In the world of fly fishing, Jess McGlothlin stands out as a true polymath—photographer, writer, and angler extraordinaire. With a career spanning 15 years, she has left an indelible mark on the industry through her contributions in writing, research, photography, exploration, and teaching.
The Quiet Professional: At 35, McGlothlin has worked across six continents, capturing and angling fish that many only dream about. She maintains a humble and non-“influencer” approach, focusing her lens on the world around her rather than herself.
Mastering the Craft: Beyond her exceptional photography skills, McGlothlin excels in fly fishing. Notably, she became the first woman to win the Delaware River One Bug tournament, showcasing her prowess in the field.
Welcome to our Stage: Now a contributor to Men’s Journal Pursuits – The Endless Season, McGlothlin shares her global fly fishing escapades, “How To” insights, and stunning photography. Readers can follow her adventures and articles on her author’s page.
A Glimpse into McGlothlin’s Journey: Raised in blue-collar Montana, McGlothlin rejected academic scholarships, choosing instead to carve her own path. Her journey involved diverse jobs, from newspaper positions to selling lingerie, all while saving for her first DSLR camera.
Learn By Doing: She delved into the international fly fishing industry, learning Russian while managing a remote fly-fishing Atlantic salmon camp in the Russian Arctic. This experience sparked the realization that combining images and words could tell engaging stories.
Balancing Act: McGlothlin’s career has taken her from the saltwater flats of French Polynesia to the mountains of Japan. Balancing fly rods, cameras, and notebooks, she has mastered various styles of fly fishing in different environments.
The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly: With a pragmatic approach, McGlothlin emphasizes the challenges of her work, showcasing the reality on her Instagram stories. Her fitness routine aids in managing injuries sustained during her demanding fieldwork.
Always Grinding: Spotting a tall woman with a waterproof backpack and a beat-up Pelican case in an airport might just be McGlothlin, en route to her next fishery. As a competitive angler, she continues to leave an indelible mark on the fly fishing industry and beyond.
Images/Source: MensJournal
