Growing up in Redwood City, John learned to fly fish alongside his father and uncle on the Trinity River, swinging traditional flies with singlehanded rods. In his early twenties, he moved to El Dorado Hills and joined the Roseville Orvis store, eventually earning a promotion to Fishing Manager in Reno, where he taught clinics and led education programs for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. In 2009, John connected with Clearwater Lodge on the Pit River, joined the guiding staff, and later managed the lodge. Since going independent in 2019, he has been dedicated to creating enjoyable, educational, and successful days on the water.