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.
February’s Be What You Don’t See featured fishing industry leader is Michael Peters, a dedicated fly fishing guide, educator, and competitor shaping the future of the sport. As the owner and founder of Long Branch Fly Fishing, Michael holds guiding licenses in both California and Alaska, leading trips to premier fishing destinations, including:
- Alaska – Prince of Wales Island (salmon fishing)
- California – Surf inshore, Upper & Lower Owens River, Eastern Sierra Nevadas, Catalina Island offshore
- Montana – The legendary Bighorn River
Beyond guiding, Michael is an active leader in the fly fishing community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Orange County Fly Casters and as a member of the Long Beach Casting Club, where he helps anglers refine their casting techniques. He is also a sought-after speaker and educator, presenting at fly fishing events and clubs across California and beyond.
Michael’s expertise in competitive casting is equally impressive. He won the 2020 Long Beach Casting Club Open Two-Handed Spey Casting Tournament (Men’s Amateur Division) and is currently training for Spey-O-Rama in San Francisco, where he will compete among the best in the world. As a U.S. Fly Casting Team member, he continues to push the boundaries of skill and technique.
Michael Peters is part of the changing face of fly fishing. We are excited to highlight his journey and leadership, inspiring the next generation of anglers to find their place in the industry.
