The 2025 iFishiBelong “Be What You Don’t See” campaign highlights leaders who are breaking barriers in the fishing industry. Each month, we will feature individuals who challenge conventions and inspire change with their passion and resilience, motivating the next generation of anglers to create their own paths and “be what they don’t see.”
By highlighting these trailblazers, we aim to inspire broader participation and show that leadership roles in the fishing industry are accessible to everyone, creating a more inclusive vision of success.
It’s November, and iFishiBelong’s Be What You Don’t See Campaign shines a light on experienced guide, outfitter, and FFI Certified Master fly casting instructor, Molly Semenik. Molly began her career in fly fishing 25 years ago when she moved to Montana from Utah and founded Tie The Knot Fly Fishing. With a solid foundation fishing the waters of Michigan as a girl, followed by 20 years on western rivers and the addition of saltwater angling, Molly was poised for success. She guided in Montana for 14 years and now lives in Birch Bay, Washington state, where she continues to teach individuals to cast. Molly also hosts destination saltwater and freshwater fly fishing trips and is the author of 25 Best Off-The-Beaten-Path Montana Fly Fishing Streams, published in 2015.
A woman angler, teacher, and business owner, Molly gives credit to those women and men who guided her early career, and is paying it forward. She says “I have been fortunate to have had many professional fly fishing mentors, many of whom are now in their 90’s. I have learned from them, and it is my duty and privilege to share the history of the sport through the most current techniques, philosophies, and opportunities.”
Stay tuned for a conversation with Molly and Heather Hodson as they explore Molly’s remarkable journey as one of the few women in the world certified as a Casting Instructor (CI), Master Casting Instructor (MCI), Two-Handed Casting Instructor (THCI) and a Two-Handed Master Casting Instructor (THMCI). Hear about her experience breaking into the fly fishing industry, the mentors and allies who supported her in a male-dominated field, and her advice for those aspiring to follow in her footsteps.
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.
In July, ifishibelong’s Be What You Don’t See Campaign and On the Real with Ubuntu Fly Anglers featured Mario Guel, founder of fly fishing outfitter and lifestyle brand, Taco Fly Co.
For Pride Month 2025, iFishiBelong’s “Be What You Don’t See” campaign highlighted five incredible queer leaders in fishing and outdoor spaces. Anni Peterson, Dayle Woodward, Demiesha Dennis, J. Michelle Swope, and Shelly Vo shared their stories of visibility, advocacy, and community in a field where representation is still growing. Together, they’re helping redefine what belonging looks like in the outdoors.
Toronto-based angler, Shelly Vo, building inclusive, low-pressure spaces for queer and BIPOC fly-fishers through her community fly-tying club, Flies and Friends and Brown Girl Outdoor World.
Fly shop owner and longtime advocate turning community work into action by creating inclusive, welcoming spaces in fly fishing.
A queer, award-winning Black conservationist and community leader, founder of Brown Girl Outdoor World to create inclusive outdoor spaces where marginalized communities feel seen, safe, and empowered to belong.
Meet Dayle Woodward the Becca Sue Klein, All Kids Fish iFiB Program Chair, and Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, Orvis Store Fishing Manager.
May 2025’s Be What You Don’t See interview features Jessica Haydahl, a pioneering outdoor and fishing photographer whose 25-year career behind the lens has brought powerful representation to the male-dominated fishing industry, inspires others to blend their passion for the outdoors with
April 2025’s Be What You Don’t See interview features Chris Hill, grassroots organizer, public lands advocate, and CEO of the Conservation Lands Foundation.
The March 2025 “Be What You Don’t See” interview features aquatic entomologist, fisheries biologist, and environmental educator Anna Le (pronounced “Lay”), founder of Grayling Education.
The February’s “Be What You Don’t See” campaign highlights Michael Peters. Fly fishing guide and business owner Michael Peters about his journey from Wall Street to professional guiding. Discover how his passion for fishing, industry networking, and mentorship are shaping opportunities for Black and Brown anglers in the fly fishing community.
The January iFishibelong Be What You Don’t See campaign highlights our friend Justin Bubenik, founder of Fly Curious.