This week we dive into something that I’ve had some inquiries on lately: personal safety while traveling. The world’s growing more and more chaotic, and that doesn’t seem to be a trend that will be changing any time soon. I know some folks are changing their travel plans, preferring to stay home, and that’s fair game. For those of us who continue to head out, there are some things we can do to “watch our six” while we’re out in the world. Basic skillsets and actions that I see most humans ignoring.

The Colombians say, “No dar papaya.” Translation: “Don’t give papaya.” —> Don’t be sweet. —> Don’t be a sweet target. It’s a saying that’s stuck with me for a long time, and a sentiment I see travelers ignoring remarkably often. Below I dive into a few core tenets of my own personal safety rules for when I travel (and, let’s be honest, at home, too). Let me know if any resonate with you.

A Few Key Basics For Travel Safety

Simple Tips to Help Put Your Mind At Ease

Safety is on a lot of people’s minds these days. In the past few months I’ve had upcoming hosted trip guests, Instagram followers, and random strangers reach out with one of the following:

• “I’m traveling soon and I’m worried my flights will be canceled and I’ll be stuck.”

• Why on earth would you think about leaving the USA right now? It’s not safe.

• “I’m a 20-something year old woman getting ready to go to Europe for my first trip outside the USA. I’m traveling with a friend and we’re both nervous about our safety.”

First off, every person has a different safety tolerance. It’s up to each of us to figure out what we are and what we are not comfortable with, and to plan accordingly. Personally, I’m still traveling and still booking trips for the foreseeable future… work trips are booking out into 2028 right now, in fact. My comfort zone—for me personally—really hasn’t changed much with recent world events. If there’s a valid work reason for me to be somewhere and I can assure I have at least a couple “outs” if I need it (always something I do), then I’m going.

That doesn’t mean I’m not checking my flights a little more often than normal (especially in-country third-world carriers whose often already-unreliable schedules are in more flux than normal) or that I’m not adding a few safety measures for myself beyond those main, secondary, and tertiary ways home. For me, personally, those are steps that ensure I can sleep well at night and focus on the work while I’m traveling.

Current events aside, there are several other things I do every trip to ensure I can get that sleep at night. I’m typically a female traveling alone carrying a bunch of camera and fishing gear… read: an ostensibly soft target. Here are a couple things I do to ensure I’m a little bit harder target. These aren’t tips that will work for everyone, but maybe you’ll find something in the list that’s helpful to you. They’ve sure come in handy for me a few times.

• I always keep a carabiner on my bag, one that can slip very comfortably over my knuckles. One on my YETI Panga backpack I travel with, one on my gym bag at home, and one on my purse. This is something I’ve done for more than 15 years now, and I smiled when this GBRS video with DJ Shipley showed up in my feed last summer. DJ explains the “why” behind this easy add-on very well, and I’ve never had airport security give me a hard time because of a carabiner. And yes, it’s come in handy for non-traditional carabiner uses.

• Along those same lines, I always carry a heavy padlock on a webbing strap (I pirated the strap off an old backpack). I don’t care what the luggage weight limit is at my destination, that heavy old padlock goes with me and is always within arm’s reach when I’m sleeping. Because when someone comes through the hotel room door in the middle of the night, I can reach for that strap and it’s a pretty solid swinging weapon. (You don’t want to take a padlock to the face with force behind it.) Same deal: if I’m in a non-permissive country, both these items stay close to me. Big thanks to LEO friends (you know who you are) for this concept.

• This one’s more mainstream: I carry a dummy wallet. It’s simple, with a few expired credit cards and gift cards and a few small bills of USD and local currency. Nothing I’ll really miss. If I get stopped or held up, that’s the one they get. Most robbers aren’t going to stop and take the time to rifle through your wallet—they’re just going to take it and run. I can keep my real one hidden away and (with a bit of show of regret) can part with this one and never miss it.

• I keep color copies of my passport in all my bags (carry-on and checked, though the copies are hidden in the checked bags), in the cloud, and with a trusted friend. I ensure that, if I have my passport on me, it’s buried deep and never leaves my line of sight. Same goes for visas or any irreplaceable paperwork.

• A pretty solid medical kit always comes with me. Most of my travel is second and third world, and often in remote or austere environments. I bring the basics plus a bit more (tourniquets and suture kit, always!) and have the training to use the kit (see also, tourniquets at suture kit). If you want a deeper look at my medical kit and why I carry what I do, I broke it down in the post below:

• Above all, don’t be an easy target. No dar papaya, remember? Avoid having your cell phone in your hand or in a back pocket while walking down the street. (You can navigate a few blocks in a new town without your phone, I promise you. People used to do it all the time.) Don’t leave your phone or wallet sitting on the edge of the table while you eat. Keep your head up and stay aware of your surroundings. Common sense, all of it, and tactics I use whether I’m getting into my car to drive to the gym in Missoula at 0430 or I’m walking down the streets of Manaus looking for the local grocery store. Basically, use your head.

Yeah, the world is a wee bit chaotic right now. But don’t let that stop you from continuing to explore. As has been true in every era: Be smart. Keep your wits. And keep moving.

Upcoming Hosted Trips

2026 and 2027 trips are nearly fully booked, save for two rods for Kendjam in August 2027.
I’ll be announcing a handful of 2028 trips later this year; these hosted trips will continue to run on a very limited basis. Jump on ‘em when you see one that intrigues you!

• Bolivia Heli-Fishing (Trophy Golden Dorado): June 27-July 4, 2026

  SOLD OUT - WAITLIST AVAILABLE

• Fish Partner’s Highlands Lodge, Iceland: June 26 - July 1, 2027 (Week 1) and
  July 1 - July 7, 2027 (Week 2). Both weeks sold out, waitlist available.

• Kendjam Lodge, Brazil: August 28 - September 4, 2027
  Multi-species, dry fly jungle fishing. More info below.

• Rio Marié Headwaters Camp: September 5-12, 2027
  SOLD OUT - WAITLIST AVAILABLE

• NEW: Alabama Coast Saltwater Fly Fishing
  August 7-12, 2028, $5,800 per angler
  Read more HERE

2027: Kendjam Lodge

Dry fly fishing for a variety of jungle species on Kayapo Lands.

