Every fly fishing journey begins the same way—with curiosity, a bit of uncertainty, and the excitement of learning something new. To better support members who are just getting started, the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club is launching a new group within the club: Crew26.
Crew26 is designed to be a welcoming “tribe” for those who are beginning their fly fishing journey. Whether you’re brand new to fly fishing or still finding your footing, Crew26 is a place to ask questions, learn together, and connect with other members who are at a similar stage.
What Crew26 Is About
Crew26 will use a mix of informal tools and gatherings—a WhatsApp group, ad-hoc meetups, and occasional Zoom calls—to share information, encouragement, and real-world experience. Topics we hope to explore throughout the year include:
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Basic equipment without breaking the bank – what you actually need to get started
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Where to find good online instruction – trusted videos, courses, and learning resources
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Water safety tips – staying safe while wading and fishing
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Beginner-friendly club fishouts – what to expect and how to prepare
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Recommendations of places to fish – local and regional spots suitable for beginners
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Good catch-and-release practices – caring for the fish and the resource
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How to take a good fish photo without hurting the fish
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Recommendations of guides that club members have personally used
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And anything else the group wants to discuss
This is meant to be a flexible, member-driven space—if there’s a question, challenge, or success you want to share, Crew26 is the place for it.
How to Get Involved
If Crew26 sounds like a good fit for you, here are two easy ways to jump in:
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Join the WhatsApp group
Scan the QR code included with this article to join the WhatsApp group called
“Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Crew26.” -
Attend the New Member Orientation
Join us on February 4 at the Aptos Grange for the New Member Orientation meeting. It’s a great opportunity to meet other Crew26 members and learn more about what’s ahead.
More Than Just Fish
Learning how to fly fish—and catching that first (or fiftieth) fish—is often what brings us to the club. But over time, most of us discover that the biggest gift the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club offers is to find great fishing buddies and a welcoming community.
Crew26 is about building those connections early—learning together, supporting each other, and finding your place within the club. We hope you’ll join us and become part of the Crew.
Posted on December 15th, 2025