Last month, I had the privilege of returning to Costa Rica, a biodiversity powerhouse with some of the most varied fisheries I have ever encountered. As an angler, I was amazed by the diverse fishing environments across the country. Whether you prefer cooler climates or tropical heat, Costa Rica has something to offer. With each change in temperature comes a change in species, and the wildlife we encountered was truly remarkable, from sloths and red-eyed tree frogs to howler monkeys and caimans.
From my previous experiences on the "Journey of Water," I've learned that the best part of the trip isn’t just the fishing (though the fishing is exceptional), but the camaraderie shared along the
way. Some van rides between fishing locations can last up to six hours, but the time passes quickly with great company. In Scotland, it’s challenging to find younger people who fly-fish, making trips like this so special. It allows younger anglers to connect with like-minded individuals of a similar age, and by the end of the week, it feels like we’ve known each other for years. This is what makes the "Journey of Water" trip so unique among other F4C locations-- the road trip and the experience of forming friendships with a group of total strangers. Albin, our shuttle driver, was an essential part of the fun; his storytelling and jokes are truly iconic.
I am forever grateful to Scientific Anglers for the opportunity they provided. Having used and admired their products for years, it makes me proud to have their support. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to participate in F4C, and without that, I’m not sure what my life would be like. These experiences have profoundly influenced my day-to-day life. Tom and Kevin, who run Fly Fishing Costa Rica, are massive role models and have positively impacted me in
countless ways, exceptional advice givers, who I stay in touch with all year-round. I am currently studying Marine Biology at the University of Stirling, a course that I was inspired to pursue F4C's drive for fisheries conservation—an industry I hope to join after graduation. One of my favorite quotes from David Attenborough is: “If children don't grow up knowing about nature and appreciating it, they won't understand it. And if they don't understand it, they won't protect it. And if they don’t protect it, who will?” F4C has truly changed the way I view aquatic conservation and provided me with a fresh perspective. Conservation is key to sustaining healthy fish populations, and one of the best ways to achieve this is by educating students on these trips—they are the future.
In the Cloud Forest of Monteverde, I explored rivers flowing through the Talamanca Mountains, which are home to abundant populations of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). These crystal-clear waters have supported large numbers of trout since their introduction to Costa Rica from Panama. Originally a stocked species, they have since established self-sustaining populations, with three distinct strains: McCloud, Kamloops, and Mt. Shasta. Out of curiosity, I
wanted to compare the age-to-length ratio of trout in Costa Rica with those in the UK. So, while everyone else was fishing, I collected scale samples to age the fish under a microscope when I return to university. As far as I know, defining age classes of trout species has never been done in Costa Rica, and I am excited to see the results.
Fishing in the Jungle Tarpon Reserve is always one of the most surreal experiences—it truly is paradise. Surrounded by monkeys swinging from tree to tree and thousands of bird species flying overhead, I couldn’t help but appreciate the beauty of the jungle. Napo, Keillor, and Copa, our tarpon guides, are incredibly fortunate to live in such a stunning place. One of the many reasons I’m always eager to return is the food—Napo’s fried chicken is, without exaggeration, the best on the planet! The knowledge the guides share is invaluable. This summer, I learned a great deal, especially about increasing my casting distance. Using a 12wt rod in the heat and double hauling all day is no easy task, but it’s worth it. I had a tarpon on the end of my line for 4- 5 seconds, and the thrill of feeling that tension and seeing the silver back rolling away is indescribable. That brief moment is why I fly across the Atlantic, and although I didn’t land a
tarpon this year, I’ve caught the tarpon bug and won’t stop until I get one.
Being part of the Fish for Change family and representing them in the UK is one of the greatest honors. Heather and the team’s commitment to international inclusion and cultural immersion is truly admirable. The financial support I received from Scientific Anglers made this experience possible, and it has been irreplaceable for my career development in the industry. Even though I live over 5,000 miles away, with an ocean between us, Costa Rica is beginning to feel like home.
Archie MacColl-Smith, Costa Rica
From my previous experiences on the "Journey of Water," I've learned that the best part of the trip isn’t just the fishing (though the fishing is exceptional), but the camaraderie shared along the
way. Some van rides between fishing locations can last up to six hours, but the time passes quickly with great company. In Scotland, it’s challenging to find younger people who fly-fish, making trips like this so special. It allows younger anglers to connect with like-minded individuals of a similar age, and by the end of the week, it feels like we’ve known each other for years. This is what makes the "Journey of Water" trip so unique among other F4C locations-- the road trip and the experience of forming friendships with a group of total strangers. Albin, our shuttle driver, was an essential part of the fun; his storytelling and jokes are truly iconic.
I am forever grateful to Scientific Anglers for the opportunity they provided. Having used and admired their products for years, it makes me proud to have their support. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to participate in F4C, and without that, I’m not sure what my life would be like. These experiences have profoundly influenced my day-to-day life. Tom and Kevin, who run Fly Fishing Costa Rica, are massive role models and have positively impacted me in
countless ways, exceptional advice givers, who I stay in touch with all year-round. I am currently studying Marine Biology at the University of Stirling, a course that I was inspired to pursue F4C's drive for fisheries conservation—an industry I hope to join after graduation. One of my favorite quotes from David Attenborough is: “If children don't grow up knowing about nature and appreciating it, they won't understand it. And if they don't understand it, they won't protect it. And if they don’t protect it, who will?” F4C has truly changed the way I view aquatic conservation and provided me with a fresh perspective. Conservation is key to sustaining healthy fish populations, and one of the best ways to achieve this is by educating students on these trips—they are the future.
In the Cloud Forest of Monteverde, I explored rivers flowing through the Talamanca Mountains, which are home to abundant populations of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). These crystal-clear waters have supported large numbers of trout since their introduction to Costa Rica from Panama. Originally a stocked species, they have since established self-sustaining populations, with three distinct strains: McCloud, Kamloops, and Mt. Shasta. Out of curiosity, I
wanted to compare the age-to-length ratio of trout in Costa Rica with those in the UK. So, while everyone else was fishing, I collected scale samples to age the fish under a microscope when I return to university. As far as I know, defining age classes of trout species has never been done in Costa Rica, and I am excited to see the results.
Fishing in the Jungle Tarpon Reserve is always one of the most surreal experiences—it truly is paradise. Surrounded by monkeys swinging from tree to tree and thousands of bird species flying overhead, I couldn’t help but appreciate the beauty of the jungle. Napo, Keillor, and Copa, our tarpon guides, are incredibly fortunate to live in such a stunning place. One of the many reasons I’m always eager to return is the food—Napo’s fried chicken is, without exaggeration, the best on the planet! The knowledge the guides share is invaluable. This summer, I learned a great deal, especially about increasing my casting distance. Using a 12wt rod in the heat and double hauling all day is no easy task, but it’s worth it. I had a tarpon on the end of my line for 4- 5 seconds, and the thrill of feeling that tension and seeing the silver back rolling away is indescribable. That brief moment is why I fly across the Atlantic, and although I didn’t land a
tarpon this year, I’ve caught the tarpon bug and won’t stop until I get one.
Being part of the Fish for Change family and representing them in the UK is one of the greatest honors. Heather and the team’s commitment to international inclusion and cultural immersion is truly admirable. The financial support I received from Scientific Anglers made this experience possible, and it has been irreplaceable for my career development in the industry. Even though I live over 5,000 miles away, with an ocean between us, Costa Rica is beginning to feel like home.
Archie MacColl-Smith, Costa Rica