I spent two weeks at this fantastic jungle fishery this last September, and will be visiting again before heading right to the Rio Marié Headwaters Camp afterward.

This is a wonderful dry fly, streamer, and nymph fishery (five and six-weight rods!) in a classic jungle setting. Expect diverse, fun fishing from both boats and walk/wade, an immersion into the indigenous Kayapo culture, excellent food, and comfy lodging.

Get more info in this PDF. Only TWO spots remaining.

August 28 - September 4, 2027
$7,950 / person, shared room and guide + $740 native fee
6 full days fishing / 7 nights at Kendjam Lodge

2028: Alabama Coast Saltwater

Gulf Coast charm and some fine, fun fishing.

Join me on a curated trip to the little sliver of Alabama coastline that’s home to great fishing for redfish, speckled trout, drum, and more. I’ve put together a small hosted trip for August 2028, and only have two spots remaining. If you’re looking for a fun fishing escape with a relaxed vibe, no international travel, and a small group, this is one to eyeball.

Read more information here. Only TWO spots remaining.

August 7-12, 2028
$5,800 per angler, shared room and guide
4 full days fishing, 5 nights

Q&A

Keep on sending in your questions via Instagram or by commenting by clicking the button below. Each week I’ll pick one and give a longer, more thought-out answer here than those I give on Instagram.

Leave a comment

This week’s question came in via Instagram.

Q: How do you keep from getting sick eating weird food all over the world?

A: Over years I think my stomach flora has evolved; luckily I tend to do all right with some basic precautions. (There’s been a lot of weird food in a lot of strange global corners over the years!) I try to ensure any fresh fruit I eat has been peeled if I’m in an area where food safety is a big concern. Bananas are great. Apples, pears, and stonefruit I try to peel if I can. If I can’t I don’s sweat it. Ensure meat which may be suspect is cooked very well. Embrace cultured dairy; it’s great for your stomach and most countries utilize it much better than we do here in the U.S.. Drink bottled water if you’re in an area with suspect water supply, and in those places don’t use ice in your drinks unless you know it comes from safe water.

Above all, try not to worry about it. I travel with meds in case I do eat some bad food, but (knock on wood) it hasn’t been an issue in a long while. (Ironically, the last few times I’ve gotten food poisoning was here in the US.) Eat the local food—and eat where the locals eat. They know how to avoid the not-fresh tourist fare and where to get the good, safe, authentic cuisine.

Recently Published

• “Class In Session”—a feature story and photo essay about the Native Guide School at Rio Marie—just ran in the latest issue of The Fly Fish Journal.

• Pick up the latest copy of Hook & Barrel Magazine for a feature article and images about my time at Kendjam Lodge last September… a proper jungle adventure.

• The annual Fly Fishing Issue of The Big Sky Journal just dropped, and inside you can spot a couple familiar images of both grayling and aerial Idaho river scenes.

• H20 Magazine featured a piece (and a cover photo!) about backcountry fishing for Yellowstone cutthroat in Montana in the latest U.S. edition of the magazine.

• Grab the most recent issue of Fly Fisherman Magazine to read the story of Chip and Skylar Lamont, who are building a fly-fishing lodge in remote Alaska.

• Australia and New Zealand’s FlyLife Magazine just ran a print feature on Iceland and (surprise!) a cover photo as well.

• Pick up the latest issue of Shallow Water Sportsman to read Notes From the Vineyard, an ode to overnight striper tournaments on Martha’s Vineyard.

• Shouting at the Sky, a story about Kayapo life in the Brazilian Amazon, just ran on Field Ethos.

• Mooning Helio Pilots in the Alaskan Bush. Only Field Ethos would run an article with that title… and every word of it is true.

• H20 Magazine just ran a feature on Estancia Laguna Verde in their most recent Italian edition.

• Read A Week of Learning Life Skills From Fishing Guides, a story about Argentina’s SET Spring Creek Lodge, in the latest In The Loop Magazine.

• The Beckbe Journal just published this piece about weird yet utterly memorable moments in the Darien: Darien Dance Parties.

Follow Along on Social

If you’re not already, follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Like what you’re reading? Share with friends! Thanks for your time and support.

Share

Suffice to say, I like it. I like it a lot. The little sliver of Alabama coastline is home to great fishing for redfish, speckled trout, drum, and more. I’ve put together a small hosted trip for August 2028, and only have two spots remaining. If you’re looking for a fun fishing escape with a relaxed vibe, no international travel, and a small group, this is one to eyeball.

We’ll be staying in a private guesthouse on private property (two rooms holding two anglers each), with catered meals and plenty of places to kick back and chill after a day of fishing. (It’s a very cute spot; I was just there last month.) Each pair of anglers will have their own guide and skiff for the fishing days, and we’ll spend our time exploring this wonderful fishery and chasing a variety of species.

I’d encourage anglers to look at staying a few days after the hosted trip. Head down to the cute little beach town of Gulf Shores, rent a room, and do a bit of beach fishing (or just relaxing). I’m happy to help set up these logistics for those who are interested, and have some great recommendations for a couple days tackle fishing as well.

This hosted trip is a specially-curated one that I’ve hand-assembled with the help of the awesome Sam Glass of Flyway Charters, who will be one of our guides. Two of the spots are already spoken for, with only two remaining.

Alabama Coastal Saltwater Fishing
August 7-12, 2028
$5,800 / angler in shared room, shared guide
ONLY TWO RODS REMAINING

Interested? Have questions? Click the green button above to send me a question here on Substack, or email at jessmcglothlinmedia@icloud.com (or message here on Instagram!) and I’ll get right back to you.

Included:

• Trip hosting and pre-trip help from Jess

• 4 days of fully guided fishing

• 5 nights in comfy quarters on private property

• All meals catered

• Transportation to and from Pensacola Airport

Not included:

• Flights

• Any additional tours / nights or transfers beyond the group

• Any alcohol you prefer other than beer

• Tips for guides

• Trip insurance

Jess’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Subscribe now

Making the Most of Weather Conditions

High winds and not-hungry fish can be part of the game.

