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On Monday July 14th, the Government of Canada announced a major investment of $9.3 million through the Canada Water Agency to improve water quality, habitat, and fishery health in the Great Lakes region.

This interview was conducted by The Fly Box and featured in Casts That Care , our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter. Casts That Care  brings you real stories, big ideas, and the heart of the fly fishing world—all while donating 50% of subscriber fees to a different fly fishing charity each month. Subscribe today and use promo code: FLYLIFE15  at checkout for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate 25% more to women-led conservation efforts. Meet the Team (Spoiler: It’s Just Him) Fly Life Outdoors doesn’t have a boardroom. It doesn’t have a warehouse team, a social media manager, or a marketing budget. What it does have is a one-man engine fueled by obsession, grit, and a fly box full of hand-tied confidence. “I’m the Fly Life Outdoors team,” he says. “Haha really though, I’m a one man show running everything behind the scenes for Fly Life Outdoors.” That one man is Tim Sigmon: a father, a veteran, and the kind of fly fishing addict who stumbled into the sport one morning with his son and never looked back. From the River to the Brand For Sigmon: Fly Life simmered in the background for years. Like a lot of things, it started with procrastination, and the quiet fear that maybe it wouldn’t work. “Something, whether fear of failure or ignorance or just laziness, was holding me back from taking that leap,” he admits. “Fortunately, I’m surrounded by amazing people who push me to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself.” Fly Life Outdoors was born from frustration with overpriced gear and the myth that fly fishing is an exclusive, thousand-dollar club. “I was tired of either overpaying for decent gear or getting stuff that fell apart after one trip to the river,” he says. “The idea was to create and source fly fishing and outdoor gear that I’d actually want to use myself – quality stuff that works, without the ridiculous price tags or unnecessary frills – while also showing that learning to fly fish is attainable for anyone!” Mission: No BS, Just Quality As a veteran, he brings a straightforward, military-honed demand for quality: “Gear has to work. No excuses.” Every product sold through Fly Life is something he’s personally tested, used, or would be proud to throw in his own kit. “Fly fishing shouldn't be an exclusive club limited to folks with deep pockets,” he says. “We strive to provide genuine value - quality gear at prices that make sense.” And the tone? Crystal clear. “I operate with a direct, no BS communication style,” he explains. Chaos Meets Community Running a gear brand, content hub, and online community might sound like a juggling act—and it is. "I call it chaotic juggling!” But Fly Life isn’t just about selling stuff. It’s about making fly fishing feel approachable, shareable, and fun. That authenticity hits hardest on social media. The Fly Life feed is full of humor, real stories, and fish pics from the community. “My girlfriend calls them ‘unsolicited fish pics,’” he joked. Social media wasn’t always his thing, but it became something more: “It’s about having a direct, unfiltered channel of communication with the people that matter the most – other anglers and the Fly Life community.” What’s Coming: Flies, Films & the Next Generation Fly Life Outdoors is stepping into its next phase. A new video series is launching soon, built around one message: anyone  can fly fish. The videos will break down beginner techniques, affordable gear, and fly fishing basics for newcomers and seasoned anglers alike. Also on deck? The Essentials Fly Box  — a curated collection of 82 hand-tied flies packed in a sleek waterproof case. “This affordable collection of 82 hand-tied flies in a sleek waterproof case is part of our ‘hero’ lineup since it embodies the core principles of our brand – making fly fishing affordable and attainable so everyone can live the fly life!” Long-term, he dreams of teaching kids to fly fish through partnerships with schools and scout troops. And environmental conservation? That’s in the plan too: “Eventually I can see Fly Life taking part in community clean-up efforts, conservation efforts, and more.” Catch Him at a Show Fly Life Outdoors will be on the road this fall at shows across the U.S., including stops in Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. First up: the Wild Alleghenies Outdoor Adventure & Sportsman Expo  in Altoona, PA on September 13. Follow Fly Life on “We look forward to meeting lots of awesome people and having some great conversations!” Follow along with their Website: Fly Life Outdoors Their social media, Instagram & TikTok @Fly.Life.Outdoors And stay tuned for the new video series, upcoming product drops, and a community-first approach to gear that actually works. This interview was conducted by The Fly Box and featured in Casts That Care , our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter. Casts That Care  brings you real stories, big ideas, and the heart of the fly fishing world—all while donating 50% of subscriber fees to a different fly fishing charity each month. Subscribe today and use promo code: FLYLIFE15  at checkout for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate 25% more to women-led conservation efforts.

