MY TURN TO LOOK BACK
As I close out my third year as President, I’ve been reflecting on what has mattered most during my time in this role. What stands out above everything else is fellowship.
Our club isn’t just about flies, gear, or techniques. It’s about people—learning together, supporting one another, and creating a community where new friendships form naturally. Over these past years, we have worked hard to make sure our activities and events reflect that sense of connection. All we’ve ever asked of you is simply to participate, and you have responded with enthusiasm and generosity.
Your involvement shows in what we’ve accomplished. In 2023, we donated $6,250 in Scholarships and Conservation. This year, we reached $9,800—a 57% increase in just two years. That growth is a direct reflection of the commitment and goodwill of our members.
Our Annual Fundraiser is another example. After returning from a three-year hiatus in 2023 with a renewed format at the Aptos Grange, we moved the event to the Pajaro Valley Rod and Gun Club in 2024 and 2025 and completely sold out—nearly 180 attendees each year. These gatherings were full of connection, conversation, and a very visible sense of shared purpose.
We continued expanding our presence through events like the Fly Fishing Film Tour. In 2025, hosting the F3T at Woodward Brewery brought nearly 100 people out on a weeknight, many of whom were not yet members but were clearly part of the greater fly-fishing community in Santa Cruz.
This year we also had a booth at the Pleasanton Fly Show for the first time, staffed by club members all weekend. It allowed us to meet people across the industry, reconnect with past members, and introduce the club to anglers who hadn’t known we existed.
Membership has grown steadily:
175 members in 2023 → 254 in 2025.
Our social reach has grown as well, with our Instagram following now over 1,000.
We’ve also strengthened relationships beyond our own club. Working with other California clubs, we’ve shared knowledge, attended each other’s fishouts, and exchanged experiences that enrich everyone involved. Partnerships with Project Healing Waters, Trout Unlimited, and Sisters on the Fly continue to build bridges within the broader community—connections that could bring future members to SCFF.
As I look back, I’m proud of the path we’ve taken. Yet most of these accomplishments were carried by the dedication of our Board and volunteers. I have been fortunate to work with a stable, committed leadership group that guided us through the challenges of Covid and into a reimagined club.
My sincere thanks to those finishing their service:
Tommy Polito (Programs), Kevin Murdock (VP), Tom Hogye (Past President), Jim Tolonen (Treasurer), Jeff Goyert (Raffle), and Bob Peterson (Membership).
Your work will continue to shape the club for years to come.
MY TURN TO LOOK FORWARD
As we look ahead to 2026, we welcome new Board members who bring fresh ideas, energy, and the same commitment to service that has kept the club strong. While I am stepping out of the President role, I’m not stepping away from my purpose. My focus from the beginning has been fellowship, and that remains the heart of what I want to continue building.
This year I’ll be taking on the Membership role, with the goal of reimagining how we welcome and support members.
- Improving the Membership Experience Through Technology
For 2026, membership renewals will be handled directly through the club’s website. You should already have received your login information. The new member portal will allow you to update your contact information, manage auto-renewal, and indicate volunteer interests. It will streamline communication and help us stay better connected.
- Creating a First-Year Program for New Members
The first year in any organization is pivotal. I want to ensure new members feel connected, supported, and included from the moment they join. To do this, I plan to create a first-year cohort—Crew’26—a group of new members who will attend meetings, clinics, and fishouts together. The goal is to help new members build relationships early, learn alongside each other, and feel at home in the club.
Ultimately, the greatest gift our club offers is the opportunity to find community. To find people who share your interests, your curiosity, and your appreciation for the outdoors. If we can help new members form those connections, they will stay with the club for years to come.
Serving as your President has been an honor and a privilege. When I joined, Santa Cruz Fly Fishing was already a wonderful club; I hope that together we have made it even stronger.
See you on the water,
Scott Kitayama
Posted on November 20th, 2025