When I peeked at the weather forecast in the weeks leading up to this trip, the overall theme of the week looked to be heavy rain and possible thunderstorms. In true Belize fashion, however, we had no rain and no thunder, but plenty of 20-25 knot winds on our fishing days. Thankfully Turneffe Atoll has plenty of places to hide out and get out of the wind, and the crew got shots at all our target species: bonefish, tarpon, permit, and snook.

Shots don’t mean the fish are going to eat, though. We were met with some close-mouthed fish this week, and I’m immensely grateful that this crew of anglers has fished around the world enough to understand that sometimes that’s how it goes. Everyone caught bonefish, and ww had some snapper to hand also, as well as a tarpon for Steve, who had been on the hunt for his first this week. What matters most is the crew had fun: this was a “no stress, just vibes” week, and those are the best. We finished the week with hermit crab races on the beach Friday night and a big beach BBQ, which was the perfect wrap to a week in the tropics.

I spent the first four days of the trip heading out with a trainee guide, working on some guiding basics for boat handling, fishing, and client relations. We checked out some tarpon spots around the atoll, and at least I could log some hours on my favorite tarpon rod: the Epic FastGlass Boca Grande with a Scientific Anglers Sonar Saltwater Intermediate line. It’s a combination that cut nicely through the wind and can drop deeper into channels when needed, or be stripped more quickly along shallower flats. I’ve had a lot of big fish on that glass rod over the years, and we have a quality relationship.

It was a change of pace to put my fishing director hat back on for a while for this training week, and it brought me right back to my days of managing fishing teams in various corners of the world. Funny how sometimes we can just click right back into former work modes and roll right along with it.

Turneffe Island Resort did a great job of taking care of us; we enjoyed awesome food, comfortable rooms, and a lively bar in the evenings. A full-on island resort is pretty cushy travel, and it was a treat to just relax… the routine of rise, breakfast, fish, bar, dinner, sleep is a pretty solid one, and a routine the team slid into with ease. I found myself plopped in a hammock while writing this newsletter, wind in my face, and rustling palm trees overhead. Sometimes the simplest things in life are the best.

Now it’s back to Montana for a few weeks for me, with another hosted trip close on the horizon: this one heli-fishing in Bolivia for golden dorado. Stay tuned for more to come next week!

Upcoming Hosted Trips

2026 and 2027 trips are nearly fully booked, save for two rods for Kendjam in August 2027.
I’ll be announcing a handful of 2028 trips later this year; these hosted trips will continue to run on a very limited basis. Jump on ‘em when you see one that intrigues you!

• Bolivia Heli-Fishing (Trophy Golden Dorado): June 27-July 4, 2026

  SOLD OUT - WAITLIST AVAILABLE

• Fish Partner’s Highlands Lodge, Iceland: June 26 - July 1, 2027 (Week 1) and
  July 1 - July 7, 2027 (Week 2). Both weeks sold out, waitlist available.

• NEW: Kendjam Lodge, Brazil: August 28 - September 4, 2027
  Multi-species, dry fly jungle fishing. More info below.

• Rio Marié Headwaters Camp: September 5-12, 2027
  SOLD OUT - WAITLIST AVAILABLE

2027: Kendjam Lodge

Dry fly fishing for a variety of jungle species on Kayapo Lands.

I’m exited to announce I’ll be returning to Kendjam Lodge in Brazil. I spent two weeks at this fantastic jungle fishery this past September, and will be visiting Kendjam again before heading right to the Rio Marié Headwaters Camp afterward.

This is a wonderful dry fly, streamer, and nymph fishery (five and six-weight rods!) in a classic jungle setting. Expect diverse, fun fishing from both boats and walk/wade, an immersion into the indigenous Kayapo culture, excellent food, and comfy lodging.

Get more info in this PDF. Only TWO spots remaining.

August 28 - September 4, 2027
$7,950 / person, shared room and guide + $740 native fee
6 full days fishing / 7 nights at Kendjam Lodge

Q&A

Keep on sending in your questions via Instagram or by commenting by clicking the button below. Each week I’ll pick one and give a longer, more thought-out answer here than those I give on Instagram.

Leave a comment

This week’s question came in via email.

Q: How do you keep track of all the parts of travel: hotel, flights, taxi, all that? I have my first big international trip coming up and it’s too much paperwork.

A: Awesome question. I’m type-A at heart and thoroughly geek out on logistics. I keep all of my reservations in their respective time blocks in Apple Calendar, which syncs across my phone and computers. Every time I book something—flight, hotel, transfer, etc.—it goes right into that calendar, color-coded in green for travel.

I also have been using TripIt for many years (I’m not sponsored or affiliated, I just like the product). They have an app and a web version, and it’s basically an itinerary-builder for travel. Once you get a confirmation email you email it to TripIt, and it automatically feeds into your account to build an itinerary. (You can also manually add events.) I can then export the whole thing and send to family, friends, or clients so they know where I’m supposed to be, when. I use the free version and it seems to give me plenty of features to be useful, and it’s handy to have travel calendar both there and on Apple Calendar.

Before a trip, I’ll literally look over my itinerary and calendar step-by-step and ensure bookings are on the correct days (just this week, a client booked an foreign in-country flight for the wrong day, and I would have been in a bit of a hot spot if I showed up with a ticket for the wrong day). I walk myself through transfers, luggage allowance, and all the small details so I’m not surprised when I’m on the ground somewhere, probably jet-lagged and tired. Preparation helps.

Recently Published

• “Class In Session”—a feature story and photo essay about the Native Guide School at Rio Marie—just ran in the latest issue of The Fly Fish Journal.

• Pick up the latest copy of Hook & Barrel Magazine for a feature article and images about my time at Kendjam Lodge last September… a proper jungle adventure.

• The annual Fly Fishing Issue of The Big Sky Journal just dropped, and inside you can spot a couple familiar images of both grayling and aerial Idaho river scenes.

