fly fishing, conservation and politics.
When I saw a innovative use for old fly line from the folks at Fly Vines I was more than curious, I placed an order.
Conservation as a business model is always a winner in my book. Fly Vines is a great example.
My order arrived earlier this week.
The lanyards are well constructed and use a simple snap ring as a safety release.
[Read more…] about Innovation for conservation
I am always on the look out for new ideas that go the simple route. That is why tenkara fishing is so appealing. So when I came across Fly Vines this weekend I was blown away.
These folks are making lanyards from recycled fly line! They are also making bracelets and sunglass keepers.
What an outstanding idea! Conservation as a business model is always a winner in my book.
It certainly fits with my whole tenkara mind set so I immediately ordered a couple of lanyards and bracelets to them check out.
I will post an update with pictures as soon as the goods arrive.
Social networking clearly had a big year in 2010. Our friends over at GoFISHn sure racked up some impressive results.
Check out Ned Desmond’s blog post on GoSPORTn.com: 485,000 visits. 150,000 fans. 96,000,000 impressions. A good year for GoFISHn. – Go Sportn.
3M is buying Ross Reels. They are both great companies and this should be good for both. Maybe now I can get a F1 preloaded with “golf ball” line…
Hat tip to our friends at Angling Trade HERE:
ST. PAUL, Minn. – September 30, 2010 – 3M announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Ross Reels, a Colorado-based manufacturer of fly fishing equipment and accessories. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Ross Reels is recognized as one of the top fly reel manufacturers in the United States. Its full line of products includes high quality fly rods, complete fly fishing outfits, reel outfits, rod cases, fishing pliers and other outdoor related products. 3M, through its Scientific Anglers brand, offers a wide variety of products and equipment for all fly fishing experiences, including fly lines, reels, rods, boxes and instructional DVDs.
“The addition of Ross Reels builds on 3M’s core fly fishing portfolio and further expands the business,” said Gabi Sabongi, vice president, New Business Ventures, 3M Consumer and Office Business. “The combination of the well-recognized Ross Reels brand products with 3M’s Scientific Anglers branded fly fishing lines, reels, rods and accessories will allow 3M to better serve consumers and retailers in North America.”
3M’s angling scientists and design team work in partnership with fly-fishing legends to develop cutting-edge technologies and ultimate fly line designs to modernize the sport. Throughout its 60 year history in this market, 3M has been inventing premier fly fishing products—from the contemporary floating fly line more than 50 years ago to the specialty core construction and patented Sharkskin technologies.
Ross Reels employs approximately 25 people at its operations in Montrose, Colorado. The transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter.
About Ross Reels
Established in 1973, and based in Montrose, Colorado, Ross Reels employs a team of skilled professionals who are passionate about the outdoors and bring real world experience into every aspect of design and manufacturing. Ross Reels is committed to producing the finest outdoor recreation products.
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About 3M
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M’s core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms – often in combination – to a wide array of customer needs. With $23 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.
Scientific Anglers and Sharkskin are trademarks of 3M.
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Media Contact:
Donna Fleming Runyon, 3M
(651) 736-7646
Dispatches is going mobile to Denver bright and early tomorrow. First the AFFTA board meeting on Wednesday, then the IFTD Show Thurs thru Saturday.
If you want to stay up to date on the show, “like” the IFTD Facebook page and follow IFTD on Twitter.
I will also try and log in a few posts from the show as well.
Stay tuned!
AFFTA strives to be sure all segments of the fly-fishing industry are represented on the board. Our by-laws require two members from each industry category must be appointed to the board prior to filling at-large seats.
For this election, in order to maintain industry diversity, four of the nine available board positions needed to be filled first. Then the the five remaining seats could be filled.
Here is the breakdown of the election results:
Representatives (1 required)
Scott Harkins – San Miguel Mountain & River Products
Media/PR&MKT/Associations/Government/Educational (1 required)
Kate Fox – Casting for Recovery
Retailer (2 required)
Pat Pendergast – The Fly Shop, Inc.
Dustin Carlson – Fishwest
At Large Seats (5 required)
Jeff Wieringa – Scientific Anglers
David Heller – Ross Reels USA / Ross Worldwide Outdoors
Larry Barrett – Far Bank Enterprises
Riley Cotter – Umpqua Feather Merchants
Mike Gawtry – LL Bean
As the AFFTA announcement noted, “It is worth mentioning that more than 50% of AFFTA members participated in this year’s election. This is an incredible turnout for any election and a clear demonstration that the association is more active than ever as we reinvent the fly fishing trade during these challenging economic times.
We are excited about the future and look forward to kicking off the year with everyone at the new International Fly Tackle Dealer Show this coming month!”
To become an AFFTA member of you can download an application HERE or get more info HERE.