The Changing Landscape of Fly Fishing: Corporate Buyouts and Their Impact

In recent years, the fly fishing industry has seen a wave of acquisitions, with major brands being bought by larger corporations and holding companies. This shift has sparked debate within the community—some see it as a natural progression that provides financial stability and growth, while others worry that these acquisitions could lead to declining product quality and loss of brand identity.

Let’s take a closer look at some key acquisitions, weigh the pros and cons, and examine what this means for the future of fly fishing gear.

Notable Acquisitions in the Fly Fishing Industry

One of the most significant recent acquisitions was Simms Fishing Products, which was purchased by Vista Outdoor in 2022 for $192.5 million. Vista Outdoor, a conglomerate that owns various outdoor brands, took over Simms with promises of continued innovation and commitment to quality. However, some anglers have raised concerns that the brand’s shift under corporate ownership could lead to (and already has lead to) cutbacks in materials, production costs, or overall performance.

Another example is LOOP Tackle, which was acquired by Cox Enterprises in 2022. LOOP is well known for its high-end, sustainable fly fishing equipment, and Cox’s expansion into the outdoor recreation sector signaled its interest in growing this market. While the transition has been relatively smooth, some worry that corporate priorities could eventually take precedence over the company’s dedication to craftsmanship.

In 2024, Mayfly Outdoors—the parent company of Abel Reels and Ross Reels—acquired Renzetti, a respected manufacturer of fly-tying vises. This acquisition was aimed at consolidating expertise and broadening product offerings under one umbrella. So far, it appears that Renzetti has maintained its quality and reputation, but only time will tell how this corporate structure will impact the brand’s future.

The Argument: Corporate Buyouts Can Be Beneficial

Proponents of these acquisitions argue that increased resources and financial backing allow brands to invest in research and development, expand distribution, and improve customer support.

For instance, following its acquisition by Vista Outdoor, Simms retained its headquarters in Bozeman, Montana, and continued to produce high-end waders and outerwear. While there are some anecdotal reports suggesting a potential decline in Simms product quality, particularly regarding certain lower-priced items, the general consensus is that Simms still maintains a high standard of quality for their fishing apparel and gear, with many users continuing to praise their durability and craftsmanship. However, concerns about potential quality drops often arise with new ownership or changes in manufacturing practices.

Bigger parent companies can also bring stability to brands that may otherwise struggle to keep up with production demands or market fluctuations. With a well-funded backing, brands like Simms, LOOP, and Renzetti might be able to scale up operations and reach a broader audience while maintaining the quality that made them successful in the first place.

The Counter-Argument: The Risks of Going Corporate

On the other side of the debate, many anglers fear that when fly fishing brands become part of larger corporate portfolios, their original craftsmanship and authenticity could suffer.

The worst-case scenario is that profit-driven decision-making leads to lower material quality, outsourced production, and cost-cutting measures that ultimately degrade the performance of the gear.

While Simms has not yet demonstrated a drop in quality, there is an ongoing conversation among anglers about whether its recent corporate shift could affect future product lines. In November 2024, Vista Outdoor, the parent company of Simms Fishing Products, announced an agreement to sell its outdoor products segment, Revelyst, to Strategic Value Partners (SVP) for $1.125 billion. This sale was contingent upon shareholder approval of the sale of Vista's other segment, the Kinetic Group, to the Czechoslovak Group (CSG), which was later finalized.

Although Simms has maintained its headquarters in Bozeman, Montana, and continues to produce high-quality fishing gear, some anglers have expressed concerns about potential changes under new ownership. Anecdotal reports suggest a decline in quality for certain lower-priced items, though the general consensus is that Simms still upholds a high standard for their products. However, with the recent acquisition by SVP, a firm that does not specialize in outdoor industries but focuses on 'deep value opportunities,' there is ongoing discussion about how this change might impact Simms' product lines and brand integrity.

It's important for consumers to monitor these developments and provide feedback to ensure that the quality and values associated with Simms remain intact under the new ownership.

A Unique Example: Orvis

One company that has remained independent while still growing into a global brand is Orvis.

Though some argue that Orvis has ‘gone corporate’ in terms of scale, it is still a family-owned business, and that has helped it retain its values. Unlike Simms or LOOP, Orvis is not owned by a holding company or private equity firm, allowing it to maintain control over its product quality and customer experience.

This suggests that a brand can expand and commercialize without sacrificing its core identity, as long as leadership remains dedicated to its original mission.

Whether Simms, LOOP, or Renzetti will follow a similar path remains to be seen.

What This Means for Fly Fishing

Corporate acquisitions in fly fishing are neither inherently good nor bad—it all depends on how well a company preserves its quality, innovation, and customer trust after being bought out.

If these brands can maintain their standards, then a corporate acquisition is just another step in their evolution. However, if product quality suffers, then it could signal trouble for the future of high-end fly fishing gear.

For now, the best thing anglers can do is stay informed, keep an eye on gear performance, and support companies that remain dedicated to craftsmanship and conservation.

Whether corporate ownership benefits or harms fly fishing brands, one thing is clear: fly fishers will always seek the best gear available, and any company that compromises quality will quickly lose their loyalty.