• H20 Magazine featured a piece (and a cover photo!) about backcountry fishing for Yellowstone cutthroat in Montana in the latest U.S. edition of the magazine.

• Grab the most recent issue of Fly Fisherman Magazine to read the story of Chip and Skylar Lamont, who are building a fly-fishing lodge in remote Alaska.

• Australia and New Zealand’s FlyLife Magazine just ran a print feature on Iceland and (surprise!) a cover photo as well.

• Pick up the latest issue of Shallow Water Sportsman to read Notes From the Vineyard, an ode to overnight striper tournaments on Martha’s Vineyard.

• Shouting at the Sky, a story about Kayapo life in the Brazilian Amazon, just ran on Field Ethos.

• Mooning Helio Pilots in the Alaskan Bush. Only Field Ethos would run an article with that title… and every word of it is true.

• H20 Magazine just ran a feature on Estancia Laguna Verde in their most recent Italian edition.

• Read A Week of Learning Life Skills From Fishing Guides, a story about Argentina’s SET Spring Creek Lodge, in the latest In The Loop Magazine.

• The Beckbe Journal just published this piece about weird yet utterly memorable moments in the Darien: Darien Dance Parties.

Follow Along on Social

If you’re not already, follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Like what you’re reading? Share with friends! Thanks for your time and support.

Share

What’s the saying? At least it’s never boring.

I’ve been grateful to spend a lot of time in working in the fly-fishing industry in Belize over the years; I think at this point my passports have more Belize stamps than almost anywhere else, including a memorable month right after the country reopened post-Covid in October 2020. I’m looking forward to returning to the Caribbean flats with a fun crew of humans to chase a few fish around.

Back to the Salt

Packing the bags once again. Almost like we’ve done this before.

We’ve got a fun crew of anglers for this trip; a few folks who have traveled with me before and some stellar new faces. By the time this hits your inboxes Sunday morning we’ll have rods rigged and be getting ready to head out for our first day of fishing the flats. The forecast is looking gloomy—wet and windy—so we’ll see what we get, but I have confidence the team will put in the work. You’ll get a full report on how the hosted week goes in next week’s newsletter (it might be just a bit delayed due to travel; thanks in advance for your patience), but this week we’re diving back into at saltwater packing basics... starting off with flies and how to store ‘em.

Flies and Fly Boxes

Like in all freshwater fishing, the flies you’ll be using will largely depend on the fishery and what species you’re targeting. Saltwater patterns typically fall into three categories: crabs, shrimp, and baitfish imitations. Talk with your lodge or guide to see what patterns they recommend for your destination. (My personal favorites I always keep in the box regardless of where I’m fishing? A chartreuse / white Clouser, a Gotcha shrimp, and a raghead crab.)

Many serious saltwater anglers prefer to run a separate fly box for each type of fly, allowing maximum organization on the boat. If you’re wading or prefer to pack fewer boxes, be sure to segment your flies accordingly within the box and keep them organized, so you can quickly assess and change while you’re fishing. Look for fly boxes that will keep flies secure in the foam (handy to help keep things organized through both jostling travel and windy days on the water), and keep the interior of your fly boxes dry.

Once flies have been in the saltwater, put them into a plastic baggie or keep them separate from the rest of your flies until you can rinse or soak them in freshwater and dry them. Putting a wet, salty fly back into your box is a fast way to rust out your entire fly box.

Pliers

Saltwater fish are big and can be toothy. Bring along a sturdy pair of fishing pliers to help remove hooks, snug knots, and cut tippet. Many come with a belt-mounted holster pouch for easy access. Just like your other gear, make sure you rinse your pliers in freshwater after every fishing trip and dry them thoroughly before storage. I keep a dive knife on my belt as well, and it comes in hand for cutting line, slicing fruit, and many other random things.

Sunglasses

Eyewear: essential for any anglers. Sunglasses protect your eyes from wayward flies as well as from the sun and are a good idea any time you’re on the water. Look for wrap-around styles that will help guard your eyes from reflective rays and provide a good line of sight. I prefer polarizes green lenses for inshore fishing and polarized blue lenses for offshore fishing—both colors can really help fish pop, which is key when you’re sight fishing and need to spot a moving target.

Always keep a spare of sunglasses with you, too. Accidents happen, and whether it’s a broken lens or a pair dropped overboard, it’s good to have a backup pair ready to be called into action.

Wading Boots

In many Caribbean fisheries you’ll be fishing mostly from a boat, but in case you have the chance to hop out and wade a flat, it’s a good idea to have a pair of wading boots at hand. Look for boots that offer ankle support and drain quickly and are durable enough to hold up against limestone-bottomed flats, mounds of coral, or other unexpected objects. Some anglers like to layer neoprene socks underneath their boots, while others simply wear athletic socks.

I’ll often wear flip-flops down the dock and kick them off once I’m in the boat. Fishing from a skiff or panga barefoot is a good idea as you can feel if you’re stepping on your fly line. If you have tender feet or simply prefer to have something on your feet, consider bringing along a pair of lightweight, light-colored socks. You’ll get sun protection (the tops of feet burn quickly!), have protection from a hot deck, and pad the soles of your feet. If you do choose to wear shoes on the boat, ensure they are non-marking and will not leave marks on the guide’s deck.

Clothing

Just as with street clothing, fishing clothing is largely left to personal preference. Wear what makes you comfortable but keep this in mind: sun protection is king. There’s a reason you see most saltwater anglers in long-sleeved, hooded fishing shirts and long pants. On the flats the sun is brutal, and shade is hard to come by. Sunscreen is great but sweats or washes off more quickly that you’d guess, and physically protecting your skin from the sun is a good move.

Plan to bring along sun shirts (again, long sleeves and a hood are a good idea), a hat (ballcap or a broad-brimmed sun hat), and quick-drying bottoms. If I’m wading or in the water a lot with the camera, I prefer shorts, but I’m very careful to sunscreen often and always bring along a towel to cover up bare legs with if the sun gets to be too much. There are a myriad of quick-dry long pants on the market that will help protect you from the sun and keep you cool while doing so.

