Kevin Jackson
By Archie MacColl
Kevin Jackson is a seasoned fly-fishing guide at Fly Fishing Costa Rica,
bringing a wealth of experience and passion to the waters of Costa
Rica. Originally hailing from Philadelphia, Kevin's journey into the world
of fishing began in his teens, primarily through fly fishing. Though he
paused his fishing pursuits for a time, he rekindled his love for the sport
in his early 20s, eventually leading him to a fulfilling career that blends
his background in fisheries biology and commercial fishing in Coastal
New England with his love for the natural world.
In 2017, Kevin made the life-changing decision to move to Costa Rica,
where he now resides on the outskirts of San José with his partner,
Eyleen, a native Costa Rican. The move was driven by a deep desire to
immerse himself in the country's rich natural beauty and to be closer to
the diverse ecosystems that fuel his passion for conservation and
fishing.
Working with the Fish for Change program has been a transformative
experience for Kevin. He describes it as a "breath of fresh air," offering a
unique opportunity to guide and mentor the younger generation. Kevin
finds guiding students to be particularly rewarding. He is inspired by the
awe and wonder in their eyes as they experience new locations and
learn a new style of fly fishing for the first time. The infectious
excitement of the students rejuvenates his own passion for the sport.
Kevin is deeply committed to passing on his knowledge and values to
the next generation. He feels honored to be a role model, teaching
students not just the technical aspects of fishing, but also the
importance of mindfulness and deliberate actions in day-to-day fishing
practices. Through his guidance, he instils the principles of catch and
release, emphasizing the significance of making ethical decisions in
various situations.
Kevin believes that working with students has taught him as much as he
has taught them. He has learned the importance of being deliberate in
his actions and the impact of being a positive role model. He recognizes
that adults and children alike have something to learn from each other,
and he strives to impart lessons that will stay with his students long after
they leave the waters.
For Kevin, preserving the natural beauty of Costa Rica is of utmost
importance. He encourages anyone who loves nature to visit this
diverse and vibrant country, which offers a safe environment packed
with natural wonders. Kevin's message to the world is clear: Costa
Rica's rich biodiversity is a treasure worth protecting, and he is
dedicated to sharing this message with all who cross his path.
One piece of advice that Kevin always imparts to those he guides is the
importance of embracing uniqueness and stepping out of one's comfort
zone. He sees the blending of local kids with international students as a
special opportunity for growth. Kevin believes that as long as a person
is eager to learn, there are no limits to what they can achieve. His goal
is to help his students become better versions of themselves,
encouraging them to approach life with an open mind and a willingness
to learn.
Kevin Jackson's journey from Philadelphia to Costa Rica is a testament
to his passion for fishing, conservation, and education. His work with
Fish for Change has not only shaped his own life but has also had a
lasting impact on the
bringing a wealth of experience and passion to the waters of Costa
Rica. Originally hailing from Philadelphia, Kevin's journey into the world
of fishing began in his teens, primarily through fly fishing. Though he
paused his fishing pursuits for a time, he rekindled his love for the sport
in his early 20s, eventually leading him to a fulfilling career that blends
his background in fisheries biology and commercial fishing in Coastal
New England with his love for the natural world.
In 2017, Kevin made the life-changing decision to move to Costa Rica,
where he now resides on the outskirts of San José with his partner,
Eyleen, a native Costa Rican. The move was driven by a deep desire to
immerse himself in the country's rich natural beauty and to be closer to
the diverse ecosystems that fuel his passion for conservation and
fishing.
Working with the Fish for Change program has been a transformative
experience for Kevin. He describes it as a "breath of fresh air," offering a
unique opportunity to guide and mentor the younger generation. Kevin
finds guiding students to be particularly rewarding. He is inspired by the
awe and wonder in their eyes as they experience new locations and
learn a new style of fly fishing for the first time. The infectious
excitement of the students rejuvenates his own passion for the sport.
Kevin is deeply committed to passing on his knowledge and values to
the next generation. He feels honored to be a role model, teaching
students not just the technical aspects of fishing, but also the
importance of mindfulness and deliberate actions in day-to-day fishing
practices. Through his guidance, he instils the principles of catch and
release, emphasizing the significance of making ethical decisions in
various situations.
Kevin believes that working with students has taught him as much as he
has taught them. He has learned the importance of being deliberate in
his actions and the impact of being a positive role model. He recognizes
that adults and children alike have something to learn from each other,
and he strives to impart lessons that will stay with his students long after
they leave the waters.
For Kevin, preserving the natural beauty of Costa Rica is of utmost
importance. He encourages anyone who loves nature to visit this
diverse and vibrant country, which offers a safe environment packed
with natural wonders. Kevin's message to the world is clear: Costa
Rica's rich biodiversity is a treasure worth protecting, and he is
dedicated to sharing this message with all who cross his path.
One piece of advice that Kevin always imparts to those he guides is the
importance of embracing uniqueness and stepping out of one's comfort
zone. He sees the blending of local kids with international students as a
special opportunity for growth. Kevin believes that as long as a person
is eager to learn, there are no limits to what they can achieve. His goal
is to help his students become better versions of themselves,
encouraging them to approach life with an open mind and a willingness
to learn.
Kevin Jackson's journey from Philadelphia to Costa Rica is a testament
to his passion for fishing, conservation, and education. His work with
Fish for Change has not only shaped his own life but has also had a
lasting impact on the