At Briarwood Sporting Club, we firmly believe that the water holds more than fish—it holds memories, healing, and the chance to connect with what truly matters. Few stories embody this better than Josh’s journey. His testimony is a reminder of how fishing is more than a pastime; it’s a lifeline, a passion, and a way to create lifelong memories with those you love.
Rediscovering a Lost Passion
For Josh, fishing has always been more than a hobby—it was his only true escape. But after suffering a severe injury that left him without a pulse in either arm for nearly two years, the sport he loved was suddenly out of reach. He packed away his rods and even gave away his canoe, believing he’d never experience those quiet mornings on the water again.
“I can take a lot physically,” Josh shared, “but putting my rods away took quite a mental toll. And to make it worse, fishing on crowded public waters was frustrating, especially when my fishing time was limited due to my pain.”
The physical pain was hard enough, but the mental toll of letting go of his favorite pastime was even greater Josh lamented.
A New Beginning at Briarwood
Two years ago, everything changed when Josh discovered Briarwood Sporting Club. After searching online for “Fly Fishing Clubs Near Me,” then stopping by the Briarwood booth at the Columbus Fishing Expo and talking to a team member for quite a while. He felt a rush of hope when he realized we were close to home and the club could offer everything he was looking for. He worked hard to make a membership possible—even starting a side hustle that has now grown into a sustaining source of income.
“I needed Briarwood more than I realized,” Josh said. “I couldn’t wait to get there.”
With access to our private waters, Josh found new opportunities that worked within his limitations. Quality fish, convenient boating options, and the chance to fish without the pressures of crowded public waters gave him the space to rebuild not only his confidence but also his physical endurance.
“It has been life changing for me and I am on a mission to share my special nature getaway with as many people as possible.”
We hear a similar story quite often from new members. Briarwood was the answer to getting them back on the water with family and friends, a way to escape from work and the stresses at home and seek a retreat in nature. Many times, the club is the motivation to get them back to fishing after a hiatus for years or even decades.
Making Family Memories
Fishing at Briarwood hasn’t just changed Josh’s life—it’s shaped his family’s too. His son, now 2 years old, loves asking to go fishing after catching bluegill at North Lake. With another baby boy on the way this November, Josh is already eager to create more memories with his growing family.
“A big priority was to take my son fishing,” he said. “Now I get to—and I’m already asking my wife how early I can take our next boy out on the water!”
A recent trip to the club for his birthday, yielded one of his best birthday memories ever. With his mom and dad there to experience the club and lodge stay, Josh mentioned how magical it was.
“Just catching bluegills kept us all happy and completely entertained as a family. My mom caught her first fish ever! This is the best birthday I can recall since I was a kid.”
Unlike some fishing destinations, Briarwood is all about family. It starts with the fact that the owners have five kids that essentially grew up at Briarwood; learning how to fish, hunt, appreciate nature, and even learning how to clean fish. This sets the tone for making the club welcoming to all. As Josh has learned, family memories are best around shared passions and new adventures.
The Unexpected Joy of Fly Fishing
When Josh first joined, he had no intention of ever picking up a fly rod. But with encouragement, guidance, and a hands-on intro class from our own Director of Sporting Services, Drew, he gave it a try. Today, he has a dedicated budget for fly fishing and recently spent three straight days casting on Briarwood waters.
Guests with decades of international angling experience have joined Josh at Briarwood and been blown away by the quality of fishing. From trophy rainbows to unforgettable moments learning together, Briarwood has provided full-circle experiences he never imagined possible. After seeing Josh successfully fish with his limitations, they were eager to fish and some are looking to sign up for the fly fishing lessons we provide with our trained and experienced fly fishing and spin fishing guides.
Building Friendships and Confidence
Josh credits Drew as a cornerstone of his experience. From the first meeting at the 2024 Fishing Expo to countless tips and encouragement since, Drew has been the face of Briarwood for Josh and his friends.
“The club can be overwhelming at first,” Josh admitted. “But Drew helped me break it down—structure, weather, geography, lures, everything. He’s rebuilt my confidence as an angler and made the whole experience much more enjoyable than expected. He has made himself available at any time to help me make the most of my membership.“
Josh brought two friends to the club as some of his first guests this past summer and combined they had over 70 years of angling experience; one in fact was a very experienced fly angler from North Carolina. Their day was accentuated after both caught the largest Rainbow trout on a fly rod of their lives. Naturally, they are both itching to return with Josh. Another guest caught his personal best after Drew made a suggestion to improve his cast. He was ecstatic to say the least.
“With what I learned from Drew’s fly fishing lesson, I was even able to help some of my friends!”
Like Josh, a real joy of most of our members is sharing the club with their family, friends, work associates and even clients. And with no fee ever for guests to use the club, sharing the fishing and lodging experience at the club is easy and painless.
A Place to Belong
Josh’s journey reminds us why Briarwood exists: to provide a sanctuary for anglers and lovers of the outdoors from all backgrounds, abilities, and stories. For him, it’s more than just fishing—it’s healing, family, and friendship.
“Thank you to the entire team for making these experiences possible,” Josh shared. “I hope to be a member for as long as I can. I am so proud to refer to Briarwood as ‘my club’ and now I think I have my son hooked too!”
At Briarwood, stories like Josh’s inspire us every day. Whether you’re chasing your next personal best, teaching your child to cast or simply catch their first fish, or finding your way back to the water after life’s challenges, you’ll find a welcome home here.
Ready to Start Your Own Story?
If Josh’s journey resonates with you, we invite you to experience Briarwood for yourself. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just beginning, our private lakes and streams and beautiful lodges offer unmatched opportunities for fishing, relaxation, and connection.
Schedule a tour today and discover why Briarwood Sporting Club is more than just a place to fish—it’s a place to belong, a place to call “my club”.