It’s a good idea to also back along a gaiter to pull up along your neck and ears, and always bring a rain jacket, even if the morning looks cloudless. Storms can and do pop up quickly on the flats, and while it’s often a warm rain, you’ll be happier if at least your head and torso are dry. If it’s forecasted to be a stormy, wet day, bring along a pair of rain pants or bibs as well.

Miscellaneous Day-Savers

Everyone has their own set of “personal items” they bring along for a day on the flats. I always pack my gear (cameras included!) in a waterproof pack so when the inevitable rain comes I don’t have to worry about tucking items away out of the wet. Whether you prefer a boat bag, a backpack, or a sling pack, ensure you at least have a waterproof dry bag along to shove everything into when things get a little damp.

Even if the guide is bringing water bottles, I like to bring one pre-mixed with electrolytes so I can sip that throughout the day (LMNT is my favorite—clean and easy to travel with), alternated with plain water. It’s ridiculously easy to get too focused on the fishing and get dehydrated on the flats, which helps neither your fishing nor your evening relaxing at the lodge bar. (If you’re not into flavored drinks, bring along a few packets of electrolyte gummies and stick them in the boat cooler.)

I like to keep a secondary source of caffeine with me in case I can’t get that morning cup (or in case jet lag / lack of sleep has me crashing in the evening. For the past couple years I’ve been reaching for Protekt’s Energy Sticks (as well as their electrolyte sticks called Hydrate). Both of these formulations are individual liquid shot packs, which means they mix well into water, and the Energy sticks give a shot of organic caffeine, taurine, and B vitamins. I’ve grabbed an affiliate link from Protekt for any orders; order from this link and use code JESS160, which will save you 15% off your order (and send a little commission my way as well).

Above all, listen to what your guide and the fishing manager have to say, and be open to trying new methods of fishing. Your first trip in the saltwater is a momentous occasion, and you’re going to enjoy it all the more if you relax, trust in the gear you’ve planned and prepared, and soak in every bit of the experience.

I live and die by packing lists. Paying subscribers can download my saltwater packing list at the link below (and folks joining me on hosted trips always get customized packing lists for the trip). This is the core list that all my saltwater packing lists are built from; I’ll copy / paste the .doc and modify for each trip’s individual needs (i.e. bluewater fishing for sailfish has different needs than chasing bonefish on the flats).

Upcoming Hosted Trips

2026 and 2027 trips are nearly fully booked, save for two rods for Kendjam in August 2027.
I’ll be announcing a handful of 2028 trips later this year; these hosted trips will continue to run on a very limited basis. Jump on ‘em when you see one that intrigues you!

• Bolivia Heli-Fishing (Trophy Golden Dorado): June 27-July 4, 2026

  SOLD OUT - WAITLIST AVAILABLE

• Fish Partner’s Highlands Lodge, Iceland: June 26 - July 1, 2027 (Week 1) and
  July 1 - July 7, 2027 (Week 2). Both weeks sold out, waitlist available.

• NEW: Kendjam Lodge, Brazil: August 28 - September 4, 2027
  Multi-species, dry fly jungle fishing. More info below.

• Rio Marié Headwaters Camp: September 5-12, 2027
  SOLD OUT - WAITLIST AVAILABLE

2027: Kendjam Lodge

Dry fly fishing for a variety of jungle species on Kayapo Lands.

I’m exited to announce I’ll be returning to Kendjam Lodge in Brazil. I spent two weeks at this fantastic jungle fishery this past September, and will be visiting Kendjam again before heading right to the Rio Marié Headwaters Camp afterward.

This is a wonderful dry fly, streamer, and nymph fishery (five and six-weight rods!) in a classic jungle setting. Expect diverse, fun fishing from both boats and walk/wade, an immersion into the indigenous Kayapo culture, excellent food, and comfy lodging.

Get more info in this PDF. Only TWO spots remaining.

August 28 - September 4, 2027
$7,950 / person, shared room and guide + $740 native fee
6 full days fishing / 7 nights at Kendjam Lodge

Q&A

Keep on sending in your questions via Instagram or by commenting by clicking the button below. Each week I’ll pick one and give a longer, more thought-out answer here than those I give on Instagram.

Leave a comment

This week’s question came in via Facebook.

Q: You always have your cameras with you wading or on boats in the saltwater. How do you keep them from corroding and being ruined?

A: I’m always careful to keep a clean “non-salty” towel in my kit, and if I’ve been handling fish, line, or other saltwater-coated items, I wipe my hands well before handing the cameras. Each night when I get off the water, the cameras are immediately (pre-bar, pre-pool, pre-whatever) wiped down thoroughly with a damp washcloth, and then dried with a dry one. Filters and lenses are cleaned and polished, and I use a bulb blower to get rid of any sand or sediment that might have gotten into little crevices. If it’s been really humid, cameras are sealed overnight in the Pelican case with a bunch of desiccant packs to help suck moisture out from the innards.

I never open the memory card ports out on the water (so spend the money for big cards) and minimize changing lenses (part of the reason I run two bodies on shoots—one with a long lens, and one with a wide). A lot of it is common sense… saltwater and electronics don’t mix, so keep the two as separate as possible. Showing your gear care and love will go a long way toward helping it last for future use.

Recently Published

• “Class In Session”—a feature story and photo essay about the Native Guide School at Rio Marie—just ran in the latest issue of The Fly Fish Journal.

• Pick up the latest copy of Hook & Barrel Magazine for a feature article and images about my time at Kendjam Lodge last September… a proper jungle adventure.

• The annual Fly Fishing Issue of The Big Sky Journal just dropped, and inside you can spot a couple familiar images of both grayling and aerial Idaho river scenes.

• H20 Magazine featured a piece (and a cover photo!) about backcountry fishing for Yellowstone cutthroat in Montana in the latest U.S. edition of the magazine.

• Grab the most recent issue of Fly Fisherman Magazine to read the story of Chip and Skylar Lamont, who are building a fly-fishing lodge in remote Alaska.

