Ubuntu is a cultural understanding that comes from the South African Bantu language group. It is a collection of values and practices that we are a part of a larger and more significant communal, environmental, and spiritual world. It is a philosophy that values collectivism over individualism as in —”I am because we are”.
This is an intentional effort to bring us together to create change.
The Ubuntu Fly Anglers’ mission is an intentional effort to bring people together to create meaningful change through community, education, and leadership.
Central to our mission is:
- Changing the complexion and larger perception of black and brown people outdoors, and increasing our visibility in the angling community.
- Growing future fly anglers and environmental activists who reflect our communities.
- Driving positive change in angling and in environmentally conscious organizations.
- Nurturing relationships with others who benefit from angling as a pasttime or profession.
- Making the invisible of us visible, ensuring our presence, contributions, and voices are recognized.
Through these efforts, Ubuntu Fly Anglers builds a more inclusive, equitable, and vibrant outdoor and fly-fishing community.
Ubuntu was founded in the Spring of 2023 by two black fly anglers Bob Bartlett of Spokane, WA and Carl Crawford of Los Angels., CA. Ubuntu Fly Anglers has become a passionate community of black and brown fly anglers, educators, professional guides, hobby anglers and environmental activists from across the country.
Scot Simmons
Scot Simmons, beloved husband, father, fly-fishing guide, and founding member of the Ubuntu Fly Anglers Network. Called too soon to the heavenly fishing hole. We miss yo,u brother. On August 14, 2025, the world lost Scot after a courageous battle with cancer. He will be deeply missed by the Ubuntu family and the fly fishing community. Scot is survived by his wife, Christy Simmons, and their son, Cooper.
- We are ambassadors and educators committed to creating opportunities and safe spaces for learning, conversations, gatherings, and outdoor experiences.
- We dedicate our time, talent, resources, and knowledge to foster community, connection, and the well-being that comes from sharing time together in nature.
- Above all, we are environmental activists, advocating for the protection and care of our natural world.
Ubuntu Fly Anglers is dedicated to empowering Black and Brown communities through fly fishing and outdoor engagement. We produce On The Real, a podcast that highlights the voices of Black and Brown anglers, guides, and outdoor enthusiasts, exploring topics like fishing, identity, business, and belonging. Our initiative We Are Here, Where Are You? focuses on making Black and Brown anglers visible in the fishing world by honoring their expertise and leadership. Through Ubuntu Youth Engagement, we create opportunities for BIPOC youth to connect with nature and community via fishing camps, mentorship, and events like ‘Casting in the Park,’ building confidence, joy, and future leadership, one cast at a time.
ON the Real
We Are Here
Youth Engagement
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 shares her journey as a transracial adoptee, rancher, and fly fishing guide, reflecting on identity, inclusion, and building community in the outdoor world.
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.
In this episode of On the Reel, Joyce Shepherd shares her journey from working on a tobacco farm in North Carolina to becoming a passionate educator and advocate for inclusivity in the world of fly fishing.
There are several ways to get involved with the Ubuntu Fly Anglers community!
- Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay connected with the Ubuntu Fly Anglers community.
- Participate in our monthly Ubuntu Reel Refresh Hour, held on the last Wednesday of each month at 5:30 PM PT.
- Fill out our “We Are Here” form to stay connected via email and help us better understand our members and strengthen our efforts to build a supportive and inclusive angling network for black and brown anglers.
- Form Link HERE.
If you do not identify as BIPOC, you can still play a valuable and meaningful role in supporting and uplifting the Ubuntu community. One of the simplest ways to show support is by engaging with us on social media. It takes just a moment—and since you’re likely already there, your support truly makes a difference!
- Follow Us on Instagram and Facebook to stay connected with the Ubuntu Fly Anglers community.
- Like and Comment on our posts to show appreciation for the work we’re doing and help increase our visibility.
- Share Our Content – including podcast episodes, blog posts, events, scholarship opportunities, and more on your stories, feed, or Facebook page to help us reach a wider audience.
Your engagement helps elevate our mission and continues to build a stronger, more inclusive community. Thank you for standing with us!
