Blog Posts

A Weekly Media Round-up of Fishing News and Stories

A Weekly Media Round-up of Fishing News and Stories

Charlie VanDercook and Paul Barnett are dedicated to preserving and expanding the school’s legacy.

The Wulff School of Fly Fishing, founded in 1979 by Joan and Lee Wulff, has been acquired by Charlie VanDercook and Paul Barnett, two local entrepreneurs dedicated to preserving and expanding the school’s legacy.

New Coors Banquet Cimarron launches with more sizes and special releases to support river conservation

Ross Reels Coors Banquet

Casting for Recovery Announces New Board Chair and Trustees, Expanding Leadership for 2025

casting for recovery

Key legislative and policy developments affecting the fishing and outdoor recreation industries.

The AFFTA Bi-Weekly D.C. Update comprehensively covers key legislative and policy developments affecting the fishing and outdoor recreation industries. The report focuses on the recently passed continuing resolution, new steel and aluminum tariffs (including specific impacts on fishing equipment), planned reciprocal tariffs, EPA deregulation efforts, and relevant bills before Congress.

A Weekly Media Round-up of Fly Fishing News and Stories

These links reflect the broad and interconnected forces influencing our rivers, oceans, and those who depend on them.

This initiative challenges states across America to establish the 25th state office of outdoor recreation in 2025

AFFTA is proud to support the launch of the ‘25 in 2025’ campaign to help create the 25th state office of outdoor recreation and encourage all states to have an office dedicated to the $1.2 trillion recreation economy.

A Weekly Media Round-up of Fly Fishing News and Stories

From conservation headlines to angling legends, here’s a quick look at the week’s most notable stories in the world of fly fishing and public lands:

When DTC Goes Right: A Catalyst for Success

It’s no secret that direct-to-consumer (DTC) models have disrupted traditional retail. For independent specialty retailers, the relationship with DTC brands can feel, at times, like a double-edged sword. On the one hand, DTC brands have the potential to drive foot traffic and boost sales; on the other, they can cannibalize those same sales if they don’t operate with thoughtful and ethical strategies. Here’s a closer look at the balance—and how to make DTC a force for good in the specialty retail space.

Mayfly, Renzetti, Dyna-King, Abel, Ross, Airflo, Airlite

A Weekly Media Round-up of Fly Fishing News and Stories

Welcome to March, with another roundup around the world of fishing.

Elevate Your Confluence Boulder Experience with Networking, Community, and Connection

After a full day of insights and discussions, we invite Confluence attendees to kick back and connect more casually.

President Trump has announced new tariffs on steel and aluminum, reigniting a contentious trade policy debate.

President Trump has announced new tariffs on steel and aluminum, reigniting a contentious trade policy debate. Here is a concise summary of the key details and perspectives from industry leaders and policymakers from our partners at High Street Strategies.

We Still Need Your Help To Kill This Bill!

Today, 14 days remain in the 2025 General Session of the Utah Legislature, and H.B. 386 - Public Waters Access Act Amendments (i.e., HB386) remains with the House Rules Committee (HRC).

A Weekly Media Round-up of Fly Fishing News and Stories

This week's collection of links covers a range of fishing-related topics, from conservation challenges and industry tensions to unique fishing destinations and personal stories. It explores debates over striped bass management, the unintended impacts of catch-and-release fishing, and invasive species threats. Additionally, it highlights Montrose as a fly-fishing hub, rare wildlife encounters, and the career journey of a dedicated angler.

Understand how to maximize the return on your inventory

One way to be successful in soft goods is to understand how to maximize the return on your inventory and the valuable retail space you dedicate to this category.

