577 | Redefining Fly Fishing: Private Waters and the Quest for Sustainability with RJ Hosking – RareWaters
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Dave Stewart
4.7 • 531 Ratings
🗓️ 8 March 2024
⏱️ 57 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/577
Presented By: Stonefly Nets, Skwala, Togiak River Lodge
Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors
The tranquil flow of a river and the gentle tug on a fly line have been my solace for as long as I can remember, but my latest conversation with RJ from RareWaters offered an invigorating new perspective on familiar waters. He takes us through a captivating odyssey in the world of private fly fishing, revealing how the sport's exclusivity is more myth than reality. RJ's personal journey from Northern California to an illustrious career with Patagonia has seen him at the forefront of marrying environmental stewardship with industry innovation. He now brings this same ethic to RareWaters, with a mission to transform the fishing experience while honoring the values he's always held dear.
Ever felt like you've discovered a secret fishing spot, only to find it crowded the next time you visit? RJ understands that frustration and explains how RareWaters is meticulously scaling their private property offerings to combat overfishing. He details the selection process for new properties, ensuring that serene and awe-inspiring experiences await every angler. Whether you're seeking a riverside campout under the stars or a cozy lodge with all the comforts, RJ guides us through the dream getaways on rarewaters.com that cater to a range of preferences, including pet-friendly and group accommodations.
We round out our chat with a look at how access to private waters is reshaping the fly fishing industry, from environmental benefits to promoting inclusivity. RJ shares his heartfelt belief that affordable access to quality fishing spots can diversify the sport and enrich it for all. He gives a nod to conservation partners who play a vital role in this vision, and we take a detour into his own camper life, balancing the demands of work and family by seizing every opportunity to explore the great outdoors. RJ's anecdotes and insights are a reminder of the joy and calm that await us in nature's embrace, a sentiment echoed throughout our discussion and at the heart of RareWaters' philosophy.
Episode Chapters - RareWaters
(0:00:05) - Industry Disruption
RJ shares his fly fishing journey, Patagonia's impact on the industry, and his transition to RareWaters.
(0:13:38) - Expanding Private Fishing Property Market
Nature's growth of private fishing platform, focus on expansion, advisor guidance, organic growth, property selection, serene experiences.
(0:21:43) - Fishing Properties With Camping and Lodging
Nature's unique offerings for anglers at rarewaters.com, including camping, lodging, and private properties, with a community-driven approach.
(0:28:57) - Expanding Access to Fly Fishing
Transforming fly fishing industry by increasing diversity, accessibility, and environmental benefits through affordable private fishing options.
(0:43:41) - Conservation Shout Outs and Camper Life
Nature's conservation partners, travel tips for visiting RareWaters properties, and our love for camping and fishing.
(0:52:04) - Balancing Family and Travel Responsibilities
Family, sports, and work-life balance are discussed, emphasizing the importance of involvement and a healthy culture.
(0:54:49) - Balancing Work and Family Life
Maintaining work-life balance, supporting team members, and being present in personal roles, with a focus on rarewaters.com.
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/577
Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Do you know how to find the highest quality fly fishing locations to create lasting memories on your next trip? |
| 0:08.0 | Would you like to be the first ever to fish a new section of private water? |
| 0:12.0 | RJ Hosking is here to take us into rare waters, a brand that is disrupting fly fishing, so you have a better experience next time you are on the water. |
| 0:20.7 | This is the Wet Fly Swing podcast where we show you the best places to travel to for fly fishing, how to find the best resources and tools to prepare for that trip, and what you can do to give back to the fish species you love. Hey, I'm Dave, host of the Wet Fly Swing podcast, and I've been fly fishing since I was a kid. I grew up in a fly shop and have created one of the largest fly fishing podcasts in this country. I've also interviewed |
| 0:41.8 | more of the greatest fly anglers than just about anyone in the world. Today, RJ |
| 0:46.4 | Hosking takes into his background working with Patagonia and what he learned from Yvonne |
| 0:51.6 | Shinarden over 17 years at Patagonia, and why these private |
| 0:55.6 | rare waters are not for the 1%, but for the rest of us, you and me who have a limited budget and a |
| 1:01.2 | limited time to fish each year. Plus, you're going to find out how you can craft a trip that |
| 1:06.9 | meets the budget and gives you a season pass to Epic Waters in the West. |
| 1:12.2 | Trip planning time. Here we go. RJ Hosking from rarewaters.com. |
| 1:18.4 | How you doing, RJ? |
| 1:19.7 | Well, I'm good. Great, Dave. Thanks for having me. |
| 1:21.8 | Yeah, appreciate you spending some time with us today. |
| 1:25.8 | We're going to talk about, I think, an interesting new topic. I think |
| 1:29.0 | you've mentioned, to me, industry disruptor, you know, private waters. I know we were on a trip in |
| 1:35.1 | New York a few months ago or a couple months ago, and I know we fish a lot of public water, |
| 1:39.9 | but we saved one day to hit a private section. And I remember on that trip, one of the guys that was there was like had the trip of his life. Well, two guys actually, because they're on the private water. So I feel like private waters is something that maybe some people don't know a lot about. Maybe they think it's like this uppity thing, but I'm guessing that it's probably not. So you're going to explain some of that today. Before we get into all of that with rare waters and everything there, talk about how you got into fly fishing and kind of what's your first memory. |
| 2:06.1 | Yeah, yeah, that's great, Dave. |
| 2:07.7 | Thanks. |
| 2:08.5 | Appreciate being on the show. |
| 2:09.8 | And my history with fly fishing essentially goes back all the way to my early childhood. |
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