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.
iFishiBelong’s DIY Fishing Events are created with minimal registration costs and maximum value, supporting anglers of all budgets while expanding access to meaningful fishing experiences. These events focus on education from introductory to intermediate levels, helping participants build confidence, independence, and skills on the water.
Click on a state above to explore that event, or click here to learn more about all iFishiBelong DIY Fishing Events and this program.
Interested in one of our 2026 DIY Fishing Weekend locations and want to learn more? Or have you already signed up and have questions about the weekend itinerary? Join us for one of our Live Q&A Sessions!
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
The iFishiBelong Blog is a hub for our advocacy work, storytelling, and education—amplifying voices and experiences from across the fishing community. Here you’ll find content connected to On the Real Podcast, Community Spotlights, community-written guides, fishing and ally education, and stories from events that support people of all identities. Our blog exists to inform, inspire, and build understanding while strengthening an inclusive fishing culture where everyone belongs. Click HERE to go to the iFiB Blog.
In this episode of On the Reel, host Bob Bartlett welcomes Dr. Loleta Robinson, a passionate fly angler, world traveler, and member of the Ubuntu Fly Anglers leadership team. Loleta shares her journey into fly fishing as a Black woman, the importance of finding community in the outdoors, and the power of embracing imperfection on and off the water. Their conversation is a heartfelt reflection on belonging, growth, and the joy of casting lines with purpose.
Mario Guel, founder of Taco Fly Co., is an angler from San Jose who brings authenticity, generosity, and inclusivity to the fly fishing community. He values kindness on the water, celebrates diverse species, and helps make the outdoors welcoming for everyone.
Al White discovered fishing later in life and has since become fully immersed in the sport, embracing it as a passion and way of life.
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.
On The Real is all about making the invisible visible. This podcast, hosted by Ubuntu Fly Anglers, is a space where we get real with Black and Brown anglers, guides, outfitters, and outdoor enthusiasts about what matters most to them. Through candid conversations, On The Real explores the joys, challenges, and truths of living the outdoor life, from fly fishing and guiding to building businesses, mentoring others, and finding belonging in nature. It’s about sharing wisdom, celebrating identity, and holding space for the real stories that often go unheard. Click HERE to go the On the Real podcast.
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.