New Website Features Enhanced Rental Platform, Streamlined Features, and QR Code Integration

This new and improved platform introduces cutting-edge rental capabilities, enhanced user features, and cost-saving efficiencies designed to maximize value for brands, manufacturers, specialty retailers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

A Weekly Media Round-up of Fishing News

From winter fly fishing for redfish in Charleston to the best flies for steelhead, there’s no shortage of fishing news this week. In conservation, Scottish whisky distilleries are helping prevent overfishing, while Montana anglers have a chance to contribute to trout research—and earn cash! Meanwhile, Oregon officials warn against illegally dumped fish, and California debates water releases for trout. Plus, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be stung by the world’s most venomous fish. (spoiler: it hurts)

How Administration actions could reduce climate resiliency

Administration actions could reduce climate resiliency in the fisheries AFFTA members depend on for long-term prosperity.

H.B. 386 Seeks to Move the Goalposts for Utah’s Navigable Waterways

In classic fashion, behind closed doors, without public input, and with funding from unknown sources, one of your elected officials has done it again – drafted a bill designed to privatize public natural resources further.

A Weekly Media Round-up of Fly Fishing News and Stories

Check out our weekly spin around the world of fishing.

Welcome to a new congress and administration.

One month into the new year, there has already been a lot of activity, with a new congress and administration.

Protecting Your Business from Payment and Banking Scams

Fly fishing retailers nationwide report increasingly sophisticated scam attempts impersonating Scott Fly Rods and other major industry brands. These fraudulent communications include highly convincing deepfake content, requests for payment processing, and sensitive banking information.

Hooked Up: A Weekly Media Round-up of Fishing News

Recent news showcases the diversity of challenges and innovations shaping recreational and commercial fishing, from conservation battles to breakthrough scientific research. Legislative efforts to regulate Wyoming's fishing guides, concerns over striped bass populations, and groundbreaking studies on fish behavior compete for attention alongside gear releases and industry changes.

Climate change is impacting U.S. fisheries, threatening AFFTA member businesses

How EXACTLY do increased intensity and frequency of storm activity, warming ocean and freshwater temperatures and sea level rise affect fisheries, and what does that mean to anglers and our members?

A Weekly Media Round-up of Fishing News and Stories

Check out our latest lap around the world of fishing.

Message from the Executive Director

As we enter 2025, we celebrate the remarkable achievements and enduring passion that define the fly fishing community.

A Weekly Media Round-up of Fishing News and Stories

Another edition of Hooked Up! AFFTA's weekly round-up of news from the world of fishing.

A fly fishing themed version of a holiday classic.

Twas the night before fly fishing, when all through the stream, Not a trout was rising, not even a bream.

A Weekly Media Round-up of Fishing News and Stories

Rock stars and blue bastards highlight this week's tour around the world of fishing.

A Weekly Media Round-up of Fly Fishing News and Stories

Another lap around the world of fishing.

A Weekly Media Round-up of Fishing News and Stories

A double dose of fishing LINKs from around the globe.

Why Shopping Local Matters More Than Ever

Now more than ever, small businesses need our support. Please join AFFTA and other organizations across the country as we celebrate small businesses' contributions to their communities by shopping at a small business on November 30.

A Weekly Media Round-up of Fishing News and Stories

A weekly round-up of links to various news and stories from around the world of fishing.

The history of angler advocacy shows AFFTA's unified voice can secure climate resilient fisheries businesses can depend on for generations to come.

The history of angler advocacy shows AFFTA's unified voice can secure climate-resilient fisheries that businesses can depend on for generations.

Hooked Up: A Weekly Media Round-up of Fishing News

A Weekly Media Round-up of Fishing News and Stories.

A Weekly Media Round-up of Fly Fishing News and Stories

We're back with our weekly roundup of fly fishing and conservation media from around the globe.

The Importance of Data-Driven Decisions in Today’s Market

Without clear, objective data, we were making decisions based on incomplete or biased information. That changed when we started using Trackfly to access sell-through data from the specialty wholesale channel. This tool has fundamentally transformed how we view the market and identify growth opportunities. - Lamson Founder Ryan Harrison

Executive Director October Update

In this Executive Director Update, Lucas Bissett discusses the Confluence NOLA event and his work as the industry representative.

The first in a series of testimonials from Confluence NOLA

Despite the widespread devastation in their community, Joel and Joe from The Speckled Trout Outfitters made the trip to Confluence NOLA.

