fly fishing, conservation and politics.
Last week The American Fly Fishing Trade Association announced a matching fund to support the Utah Stream Access Coalition.
Only AFFTA members qualify for the match but anyone can donate! This is going to be a big and costly fight so donations are needed and most welcome!
Go to www.utahstreamaccess.org
Read the full release after the jump: [Read more…] about AFFTA announces matching fund to support Utah Stream Access Coalition
In Dylan Rose’s recent blog post on Skate the Fly, Dodging Icebergs and Rocking a Tenkara, he writes about watching Craig Mathews fishing tenkara on the Madison and being intrigued by the whole tenkara thing but not yet convinced.
I’ve yet to get excited about the Tenkara rage. I can’t really place my finger on why exactly. It may have something to do with the fact that it has been described to me as being the “purest form of fly fishing”. That kind of language always makes me vomit a little in my mouth.
Let’s see if I can convince him to indulge his curiosity and keep him from puking on his shoes.
[Read more…] about Indulge your curiosity, try tenkara!
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!
This is really impressive. Twenty-eight people have thrown their fishing hats into the proverbial ring for the nine seats available on the American Fly Fishing Trade Associations board.
As a board member this is a really exciting time. After some of the kicking around that AFFTA has gotten, deserved or not, the fact that so many people wanted to be part of the solution is wonderful. With so many folks stepping up to not just be a member but be a part of the leadership of AFFTA shows that folks care about having a strong trade association.
If you are not a member of AFFTA you can’t vote so now might be a good time to join. AFFTA is changing and you should be a part of it.
You can find Membership benefits info here.
The candidates are listed below with links to the information they sent in to AFFTA.
Eric Anderson, Owner – Bighorn River Fly Fisher
Larry Barrett, Director Operations and Technology – Farbank
Crispin Battles, Editor/Art Director – Fly Fish America
Andrew Bennett, President – Deneki Outdoors
John Bleh, Owner – Strategic Outdoor Marketing
Dustin Carlson, Owner – Fishwest
Bruce Chard, Owner & CEO – Captain Bruce Chard Fishing Charters
Riley Cotter, International Sales Manager – Umpqua Feather Merchants
Jerry Darkes, Owner – Angling Consulting Services, Inc
Charles Dohs, President & Co-Founder – Fishhound.com
Jon Fisher, Managing Member – Urban Angler
Katheryn Fox, National Program Director – Casting for Recovery
Mike Gawtry, Product Line Manager Fishing/Hunting – LL Bean
Ali Gentry, Owner & CEO – El Pescador Lodge
Scott Harkins, Owner – San Miguel Mnt. & River Products
Chris Hart, Owner – Sundown River Products, Inc.
David S. Heller, President & Co-Owner – Ross Reels USA/Ross Worldwide Outdoors
Jim Murphy, President – Hardy North America
Al Noraker, Designer, Senior Merchandise Manager – Wright McGill
David Olson, Managing Partner – The Fly Shop of Miami
Clint Packo, Owner – Freestone Aquatics
Pat Pendergast, Director of International Travel – The Fly Shop Inc.
John Pinto, Owner – B&C Manufacturing & Import
Curt Schlesinger, President – Trout & Grouse
Kevin Sousa, CEO – March Brown Limited
Guy Tillotson, Owner – Grand Slam Group
Jeff Wieringa, Business Development Manager – Scientific Anglers
Dusty Wissmath, Director – Dusty Wissmath’s Fly Fish School/Guide Service
Randi Swisher has been promoted to the President’s position effective March 1.
“Since Randi came on board January 1, we’ve been very impressed with his work habits, ethics and communication ability. We are confident that Randi will meet the new responsibilities which accompany the President’s position with the same level of enthusiasm and professionalism that he has exhibited since coming to work for AFFTA,” said Alan Gnann, AFFTA’s Chairman
“For the past two months, I received on-the-job training from AFFTA Office Manager Mischa Jones and former President, and now part-time Business Manager Gary Berlin,” said Swisher. “Although I still have a lot to learn, I feel comfortable in my new role and I look forward to serving as the President of AFFTA for many years to come.”
Randi Swisher can be contacted at his home office at 303 690-6504 or by e-mail at randi@affta.com.