It is possible for an angler who already knows Find Fish to catch a crate that contains the Weather-Beaten Journal. However, it is not visible when the crate is opened- the crate appears empty (no coins or items). This happened to my boyfriend, who had already learned Find Fish, while fishing in Stonetalon Mountains. I did not yet know Find Fish, and he traded the crate to me and I was able to loot and use the Weather-Beaten Journal that was inside.
That is not clear in current information on this site, I hope that helps.
