US fly fishing industry casts leadership net

It’s election time at the American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) and there are a number of manufacturers, retailers and guides seeking to join the board of the sport’s governing body.

Seeking re-election are:
Manufacturers: Jim Bartschi, President and Rod Designer, Scott Fly Rod Company; Jesse Haller, Product Developer, Orvis. Retailers: Rachel Leinweber (main picture), General Manager, Angler’s Covey, Pikes Peak Outfitter and Colorado Tackle Pro, Colorado. Guides/outfitters: Hogan Brown, Owner and Guide, Hogan Brown Fly Fishing, California, and Marketing Director for Cast Hope and Loon Outdoors.

Board candidates for 2021 are:
Manufacturers: Nick Conklin, Product Category Manager, Temple Fork Outfitters; Nick English, Director Simms North American Wholesale Business. Retailers: Jin Choi, General Manager St. Peters Fly Shops, Colorado; Hillary Hutcheson, Owner, Lary’s Fly & Supply Shop, Montana; Nick Streit, Owner, The Taos Fly Shop, New Mexico, and the Reel Life Fly Shop and Guide Service in Santa Fe. Guides: Lisa Lowman, Gulf Coast Fly, Louisiana.