change begins when we come together, united in purpose and action.
Our mission is to cultivate leadership opportunities, advocate for equitable representation, offer financial assistance, and promote access and belonging for all people within the angling community and fishing industry.
Join us on Monday, February 9th, 2026, from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM PT for an engaging session where we’ll share our full 2025 impact, celebrate our accomplishments, and provide the opportunity to meet and connect with our board and committee members. You’ll hear firsthand about the programs, initiatives, and community efforts that made this past year so meaningful, and learn how you can be part of the journey moving forward. Register HERE.
iFishiBelong is committed to creating programs that support and advocate for diverse communities within fishing, including women, BIPOC anglers, youth, and people of all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Each of our iFishiBelong programs has its own unique projects and missions, all aligned with the shared goal of creating positive change within the fishing industry and local communities. Together, as a united iFishiBelong organization, we work collaboratively to cultivate leadership opportunities, advocate for equitable representation, offer financial assistance, and promote access and belonging for all people within the angling community.
All Kids Fish
DIY Events
Ubuntu
UWOTF
Be What You DOn't See
On the Real Podcast
Free fly fishing education
iFishiBelong has a mix of virtual and in-person events. We are committed to providing accessible opportunities for individuals of varying financial means by organizing a variety of cost-effective events and trips, including Fish and Hang Events, Hosted Trips, Partnership Events, and other community fishing gatherings. Check out our upcoming events HERE.
Emma Brown shares her journey as a transracial adoptee, rancher, and fly fishing guide, reflecting on identity, inclusion, and building community in the outdoor world.
Erika Nelson is a professional fly fishing guide, educator, and advocate for equity and inclusion in the outdoors. She is the founder of REAL Consulting and a founding guide for Wanderland Outdoors, where she works to create accessible and empowering outdoor experiences for historically excluded communities.
Erika Nelson is a professional fly fishing guide, educator, and advocate for equity and inclusion in the outdoors. She is the founder of REAL Consulting and a founding guide for Wanderland Outdoors, where she works to create accessible and empowering outdoor experiences for historically excluded communities.
Meet Molly Semenik, who started guiding professionally at the age of 43, became one of very few women to receive master certification by Fly Fishers International (FFI) for both single-handed and two-handed casting, started her own business Tie The Knot Fly Fishing, and authored a guide book, 25 Best Off-The-Beaten-Path Montana Fly Fishing Streams. She was mentored by women and men along the way and is now a teacher and mentor to others. iFishiBelong Be What You Don’t See November leader hightlight.
Educator and entrepreneur Nick Brooks is the iFishiBelong Be What You Don’t See Campaign featured leader for August. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Nick established Outdoor Gear and Beer, a company dedicated to combining outdoor adventure with craft beer. He presents outdoor education workshops at breweries and activities such as hiking, camping, paddling, and fly fishing that offer safe, responsible ways for everyone, especially Black and BIPOC communities, to learn about and enjoy nature.
Angel Massie is a certified Mindful Outdoor Guide, journalist, and co-founder of Wanderland Outdoors, a Colorado-based outfitting company dedicated to creating inclusive, healing experiences in nature. With a background in media and mindfulness, she blends outdoor adventure with intentional practices to help people reconnect with the land and themselves.
Scot Simmons is a Minnesota-based fly fishing guide, community leader, and passionate advocate for inclusion in the outdoors. He mentors youth, serves on the leadership team of Trout Unlimited’s Twin Cities chapter, and finds purpose in connecting people to nature through fly fishing.
What begins with a smelly trunk full of forgotten catfish turns into a life-changing journey for Angelica Talan, a DC-based content creator and mom. In this episode of On The Real, Angelica shares how her daughter’s simple request to go fishing rekindled her childhood love of the outdoors and led her into fly fishing, advocacy, and brand ambassadorship. Along the way, she reflects on representation in the sport and the importance of showing women and people of color that they belong on the water.
Meet Brita Fordice, trailblazing fly designer, guide, and product developer for RIO Products at Far Bank Enterprises. Featured in iFishiBelong’s September Be What You Don’t See campaign, Discover her innovative saltwater patterns, insights on authenticity in the fly fishing industry, and advice for aspiring fly tyers and anglers.
What begins with a smelly trunk full of forgotten catfish turns into a life-changing journey for Angelica Talan, a DC-based content creator and mom. In this episode of On The Real, Angelica shares how her daughter’s simple request to go fishing rekindled her childhood love of the outdoors and led her into fly fishing, advocacy, and brand ambassadorship. Along the way, she reflects on representation in the sport and the importance of showing women and people of color that they belong on the water.
