Featured Angler: Sebastian Sawhney - and His Passion For Fly Fishing

Introduction

If you spend any time exploring the world of fly fishing on social media, chances are you've come across Sebastian, known online as @SebbyonFly. From the moment he picked up his first rod as a child in the Northeast to his adventures stalking permit in Honduras, his journey is defined by passion, persistence, and an unwavering love for the sport. We sat down with Sebastian to learn more about his evolution as an angler, the places he’s fished, and why fly fishing remains at the core of his life.

From Light Tackle to Fly Fishing

Sebastian’s love for fishing started young—he was just four years old when he first held a rod. Growing up in the Northeast, he spent most of his time casting artificial lures for striped bass and similar species.

“Many people, especially the guides, loved fly fishing,” he recalls. “To me, it was described as a much more technical but rewarding style of fishing.” That curiosity led him to buy his first fly rod 8-9 years ago while still in high school. He hasn’t put it down since.

Exploring the World, One Fishery at a Time

Sebastian has already built an impressive fishing resume, with multiple countries and countless states under his belt. “I’ve fished in the U.S., Mexico, Scotland, Ireland, and Honduras,” he shares. “As for states, I’ve lost count, but some of the highlights include New York, Florida, Colorado, and Wyoming.”

His favorite type of fishing? Without a doubt, sight fishing in saltwater.

“Nothing beats the flats for me. There’s something so exhilarating about stalking and casting to a fish,” he explains. His favorite spot? The backcountry of Everglades National Park. “It’s a truly wild place where you can go an entire day without seeing another person. Casting to laid-up 100-pound tarpon in the mud is my favorite way to fish.”

Sebastian’s most memorable catch? His first permit on a fly rod in Guanaja, Honduras.

“I had spent so much time fishing for them without success. I still don’t feel like I’ve ‘figured out’ permit, but catching one was exhilarating,” he says. “It happened during a sargassum bloom, which made it a unique scenario. I got to sight cast to cruising permit on the backs of waves. It was one of the most rewarding moments in my fly fishing journey.”

The Passion Behind the Fishing

Sebastian’s love for fly fishing isn’t just about catching fish—it’s about problem-solving and discovery.

“For freshwater fishing, I love the exploration—hiking along rivers, discovering new places. For saltwater fly fishing, it’s all about problem-solving. The wind, tide, and temperature all play a role in figuring out where the fish are. When it works out, it’s the best feeling.”

A dedicated fly tyer, he sticks to simple, effective patterns. “I tie my own flies, though I’m not the best at it. My go-to is the Clouser Minnow. I tie green-and-white for stripers, pink for albies and peacock bass, and straight white for smallmouth. For flats fishing, an EP Spawning Shrimp is hard to beat.”

Lessons from the Water

One of the biggest lessons Sebastian has learned from fly fishing is patience. “Fly fishing is all about adjusting and adapting,” he explains. “There are days when the fish don’t cooperate, but those tough days make the successful ones even sweeter.”

He also appreciates the conservation aspect of the sport. “The places we fish are fragile, and it’s up to us to keep them healthy,” he says. “Whether it’s practicing catch and release, handling fish properly, or supporting conservation initiatives, we all have a role to play.”

Balancing Fly Fishing and Content Creation

While fly fishing remains Sebastian’s primary passion, his journey into content creation was a strategic move. In 2021, he saw a gap in the market for fly fishing content on TikTok and decided to take advantage of it.

“There weren’t many people making fishing videos on TikTok back then, especially not fly fishing,” he explains. “I thought, ‘If I can be one of the first, I’ll have a huge advantage.’”

His approach to content creation mirrors his approach to fly fishing—strategic, patient, and always evolving. “I film everything, whether it’s on my GoPro or my phone. Then, I upload and organize the footage onto the cloud so I can use it when the right idea comes along.”

Consistency has been the key to his social media growth. “I try to post a video every two days and ramp up to daily during peak fishing season. My audience is mostly younger anglers, so engagement spikes in the summer.”

Advice for Aspiring Anglers

For those looking to get into fly fishing, Sebastian offers this wisdom:

• Be well-rounded. “Don’t focus on just one method. If you’ve mastered nymphing, challenge yourself to catch fish on a dry fly next time. You’ll learn so much—not just about your new goal but also about techniques you’ve already mastered.”

• Explore new waters. “Each location presents a new challenge. The more places you fish, the better you’ll get.”

• Respect the fish and the environment. “Good handling practices and conservation efforts ensure that future generations can enjoy the sport just as we do.”

  
  

What’s Next?

Sebastian continues to seek out new waters and new challenges in fly fishing. He hopes to explore more remote fisheries and take on species he’s yet to target. “I’m always looking for the next adventure. Whether it’s new species, new techniques, or new destinations, fly fishing is a journey that never really ends.”

Want to follow Sebastian’s fly fishing adventures? You can find him on TikTok and Instagram @SebbyonFly—and keep an eye out for exciting trips and stories ahead!

Final Thoughts

Sebastian’s story is one of passion, adaptation, and a deep love for the sport of fly fishing. Whether he’s chasing permit in Honduras, battling tarpon in the Everglades, or simply enjoying a quiet morning on a trout stream, his dedication to the sport shines through. If you’re an aspiring fly angler, there’s a lot to learn from his approach—and a lot more to look forward to from @SebbyonFly in the future.