Why AFFTA is taking unprecedented responsibility for securing our industry’s own future

Why AFFTA is taking unprecedented responsibility for securing our industry’s own future

Signaling a return to brick-and-mortar shopping, 47% of shoppers plan to shop in physical stores this holiday season

For those of you who missed last week's Track Fly data presentation at Confluence NOLA, one of the takeaways was the opportunity to increase in-store sales during the holidays.

Save the Date! Confluence Boulder

Join us on April 1st and 2nd, 2025, for an insightful and engaging two-day event designed to elevate your business while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Boulder, Colorado.

A Weekly Media Round-up of Fishing and Conservation Related News

For Jim Bartschi, President of Scott Fly Rods, fly fishing isn't just a pastime—it's a way of life

For Jim Bartschi, President of Scott Fly Rods, fly fishing isn't just a pastime—it's a way of life that began on high-country trips with his family and evolved into a lifelong passion. From the mesmerizing sight of outfitters casting in the Wind River Range to sweeping floors in the Scott Fly Rods workshop as a college student, Jim's journey through the fly fishing world is as storied as the waters he loves.

Hooked Up: A Weekly Media Round-up of Fishing News

A Weekly Media Round-up of Fishing News and Stories

Hurricane Milton: How to help and where to find support

In an industry that relies on Mother Nature to share our passion and feed our families, it hurts that much more when it's Mother Nature that puts our industry flat on its back.

Steps to take when filing your post-disaster insurance claim

By following this checklist, you can safeguard your interests, streamline the claims process, and help ensure a full recovery for both your home and your peace of mind.

What they are, and how they impact your business

Consumer product manufacturers, distributors, importers, and retailers alike have a list of upcoming PFAS-related regulatory deadlines coming up, including reporting and labeling requirements as well as bans on the sale of products containing PFAS.

How to Help and Where to Find Support

How to Help and Where to Find Support

Insights from real-time POS data extend beyond immediate sales performance and inventory management; they also play a critical role in product development.

Real-time POS data transforms how businesses plan, act, and evolve. For retailers, it means better inventory management, more robust purchasing strategies, and a deeper understanding of customer behavior. It allows manufacturers to innovate more effectively, respond to market changes, and collaborate meaningfully with retail partners. In a world where agility and informed decision-making are the keys to success, real-time data is no longer just a tool—it's a necessity.

Far Bank Welcomes Tom Larimer as Director of North American Sales

Far Bank Welcomes Tom Larimer as Director of North American Sales

Karmik Outdoors Announces Derek Young as New Vice President of Sales and Community Development

Karmik Outdoors Announces Derek Young as New Vice President of Sales and Community Development

Lucas talks about the support they (AFFTA) give to small, grassroots organizations for education and habitat protection—organizations that may not be able to apply for larger grants.

“The average American spends more than 5 hours on their phones each day, and not only that, but studies have shown that nearly 50 percent of consumers purchase items based on “influencer” input. It’s hard to debate the success of influencer culture in recent decades.

Justin Bubenik (he/him) is a Bend, Oregon-based attorney and lifelong fly angler. Through his extracurricular pursuits in fly fishing, hunting and backpacking instruction, he's working to make the outdoors more accessible to everyone in a responsible and ethically-sound manner. Justin runs his own non-profit, FlyCurious, an organization focused on creating a safe space in the outdoors, expanding fly fishing opportunities for all, and empowering LGBTQIA+ folks with the knowledge and skills necessary to get their toes wet

Parker Hamlin is the founder and lead designer at CHIEF Provisions. We asked Parker about what make CHIEF Provisions unique, some of the issues he sees the industry facing, and we get a look at CHIEF Provisions’ new QuickDraw Shorts.

Emerger Strategies is a sustainable business consultancy whose mission is to measure and improve our clients sustainability performance, all while boosting profits. We offer a variety of services, including: Sustainability Assessment, Sustainability Reporting, Greenhouse Gas GHG Accounting (Carbon Footprint), Sustainable Packaging and we help our clients obtain certifications like Climate Neutral Certified and Zero Waste Operations.