Welcome

My name is Jacob Chapa, but most people just call me by my last name. I'm a 26-year-old angler and film enthusiast who was born and raised in Austin, TX.

My angling journey began with my grandfather Alfredo, who introduced me to the magic of fishing at a very young age. Some of my earliest memories are of casting worms under the Congress Bridge, moments that laid the foundation for the love I have for fishing today.

My interest in film began as a curious spark during a college elective, where an off topic question sent me down the rabbit hole of medium format. Immediately I found myself captivated by film’s timeless quality, a beauty I truly believe digital can’t quite replicate. Seeming how I’ve always had a passion for older analog technology (such as synthesizers and CRTs) it’s no surprise I took a liking to film as well. However, I’m not a photographer, and had no need for shooting film. So I shelved my interest away for what I thought would be forever…

Then, one evening as I was driving home from a friends house I started pondering my own mortality. I realized that without me even knowing, there will come a day where I go fishing for the last time. A day where I am too old, and no longer physically able to be on the water. Uncomfortable with this reality, I felt the need to provide my future self some solace. That’s why I created “Fish On Film”…

A lifelong project dedicated to documenting my journey, solely for the purpose of having a tangible archive where I can reflect and relive my adventures. For me, fishing is more than just the thrill of the catch; it’s about the moments that surround it—the quiet mornings, the fleeting details of the everchanging outdoors, and the friends I’ve met along the way. These moments often get taken for granted, and are easily forgotten as time passes. It’s important to me to preserve these memories, creating snapshots of not just what I’ve seen, but how I’ve felt in those moments.

Whether you’re here for the fishing, the photography, or simply the love of the outdoors… I’m excited to share my journey with you.