Sage Johnson

For half the year, Captain Sage Johnson works as a fishing guide at her family’s lodge in the remote town of King Salmon, Alaska. For the other half, she heads down south to the warmer waters of Belize, chasing bonefish, permit, and tarpon. She grew up in Livingston, Montana then played D1 basketball for Oregon State, where she had dreams of going pro into the WNBA. But after a career-ending injury, she had to recalibrate her goals and she set her sights on fishing. She fell in love with the strategy and challenge of it all—and she’s been guiding ever since. Her work-hard, play-hard mentality thrives on and off the water: first on the boat, last off, and first to order a round of drinks for the whole crew.

I approach saltwater fly fishing like I would if I was getting ready for a game. It’s a constant cycle of practicing and having routines and getting better. And that’s how I know I’m doing something I love, because I want to get better at it."

- Sage