• Australia and New Zealand’s FlyLife Magazine just ran a print feature on Iceland and (surprise!) a cover photo as well.

• Pick up the latest issue of Shallow Water Sportsman to read Notes From the Vineyard, an ode to overnight striper tournaments on Martha’s Vineyard.

• Shouting at the Sky, a story about Kayapo life in the Brazilian Amazon, just ran on Field Ethos. The Beckbe Journal just published this piece about weird yet utterly memorable moments in the Darien: Darien Dance Parties.

Follow Along on Social

If you’re not already, follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Like what you’re reading? Share with friends! Thanks for your time and support.

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But time moves on, and so do we, and I’m digging into what nearly two decades of international work has taught me about getting complex logistics done.

Time To Pack the Bags Once Again

Getting into a saltwater frame of mind—Part 1.

I’ve been lucky enough to spend a fair bit of time working in Belize throughout my career, and it’s pretty automatic for me at this point what I need to pack along for a week on the flats. Part of the part I enjoy about hosting groups, however, is the reminder that that’s not the case for everyone, and it can be really fun to stop, take a step back, and re-evaluate what I might be taking for granted.

And one thing I find it’s easy to overlook is the gear. I’ve got a cobbled-together collection of fishing gear that travels the world with me. Most of it’s pretty beat up and has some stories to tell (the best people and things do, really) but it works for me. This week and next, I’ll walk you through the basics of packing for a saltwater trip… what you need to consider when selecting rods, reels, lines, and more—all the way down to snacks.

This is not meant to be a completely comprehensive list; I’d encourage you each to test your way into a kit of gear that works for you. But this should give you some things to think on, if nothing else.

Looking for more tactical tips? Start by reading this newsletter from October 2024 with five tips for your first saltwater fishing trip:

Saltwater fishing is an investment: for the travel, the time spent learning the angling skills involved, and the money spent on the equipment itself. Any lodge, guide, or outfitter worth their salt will give you a solid packing list and answer any questions about gear before your trip. Here’s a brief—certainly not all-inclusive—overview of gear you should consider before your first saltwater fly-fishing trip in the tropics. Many American anglers choose to take their first saltwater trip in the Caribbean (often either Mexico, the Bahamas, or Belize) so this list will address gear you’d potentially need for a trip to that region.

Rods

Most commonly anglers fly fishing in the Caribbean will run three rods: an 8-, 9, and a 10-weight. Eight-weights are typically rigged for bonefish, 9-weights for permit, and 10-weights for tarpon. If it’s your first time in the salt you’ll likely be using the 8- and 9-weight most often, as bonefish are a great species to learn the saltwater game on and to practice a strip set with. If you’re keen on tarpon, keep that 10-weight rigged, and consider bringing along an 11- or 12-weight as well, especially if there are larger, migratory tarpon around.

Reels and Lines

Saltwater reels are a different beast from their small, lighter freshwater cousins. And it’s no small wonder why; after all, saltwater fish are different beasts, too. Reels made for saltwater are anodized and fully sealed, helping prevent salt and sand from getting into the inner workings, and often hefty drag systems to help slow larger fish. Besides your fly line, you should be able to fit at least 200 yards of 20lb. backing for your bonefish and permit reels, and 250+ yards of 30lb. Dacron or 50lb.–80lb. gel spun backing on a tarpon / big game reel.

Invest in quality reels for saltwater fishing; once you feel your first big fish make a long run, you’ll be glad you did. And always give your reels a good rinse of freshwater after each day of fishing to help wash off the salt and prevent corrosion. When you get home from each trip, it’s a good idea to do a more thorough cleaning of both your reel and line, and lubricate your reels when / if needed.

Weight-forward floating lines are most common. Ensure you purchase lines made for tropical water; cold water lines are not crafted to perform in hot, sticky, salty conditions, and will grow limp and “tacky,” making them very hard to cast. Tarpon anglers may find it worth their while to invest in a spare spool loaded with an intermediate line for their 10+ weight rods in case they find themslves casting into a channel or deeper water.

Terminal Tackle: Tippet and Leaders

This is often where it gets most confusing for anglers, so don’t be shy about asking your saltwater fishing friends or the destination itself for help. As a rule of thumb, bonefish leaders are 9 to 12 feet long, and end in 10 or 12-pound filament. Permit leaders are 9 to 14 feet long, ending in 16 to 20 (which is finer than the bonefish leader; just like in flies, larger numbers represent smaller diameter / size here).

Some anglers like to pack complex shock, tiered, or custom-built tarpon leaders. Again, talk with your guide about your specific fishery, but I prefer to run a straight piece of fluorocarbon or even mono tippet. One straight piece means there are fewer knots to potentially fail, and most tarpon eats are aggressive enough that not having a tapered leader has not been a problem.

Bring along spools of 12, 16, and 20-lb. tippet so you can add length onto your bonefish and permit leaders as needed. I also like to bring a few wire predator leaders in case fishing is slow and we want to go hunt up a few ‘cuda or small sharks.

Hang tight… next week we’ll get into flies, clothing, boots, accessories, and more.

Upcoming Hosted Trips

2026 and 2027 trips are nearly fully booked, save for two rods for Kendjam in August 2027.
I’ll be announcing a handful of 2028 trips later this year; these hosted trips will continue to run on a very limited basis. Jump on ‘em when you see one that intrigues you!

• Bolivia Heli-Fishing (Trophy Golden Dorado): June 27-July 4, 2026

  SOLD OUT - WAITLIST AVAILABLE

• Fish Partner’s Highlands Lodge, Iceland: June 26 - July 1, 2027 (Week 1) and
  July 1 - July 7, 2027 (Week 2). Both weeks sold out, waitlist available.

• NEW: Kendjam Lodge, Brazil: August 28 - September 4, 2027
  Multi-species, dry fly jungle fishing. More info below.

• Rio Marié Headwaters Camp: September 5-12, 2027
  SOLD OUT - WAITLIST AVAILABLE

2027: Kendjam Lodge

Dry fly fishing for a variety of jungle species on Kayapo Lands.