In this episode, Lino Jubilado shares his journey from growing up in East Los Angeles to discovering a love for fly fishing on the urban waters of the LA River. Through stories of family, community, and breaking barriers, he reflects on how fishing has become both a personal refuge and a way to build connection in unexpected places.
Carl Crawford, LA-born and raised, and co-founder of the Ubuntu Fly Anglers Network, shares his journey as a fly angler, his love of jazz, and how community has shaped his path on and off the water.
Erika Nelson is a professional fly fishing guide, educator, and advocate for equity and inclusion in the outdoors. She is the founder of REAL Consulting and a founding guide for Wanderland Outdoors, where she works to create accessible and empowering outdoor experiences for historically excluded communities.
Erika Nelson is a professional fly fishing guide, educator, and advocate for equity and inclusion in the outdoors. She is the founder of REAL Consulting and a founding guide for Wanderland Outdoors, where she works to create accessible and empowering outdoor experiences for historically excluded communities.
Angel Massie is a certified Mindful Outdoor Guide, journalist, and co-founder of Wanderland Outdoors, a Colorado-based outfitting company dedicated to creating inclusive, healing experiences in nature. With a background in media and mindfulness, she blends outdoor adventure with intentional practices to help people reconnect with the land and themselves.
Scot Simmons is a Minnesota-based fly fishing guide, community leader, and passionate advocate for inclusion in the outdoors. He mentors youth, serves on the leadership team of Trout Unlimited’s Twin Cities chapter, and finds purpose in connecting people to nature through fly fishing.
What begins with a smelly trunk full of forgotten catfish turns into a life-changing journey for Angelica Talan, a DC-based content creator and mom. In this episode of On The Real, Angelica shares how her daughter’s simple request to go fishing rekindled her childhood love of the outdoors and led her into fly fishing, advocacy, and brand ambassadorship. Along the way, she reflects on representation in the sport and the importance of showing women and people of color that they belong on the water.
What begins with a smelly trunk full of forgotten catfish turns into a life-changing journey for Angelica Talan, a DC-based content creator and mom. In this episode of On The Real, Angelica shares how her daughter’s simple request to go fishing rekindled her childhood love of the outdoors and led her into fly fishing, advocacy, and brand ambassadorship. Along the way, she reflects on representation in the sport and the importance of showing women and people of color that they belong on the water.
In this episode, Lino Jubilado shares his journey from growing up in East Los Angeles to discovering a love for fly fishing on the urban waters of the LA River. Through stories of family, community, and breaking barriers, he reflects on how fishing has become both a personal refuge and a way to build connection in unexpected places.
Carl Crawford, LA-born and raised, and co-founder of the Ubuntu Fly Anglers Network, shares his journey as a fly angler, his love of jazz, and how community has shaped his path on and off the water.
In this heartfelt episode of iFishiBelong: Be What You Don’t See from the On the Real podcast, Mario Guel, founder of Taco Fly Co. and advocate for Brown Folks Fishing, shares his journey as a Mexican American navigating the worlds of skateboarding and fly fishing. From the streets of San Jose to the waters of Baja, Mario is building more than a brand—he’s creating a movement rooted in culture, authenticity, and a sense of belonging. He reminds us that simply being yourself can be the most powerful form of inclusion.
In this heartfelt episode of iFishiBelong: Be What You Don’t See from the On the Real podcast, Mario Guel, founder of Taco Fly Co. and advocate for Brown Folks Fishing, shares his journey as a Mexican American navigating the worlds of skateboarding and fly fishing. From the streets of San Jose to the waters of Baja, Mario is building more than a brand—he’s creating a movement rooted in culture, authenticity, and a sense of belonging. He reminds us that simply being yourself can be the most powerful form of inclusion.
Al is a passionate fly angler whose unexpected journey into the sport has taken him from urban Indiana waters to international fishing destinations. More than just a fishing story, Al’s path reflects personal transformation, a deepening connection to nature, and a commitment to uplifting visibility for anglers of color through the Ubuntu Fly Anglers network.
Emma Brown joins On the Real to share how her rural Colorado roots led to a life of ranching, fly fishing, and forging space for women of color in the outdoors.
As the year comes to a close, iFishiBelong invites you to help sustain our mission of creating inclusive, empowering, and accessible fishing experiences for all. There are many ways to get involved: donate to support essential programs and operational costs, volunteer your time and skills, follow, like, share, and comment (on social media), to amplify our message, or attend an event to experience the community firsthand. Many companies also offer donation matching, doubling the impact of your gift. Every contribution, whether time, resources, or engagement, helps us continue building a diverse and welcoming fishing community. Join us in keeping iFishiBelong thriving and expanding its reach. Learn more and contribute HERE.
