“Most of my professional life has been spent playing Doc Holliday to the Wyatt Earps of the fish and wildlife conservation world.”
Here is what I am doing these days
- Deputy Director of the Marine Fish Conservation Network.
- Fly fishing guide and instructor for Mossy Creek Fly Fishing.
- Key grip, trout wrangler, political strategist and head writer here at the Middle River Group.
The story
In 2017, I joined the Marine Fish Conservation Network as the deputy director. The Marine Fish Conservation Network is a coalition of commercial and recreational fishing associations, regional and national conservation groups, aquaria, and marine science organizations committed to sustaining fish populations, healthy marine ecosystems, and fishing communities. Learn more.
Prior to that, I was the executive director of the Outdoor Writers Association of American. After leaving, I was elected to OWAA’s board where I served as treasurer.
Before that I worked as a federal lobbyist for various outfits in Washington, DC.
In 2019, I was appointed to serve on the Board of the Department of Wildlife Resources. I was Chairman from July of 2023 until my term on the board ended in June 2024.
Because of my relationship with Jim Range, one of my proudest moments was receiving the Jim Range Conservation Leadership Award from the American Fly Fishing Trade Association.
When time allows, I guide for Mossy Creek Fly Fishing, in and around the picturesque mountain streams and spring creeks here in the Shenandoah Valley.
I am also an award winning freelance writer.
The Interviews
- On the Outdoor Biz podcast.
- On the Wet Fly Swing podcast.
- In Garden and Gun article: Whisper Fishing
- In the Orvis News: 5 Questions with Tom Sadler: Seeing the Fly-Fishing Industry from the Inside
- On the Eat More Brook Trout blog: 20 Questions: Tom Sadler
- On the Chi Wulff blog: People of Fly Fishing: 10 Questions with Tom Sadler (Part 1) and (Part 2)
The Guiding Gig
I do all my guiding for Mossy Creek Fly Fishing in Harrisonburg, VA. Please contact them to book a trip!
The Awards
- Natural Resources Conservationist Award, American Fisheries Society-Virginia Chapter
“For outstanding contributions to the conservation of Virginia’s aquatic resources.” - Jim Range Conservation Leadership Award, American Fly Fishing Trade Association
“In recognition of exemplary efforts demonstrating a commitment to AFFTA’s policy protocol: Access to healthy habitat creates recreational opportunity that leads to economic activity.” - Taylor F. Turner, Jr. Conservation Award, Fly Fishers of Virginia
“To honor individuals or organizations in the state that have made a valuable contribution to the preservation of our fisheries and waterways.”
The Social Scene
I am social sort; you can find me on Bluesky, Threads, Notes, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.