We recently had the chance to connect with Ryan Johnston and have shared our conversation below.
Ryan, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Well, this answer doesn’t completely fit the question, but I’m really proud of becoming an author. I have started businesses and have been successful in the fly fishing industry. Yet, when I decided to start writing down my captivating stories from the water, I was worried about what others would think. Never could I have imagined the amazing support I would get from people I’ve never met. Becoming an author, having a following of readers, and being recognized as a new voice in the angling community, has been a breath of fresh air.
No one saw my timidness as I decided to write my first book, yet I knew I had to be brave and put myself out there. Have there been some negative reviews, of course. However, the positivity greatly outweighs the handful of people that want to knock you down. Now four years later, I have published a second book with a third one coming out in the winter of 2026. My challenge is for all of your readers to be brave in the workplace. Be creative and put yourself out there.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ryan Johnston. I have been in the fly fishing industry for the past 23 years. In 2009, I decided to start a fly fishing nonprofit organization called Cast Hope to give back to my local community by taking underserved kids into the outdoors. In this screen focused era we currently find ourselves in, there is a huge need for kids to connect to nature. We help immerse kids into the outdoors through the sport of fly fishing. For our San Diego based kids we are taking them out on Mission Bay, in the ocean near La Jolla, and also our East County lakes.
Cast Hope is currently in four states (CA, NV, ID, and MT) and we are serving 1,00o kids per year. Each of those numbers has a name, story, a need, and the desire to participate in outdoor activities. It’s our desire to break down the financial and knowledge barriers that are preventing our young people from participating in fishing. We provide kids with free fishing rods, take them on guided fishing experience, and help support their emotional health by connecting them with nature.
Besides Cast Hope, I’ve been a fly fishing guide in CA, ID, and MT for 23 years chasing trout, steelhead, salmon, stripers, and bass. I’m also an author who has published two books, A Reel Job – Short Stories & Thoughts from the River and Reelly – Unbelievable Guide Stories, in the past four years. Books can be found on Amazon. I have written several articles for Tail Magazine and also California Fly Fisher.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship I have with my father Darrel. Darrel is a legend and one of my best friends. So many men struggle with the relationships with their dads, and I’m fortunate that I have a father that has loved and supported me from the start. He’s been my biggest cheerleader my entire life. He constantly told me as a kid how proud he was of me. The bigger thing is he continues to do that. Hearing those words as a grown man, has dramatically impacted my life. Often times as men we’re reserved and keep those words to ourselves, but our children need to hear them.
My father at a young age taught me that I can work hard and overcome obstacles. When you teach your kids those important life lessons, they carry them into adulthood, and then they start viewing themselves as strong and capable. Darrel helped shape how I see myself and I will forever be grateful for him.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
One thing that has really helped me in my life is counseling. Mental health is so important to a fulfilling and productive life. I always thought that counseling was something that people who only had significant problems needed. Yet, all of us, whether from past trauma, family dynamics, marriage, raising kids, or work struggles, all have our own battles. Finding a counselor who can listen, give advice, and breathe wisdom into your life has been instrumental in the past seven years of my life. What I once thought was a waste of time, energy, and money, I now find very fruitful in my life.
Growing emotionally is incredibly important. Yet, society tells us as men that we need to be sturdy oaks. Yes, there are times for us to step up and be strong, but it’s also okay to say, “I don’t got this.” No one in life always has it together, and if they claim to, they’re lying to you and themselves.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
100%, yes!!
One of the biggest things I value in life if being genuine. I have no space in my life or my families for being fake. I believe God made all of us unique. We’re not supposed to fit in a box. I say let your quirks and uniqueness shine in the world. If we were all true to ourselves then we’d be healthier and create better communities. Stop trying to be someone that you aren’t just to create the “right” impression of yourself for a certain friend group, family get together, or work setting. You’re wasting a lot of energy and not being true to yourself.
I’ve done quite a few videos on social media and all of them are true to the actual person I am in private and in public.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
As people look back on the career choice I have made by being a fly fishing guide, founder of Cast Hope, and author, they will probably say that, “Ryan, loved to fly fish.” Yet, what most people don’t understand is that my true heart behind it all is the people that I get to interact with. Now, yes, I do love to fly fish, but the reason I continue in the fly fishing industry is due to the amazing relationships that I’ve made through the sport. Most of my best friends in my life started off as clients. Now they are people I do life with on a regular basis.
I don’t continue in this life path to catch more fish, but rather to create shared experiences between the clients I get to interact with. My hope is to show people the outdoors is an awesome place to spend time, have lots of fun, and create lasting memories. I hope one day my legacy will be, “Ryan loved people.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.casthope.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casthope
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/casthope
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGO-fNKK4-gOeydGa4O0Zdg
