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 August, and iFishiBelong’s Be What You Don’t See Campaign features fun on the water with Nick Brooks, founder of Outdoor Beer and Gear, a company based in Atlanta, Georgia that offers fishing, hiking, kayaking, backpacking and other adventures capped off by grilling and beer tastings.
Founder Nick is a self-described “gearhead” who partners with a long list of brands to test and review outdoor equipment. In addition, he is a licensed Wilderness First Responder. He does all of this, in addition to being a music teacher, father of two, and boyscout leader, to “make sure that more people who look like me, and other folks of color, are welcomed into this space to enjoy it with their friends and families.”
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.