I’m exited to announce I’ll be returning to Kendjam Lodge in Brazil. I spent two weeks at this fantastic jungle fishery this past September, and will be visiting Kendjam again before heading right to the Rio Marié Headwaters Camp afterward.

This is a wonderful dry fly, streamer, and nymph fishery (five and six-weight rods!) in a classic jungle setting. Expect diverse, fun fishing from both boats and walk/wade, an immersion into the indigenous Kayapo culture, excellent food, and comfy lodging.

Get more info in this PDF. Only TWO spots remaining.

August 28 - September 4, 2027
$7,950 / person, shared room and guide + $740 native fee
6 full days fishing / 7 nights at Kendjam Lodge

Q&A

Keep on sending in your questions via Instagram or by commenting by clicking the button below. Each week I’ll pick one and give a longer, more thought-out answer here than those I give on Instagram.

Leave a comment

This week’s question came in via email.

Q: How do you keep track of all the parts of travel: hotel, flights, taxi, all that? I have my first big international trip coming up and it’s too much paperwork.

A: Awesome question. I’m type-A at heart and thoroughly geek out on logistics. I keep all of my reservations in their respective time blocks in Apple Calendar, which syncs across my phone and computers. Every time I book something—flight, hotel, transfer, etc.—it goes right into that calendar, color-coded in green for travel.

I also have been using TripIt for many years (I’m not sponsored or affiliated, I just like the product). They have an app and a web version, and it’s basically an itinerary-builder for travel. Once you get a confirmation email you email it to TripIt, and it automatically feeds into your account to build an itinerary. (You can also manually add events.) I can then export the whole thing and send to family, friends, or clients so they know where I’m supposed to be, when. I use the free version and it seems to give me plenty of features to be useful, and it’s handy to have travel calendar both there and on Apple Calendar.

Before a trip, I’ll literally look over my itinerary and calendar step-by-step and ensure bookings are on the correct days (just this week, a client booked an foreign in-country flight for the wrong day, and I would have been in a bit of a hot spot if I showed up with a ticket for the wrong day). I walk myself through transfers, luggage allowance, and all the small details so I’m not surprised when I’m on the ground somewhere, probably jet-lagged and tired. Preparation helps.

Recently Published

• Pick up the latest copy of Hook & Barrel Magazine for a feature article and images about my time at Kendjam Lodge last September… a proper jungle adventure.

• The annual Fly Fishing Issue of The Big Sky Journal just dropped, and inside you can spot a couple familiar images of both grayling and aerial Idaho river scenes.

• H20 Magazine featured a piece (and a cover photo!) about backcountry fishing for Yellowstone cutthroat in Montana in the latest U.S. edition of the magazine.

• Grab the most recent issue of Fly Fisherman Magazine to read the story of Chip and Skylar Lamont, who are building a fly-fishing lodge in remote Alaska.

• Australia and New Zealand’s FlyLife Magazine just ran a print feature on Iceland and (surprise!) a cover photo as well.

• Pick up the latest issue of Shallow Water Sportsman to read Notes From the Vineyard, an ode to overnight striper tournaments on Martha’s Vineyard.

• Shouting at the Sky, a story about Kayapo life in the Brazilian Amazon, just ran on Field Ethos.

• Mooning Helio Pilots in the Alaskan Bush. Only Field Ethos would run an article with that title… and every word of it is true.

• H20 Magazine just ran a feature on Estancia Laguna Verde in their most recent Italian edition.

• Read A Week of Learning Life Skills From Fishing Guides, a story about Argentina’s SET Spring Creek Lodge, in the latest In The Loop Magazine.

• The Beckbe Journal just published this piece about weird yet utterly memorable moments in the Darien: Darien Dance Parties.

Follow Along on Social

If you’re not already, follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Like what you’re reading? Share with friends! Thanks for your time and support.

Share

He sent a note back with a litany of excuses why he couldn’t do that; why he was comfortable where he was, and he was better than a menial job. Then he asked for my client list and how I price projects. In reply, he got a reiteration of what I’d first said: Do the work. Figure it out.

It’s a conversation I have at least twice a month (and honestly, usually at least once per week) with people wanting to build a business in fishing and travel. And the answer is always the same: There’s no magic formula. Put your head down. Put in the work. Keep learning. And keep moving forward.

Grit Your Teeth and Put In the Work

We’re going non-fishy here this week, so prepare yourselves.

As with most things in life, there is no magic formula to building and growing a business or a career—especially, it would seem, in this day and age when many of our anchoring principals for business are being turned on their heads. The number of pivots and unplanned diversions I’ve had over the past twenty years have been staggering… and 90% of them are never shared on social media or in this newsletter.

As with your own life, things happen. We find ways to move forward.

When I was first starting out, I knew I needed to learn the fly-fishing and photography businesses—learn how to do business as a whole—and in my mind the best way to do that was to start at the bottom. I sold flies and ran shuttles at fly shops, making less than $1,200 a month. I worked at a weekly newspaper in small-town Wyoming, making a grand total of $17,000 a year. No benefits. No cushion. I lived off whatever was on sale at the grocery store and most months kept my grocery budget under $100. The house (an old parsonage) I shared with four other reporters in Wyoming had no hot water, and so I snuck into the local gym for showers. And even the cold water in the house did me no favors… I got a bad case of Giardia.

But I spent grocery money on bananas and showed up to work and learned. And I kept applying for opportunities where I could continue to learn.

When I was surprisingly selected to be part of a pilot program where the U.S. Army embedded a handful of journalists into a micro version of Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood and then additional training at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth (I still don’t know how I got in the program; I suspect they needed a token female and journalism “newbie”), I jumped at the opportunity.

I had no business being there, but I knew I’d figure it out along the way.

