The Story of Fishtechy: How One Man’s Vision is Reshaping Fishing Measurements and Science

The Fly Box LLC
Feb 23, 2025
5 min read

Updated: Feb 24, 2025

This interview was conducted by The Fly Box and featured in Casts That Care, our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter.

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In the world of fly fishing, innovation often comes in small but game-changing packages. That’s exactly what happened with Fishtechy, a company that, at first glance, appears to be a futuristic way to measure fish. However, after sitting down with Lawrence Sowell, it became clear that Fishtechy is much more than that.

Beneath its tech-driven exterior lies a deeper mission—one centered on conservation, ethical angling, and cutting-edge fisheries research. Fishtechy is not just about measuring your catch; it’s about building a system that collects valuable data to help protect fish populations, track environmental changes, and support scientific advancements in sustainable fishing. A lifelong outdoorsman and entrepreneur, Sowell founded Fishtechy and developed the Proof Ball—a revolutionary tool designed to standardize fish measurement using artificial intelligence and a spherical reference point.

From the Woods to the Water: Sowell’s Journey

Born in Spain but raised in the American wilderness, Sowell grew up surrounded by nature. His father moved the family back to the U.S. when he was a child and took over a heavy equipment business, leading Sowell to spend his formative years operating machinery, fighting wildfires, and working alongside seasoned loggers. These early experiences instilled in him a strong work ethic, resilience, and an appreciation for the outdoors.

His connection to fly fishing began at an early age when his father introduced him to the sport. While working on Forest Service contracts in remote areas of Oregon, he found himself with long afternoons to fill. Rather than staying in camp, he explored nearby rivers, teaching himself the art of fly fishing. With time, the sport became more than a pastime—it was a passion that stayed with him for life.

The Spark of Innovation: Creating Fishtechy

Although Sowell had a deep love for fly fishing, his professional background took him into the tech industry. Throughout his adult life he has been developing web applications and mobile apps, leveraging his expertise to build solutions for a variety of industries.

He is also the owner/operator of a campground in North Idaho, and he often found himself answering the same questions from guests about where to fish and what flies to use. In response, he created an AI-powered chat app that provided real-time fishing advice. While useful, the concept lacked a compelling hook—until one unforgettable moment on the water.

The Proof Ball: An Idea Born on the River

In the fall of 2023, while on a walk-and-wade trip on the Coeur d'Alene River, Sowell landed a 22-inch cutthroat trout—his personal best. Trying to measure it proved frustrating. Traditional measuring tools were cumbersome, and without a reliable point of reference, it was difficult to capture an accurate length, while also handling the fish with care. Determined to find a better way, he realized that a ball, being a perfect sphere, would provide a universal scale for measurement. That same day, he conceptualized what would become the Proof Ball.

“There should be a standard, a way that people, if they want to measure fish, could do it easier. And that’s where the Proof Ball came from.”

Building the Future of Fish Measurement and Handling

Wasting no time, Sowell patented the Proof Ball and began developing the technology behind it. The system uses AI and image recognition to determine fish length with precision, eliminating the guesswork that often leads to exaggerated fish stories.

"Its funny... the season before I invented the proof ball, I was catching a lot more 20 inchers then I do now!"

He personally traveled across the U.S., attending fly fishing trade shows and meeting with over 200 retailers to refine the concept based on feedback.

For Sowell, proper fish handling has always been a top priority. One of his key motivations for developing the Proof Ball was to reduce the stress placed on fish during measurement, allowing anglers to quickly and efficiently record their catch without excessive handling. The Proof Ball ensures that fish remain in their natural environment as much as possible, minimizing unnecessary air exposure and reducing mortality rates.

By mid-2024, Fishtechy had trained its AI on over 1,000 measured fish, achieving a 90% accuracy rate. The Proof Ball and accompanying app officially launched in July 2024, and the company has been growing ever since.

More Than Just Measurement: Conservation & Science

Beyond helping anglers measure their catches, Sowell envisioned the Proof Ball as a tool for citizen science. Through the SMART Log feature, the app collects water temperature, atmospheric data, and fish size in real-time, creating a valuable dataset for fisheries and conservation groups. Fishtechy is currently forming strong partnerships with many conservation based organizations to support fisheries management and sustainability efforts.

“We’re not just building tools to help anglers measure fish—we’re creating a system that collects valuable data to benefit fisheries, conservation efforts, and the future of the sport.”

Looking ahead, Fishtechy is expanding into saltwater fishing, species recognition, and AI-driven conservation tools, all while continuing to refine its core technology. Sowell’s commitment to fish welfare and responsible angling will remain at the heart of every innovation, with future products designed to further minimize fish handling and promote ethical catch-and-release practices.

A New Era for Fly Fishing

Fishtechy is constantly pushing the boundaries of angling technology, with ongoing advancements in both hardware and software. Their team is dedicated to developing new tools that will enhance the fishing experience while contributing to a deeper understanding of aquatic ecosystems. There are exciting innovations on the horizon. Fishtechy continues to refine its technology, focusing on making fishing more efficient, responsible, and data-driven.

After an insightful conversation with Lawrence Sowell, it’s evident that Fishtechy is reshaping the future of angling. What started as a simple idea to improve fish measurement has evolved into a powerful tool for conservation, research, and responsible fishing. By combining AI and real-time data collection, Fishtechy is not just helping anglers—it’s building a foundation for better fisheries management and sustainability.

Join the movement

Visit Fishtechy at there website: Here

Get your Proof Ball: Here

Social Media:

A search for Fishechy across the major platforms: YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook will direct you to them, make sure to Follow along there for updates and content!