Fish For Change Trip Leaders are program alumni and run our programs in the field.
August Bryan
I was born and raised in the western suburbs of Chicago, where fly fishing wasn’t prevalent. Lucky I was raised into a family who loved to travel west. During the summer months I would find myself wandering around Colorado trying to find new waters to fish. Trout fishing was everything I knew, but It wasn’t until covid year where my spark began for saltwater fly fishing.
Now, I am currently a rising senior at Calvin University (Grand Rapids, Michigan) where i’m majoring in marketing and minoring in entrepreneurship; along with playing lacrosse. Fish for Change was a program I initially found on TikTok, leading me to research more into the non-profit. My love for the program grew as I learned more and more. Attending the programs made me only more intrigued and wanting to help out anyway I could. Fish for change has opened my eyes on what’s possible and where fly fishing can take my life. |
YALENA NATASHA RENDON DOERR
I come from a small town called, Punta Allen Quintana Roo. I grew up with my dad as a fly fishing guide fully surrounded by permit my entire 18 years of life.
I’m currently studying literature at Mexico’s Bellas Artes (Fine Art school) in Merida, Yucatán. Fly fishing is an art in its own way and writing for me is like giving it a voice. I have always found a deep sense of connection and fulfillment in this timeless pursuit. With a lifelong love for nature and a keen eye for detail, my passion for fly fishing goes beyond just catching fish - it is about immersing yourself in the serenity of the outdoors, embracing the rhythm of the ocean, and appreciating the friendships you make a long the way. I am beyond exited and grateful to be a part of F4C, I hope to help teach the future generations the importance of sharing the unique perspective that only fly fishing can give us, and continue to use this wonderful sport as a way to connect, learn and inspire! |
Jackson Tepel
My name is Jackson Tepel! I was born and raised in Southern Maryland on the Chesapeake bay where I grew up always hunting and fishing with my little sister. Jackson graduated from University of North Carolina Wilmington with a major in Political science and English Jackson is joining us in Guanaja and is so excited to grow and learn from each student, and be apart of the growth of the next generation of anglers |
kevin jackson
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Kevin Jackson hails from Pennsylvania, where he cut his teeth fishing for trout in the numerous spring creeks. A lifelong love of the ocean led him to New England, where he attended Roger Williams University, receiving degrees in biology and chemistry (along with an unhealthy obsession with striped bass). From there he worked as a fisheries biologist with the National Marine Fisheries Service for eleven years, before a few twists of fate led him south to Costa Rica. Now he's down in Central America, enjoying the diverse range of species that can be caught in the tropics on the fly, and excited to share his knowledge with the next generation of anglers.