The Confluence | Fish for Change | Archie MacColl-Smith
Fish For Change is a non-profit organization that uses fly fishing as a method to build global citizens through experiential learning. Their mission is “To use fly fishing as a platform to make the world a better place, by uniting a diverse group of students in wild fisheries where they engage in a variety of initiatives that promote education, connection, exploration and conservation.”
Fish For Change brings in like-mindedstudents who share a passion for the outdoors. They participate 1-week trips all over the world, from Honduras, to the Bahamas, Mexico and even Costa Rica. Throughout the course of the programs, students create community around the sport of fly fishing, and strive to “learn through the place, rather than about it.” Fish For Change teams up with local conservation groups and learns how environments in different locations are struggling and what can be done to help. Their main overarching goal is to “create a generation of anglers that hold qualities of empathy, curiosity and leadership.”
Each year, Scientific Anglers provides a scholarship to help ensure FFC programs are not cost prohibitive. The scholarship is provided to an individual with an outstanding drive and passion to be part of one of their enriching programs. This year, the selected applicant is Archie MacColl-Smith from Scotland!
An excerpt from Archie- I don’t think my summers would be the same without a week with Fish for Change. Being an alumni, it makes me feel like I am part of a worldwide family of young people with all the same interests: Fishing, conservation, and community. Something that can be a struggle to find in Scotland, that’s why this year I wanted to become an ambassador to the program and spread the word. At this moment in time, I am in talks with the Scottish, English, Welsh, and Irish youth teams to encourage Fish for Change applications across the United Kingdom. I have even been in touch with potential students in South Africa. Additionally, I’ve been dedicating my time to Fly shows, demonstrating advanced distance casting techniques and beginner tips to younger anglers. During this time, I have had my laptop on display alongside pictures printed off displaying my Fish for Change experience and the possibilities for future students.
I have been lucky enough to make some amazing friends through my time spent with Fish for Change, people who I am regularly still in contact with from both years. I have spent the last two trips with George, an exceptional fisherman and human being. He was trip leader last year and helped me a lot
with my river fishing for trout, something I am not very familiar with. For the past two summers everyone is always equally amazed and confused by my strong Scottish accent, I really enjoy sharing my culture. Fish for Change has had a massive impact on my life. It has changed the way I live my day-to-day life, having never left the UK until Fish for Change came along this kickstarted a desire to travel and to see the world.”
We are honored and very excited to support Archie in his endeavors this year. If you personally have any interest in participating in these programs, click the link below to navigate to the FFC Website.
