Community Member Spotlight
Josh Ebert
This month, we’re proud to shine the spotlight on Josh Ebert. Known for his adventurous spirit and dedication to the fly fishing community, Josh has been an active supporter of our shop and events. Through his local business, he has generously contributed to our fundraising efforts, helping us give back and grow the sport we all love. Beyond his community involvement, Josh’s passion for fly fishing has also had a lasting impact at home—helping inspire and guide his son as he builds a career in fly fishing. We’re grateful to celebrate Josh this month for his commitment, energy, and the meaningful difference he makes both on and off the water.
-Chris Rich, AZ Fly Shop Founder
About Josh Ebert
For Josh Ebert, fly fishing isn’t just about catching fish—it’s about adventure, connection, and the memories built along the way. A lifelong outdoorsman, Josh discovered fly fishing later in life, thanks to his son Niko. What started with a nine-year-old’s curiosity for a fly rod quickly turned into a shared passion that has carried the two of them from local waters all the way to the jungles of South America.
Josh recalls one trip in particular that stands out above the rest. After a grueling nine-hour boat ride and two-hour hike through the Colombian jungle, he and Niko arrived at an old, overgrown site that once housed a cocaine lab. Beyond it lay a lagoon that hadn’t been touched by anglers in years. There, father and son experienced what Josh calls the most epic day of fishing of his life, landing towering peacock bass, razor-toothed payara, powerful pacu, and heavy catfish. The fish were extraordinary, but it was the journey and the time together that made the day unforgettable.
That spirit of exploration has carried Josh across waters near and far. Fly fishing, he says, has opened up a world of travel and discovery, giving him the chance to chase wild fish in wild places. But he never forgets that it all started with Niko’s first fly rod—“the greatest gift I’ve ever received,” Josh reflects.
Closer to home, Josh has become a familiar face at AZ Fly Shop. He appreciates the friendships, the energy, and the sense of community he finds each time he steps through the door. One of his favorite traditions is the annual Carp Rally, where he and Niko team up for a day of fishing and then celebrate together at the banquet. “The event is a ton of fun,” he says, “and knowing how much the shop gives back to the community makes it even better.”
When asked what wisdom he’d share with others, Josh keeps it simple:
“Take a kid fishing—it will not only change their life but could change yours as well.”
From the Colombian jungle to our local canals, Josh embodies the adventurous, family-centered spirit of fly fishing. We’re proud to feature him as this month’s Community Member Spotlight and grateful for the light he brings to the AZ Fly Shop family.