It was a new world. 0500 morning PT in the darkness became something I looked forward to. I jerry-rigged taping a night vision monocular onto my camera lens and had a lot of fun shooting night training sessions… and was the only journalist invited back to do it again with the next group of recruits. I got to run the O Course alongside recruits, drive bomb disposal robots in training, and play with guns that were wholly new to me on both the digital and the real shooting ranges. Three journalists were asked to leave the program in the first week; I kept my mouth shut and eyes open, and had some of the best days of my life running around sweating in the summer heat. And I took full advantage of the DFAC (dining facilities) which were a nice change from my normally very limited food budget (I took this gig at the end of my bout with Giardia, and had been living off bananas and crackers for nearly a month).

I kept notes. I interviewed recruits and soldiers alike, and even got some time with foreign officers at the Command and General Staff College. This was a whole new world for me, and one that suited. And the experience overall cemented something that, even back then in my early 20s, I was figuring out: there’s a lot to be said for just showing up, putting in the work, and saying yes to new opportunities you might not feel qualified for (or might outright spook you), and just figuring it out as you go.

I’ve been lucky enough to work with some pretty stellar military teams over the years, and each time it’s a reminder for me that competency is earned, not given. (And that one of the best things in life is to be the least-knowledgeable person in the room and to just keep your mouth shut and learn. If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. Go find good people who know more than you in their speciality. Learn from them.)

The kid looking for the magic “easy button” for a career is going to find that a trust fund and daddy’s credit card don’t equate to the kind of career that comes from relationship building, learning things the hard way, and just putting boots on the ground and figuring it out. And yeah, there will be some hard lessons in there (to this day, I still find myself budget-shopping groceries and am grateful every time when I remind myself I’m at a point I can afford the good stuff now and then).

It’s like in the gym… sure, you can take drugs or undergo surgery and “trim up” to change the way you look. But it’s hard to build muscle—to get really, actually strong—without putting in the work. A strong physique is something that’s been earned… there are no shortcuts there. It means the work was put in, setting aside distractions and all the other BS life constantly throws our way.

There’s no substitute for just leaping into the fray and figuring it out. And yeah, it’ll be messy. But it’ll be worth it, too.

Upcoming Hosted Trips

2026 and 2027 trips are nearly fully booked, save for two rods for Kendjam in August 2027.
I’ll be announcing a handful of 2028 trips later this year; these hosted trips will continue to run on a very limited basis. Jump on ‘em when you see one that intrigues you!

• Turneffe Island Resort (Classic Flats Fishing in Belize): May 23-30, 2026

  SOLD OUT - WAITLIST AVAILABLE

• Bolivia Heli-Fishing (Trophy Golden Dorado): June 27-July 4, 2026

  SOLD OUT - WAITLIST AVAILABLE

• Fish Partner’s Highlands Lodge, Iceland: June 26 - July 1, 2027 (Week 1) and
  July 1 - July 7, 2027 (Week 2). Both weeks sold out, waitlist available.

• NEW: Kendjam Lodge, Brazil: August 28 - September 4, 2027
  Multi-species, dry fly jungle fishing. More info below.

• Rio Marié Headwaters Camp: September 5-12, 2027
  SOLD OUT - WAITLIST AVAILABLE

2027: Kendjam Lodge

Dry fly fishing for a variety of jungle species on Kayapo Lands.

I’m exited to announce I’ll be returning to Kendjam Lodge in Brazil. I spent two weeks at this fantastic jungle fishery this past September, and will be visiting Kendjam again before heading right to the Rio Marié Headwaters Camp afterward.

This is a wonderful dry fly, streamer, and nymph fishery (five and six-weight rods!) in a classic jungle setting. Expect diverse, fun fishing from both boats and walk/wade, an immersion into the indigenous Kayapo culture, excellent food, and comfy lodging.

Get more info in this PDF. Only TWO spots remaining.

August 28 - September 4, 2027
$7,950 / person, shared room and guide + $740 native fee
6 full days fishing / 7 nights at Kendjam Lodge

Recently Published

• Pick up the latest copy of Hook & Barrel Magazine for a feature article and images about my time at Kendjam Lodge last September… a proper jungle adventure.

• The annual Fly Fishing Issue of The Big Sky Journal just dropped, and inside you can spot a couple familiar images of both grayling and aerial Idaho river scenes.

• H20 Magazine featured a piece (and a cover photo!) about backcountry fishing for Yellowstone cutthroat in Montana in the latest U.S. edition of the magazine.

• Grab the most recent issue of Fly Fisherman Magazine to read the story of Chip and Skylar Lamont, who are building a fly-fishing lodge in remote Alaska.

• Australia and New Zealand’s FlyLife Magazine just ran a print feature on Iceland and (surprise!) a cover photo as well.

• Pick up the latest issue of Shallow Water Sportsman to read Notes From the Vineyard, an ode to overnight striper tournaments on Martha’s Vineyard.

• Shouting at the Sky, a story about Kayapo life in the Brazilian Amazon, just ran on Field Ethos.

• Mooning Helio Pilots in the Alaskan Bush. Only Field Ethos would run an article with that title… and every word of it is true.

• H20 Magazine just ran a feature on Estancia Laguna Verde in their most recent Italian edition.

• Read A Week of Learning Life Skills From Fishing Guides, a story about Argentina’s SET Spring Creek Lodge, in the latest In The Loop Magazine.

• The Beckbe Journal just published this piece about weird yet utterly memorable moments in the Darien: Darien Dance Parties.

Follow Along on Social

If you’re not already, follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Like what you’re reading? Share with friends! Thanks for your time and support.

Share

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It’s hard to decide whether to fish hard or photograph hard. At least for me, this is one of the constant balances of life. If I’m on a client shoot, of course I’m going to have the camera in hand 99% of the time (I’m lucky enough to have a few clients who make me set it aside sometimes and replace it with a rod ins…

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Spring’s starting to show here in Montana, and with it comes the inevitable wave of anglers and tourists planning summer trips. Always entertaining (and usually welcome, tho…

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The more time I spend traveling internationally, the more I find myself streamlining my kit. I’m on track to hit nine co…

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Here's a downloadable version of my saltwater fishing master packing list, available for subscribers only. Make the document your own—add the personal items you don’t want to leave home without! Then pack your bags and get ready to hit the salt.

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