This interview was conducted by The Fly Box and featured in Casts That Care , our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter. Casts That Care  brings you real stories, big ideas, and the heart of the fly fishing world, all while donating 50% of subscriber fees to a different fly fishing charity each month. Subscribe today and use promo code: "OMBRAZ15"  at checkout for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate 25% more to conservation efforts. Not long ago, I sat down with Ombraz co-founder Jensen Brehm (Read Article Here) to talk about how he and his best friend built a sunglasses company from a barn loft—powered by stubborn creativity, Home Depot labor, and the idea that armless was better. That conversation stuck with me. Because while most brands build for trends, Ombraz builds to solve problems. And now, just a couple weeks after that interview, they’ve dropped a brand new frame that takes that philosophy to a whole new level. Introducing The Refugio , Ombraz’s most technical, performance-forward frame yet. It launched Today, Monday, July 14, and yeah, it looks pretty awesome! Shelter from the Sun, Built for the Grind Named after the Italian word for “shelter” or “refuge,” the Refugio is built for the long haul: alpine ridgelines, sun-blasted trail days, saltwater skiffs, even desert bikepacking trips. Think full-send durability with Ombraz’s signature no-slip, no-snap, no-fuss build. Heres how they put it: “The Refugio is unlike anything we’ve released before—bold, technical, and built to perform.” And after trying out their classic frames myself, I believe it. They sent me a pair earlier this month—and I’ve been wearing them nonstop. Light, comfortable, indestructible. If this new model builds on that? It’s going to crush. What’s New (And Why It Matters) ✔️ Integrated Nose Pad Risers  – Lift the frame slightly off your brow for better ventilation and less fog, oil, and sweat buildup. It’s a subtle change, but it makes a big difference, especially for active days. ✔️ Optional Side Shields & UV Nose Shield  – For when the sun’s brutal and the terrain’s exposed. Clip them on for full-wrap protection, then remove them when you want to go light. ✔️ Wraparound Profile  – Retro vibes meet real-world function. The Refugio hugs closer to the face for better glare-blocking and a faster silhouette—perfect for fast-paced adventures or long hours on the water. ✔️ German-Engineered Zeiss Lenses  – Available in Grey + Silver Mirror, Grey + Black Mirror, and Brown + Copper Mirror—all non-polarized for faster clarity in high-motion environments. ✔️ TR-90 Aerospace Frames + Recycled Cord  – Same materials that made the original Ombraz so bombproof, now adapted for high-performance needs. Built with the River in Mind When I spoke to Jensen, he said this about Ombraz: “They’re simple, no fuss, they solve problems, they’re minimalistic, and they look good. What else could a fly fisher want?!” That’s what stuck with me then—and it’s what makes the Refugio so relevant now. While this new frame leans into endurance sports and rugged adventure, it’s tailor-made  for fly fishing. Long hours on sun-glared water? No problem. Sweaty trail hikes into alpine lakes? Handled. Tight fits under hats and hoods? You won’t even feel them. We also got the exclusive scoop that a fishing-specific frame is in the works for 2026—but let’s be honest, the Refugio might already be filling that gap. Launch Info Release Date:  Monday, July 14, 2025 Retail Price:  $195 Sizes:  Regular & XL Colors:  Charcoal or Tortoise Lens Options: Grey + Silver Mirror Grey + Black Mirror Brown + Copper Mirror Included accessories: optional side shields, UV nose shield, floatie. Plus: free shipping, 30-day returns, and a lifetime warranty. Final Thoughts The Refugio is everything Ombraz has been building toward: smarter design, stronger function, and zero compromise. This isn’t a product that chases hype—it answers real needs. And that’s exactly what makes it exciting. If their classic frames were a quiet revolution, the Refugio is the loud one. Bigger, bolder, and ready for whatever’s out there. You can check out the full drop at Ombraz.com , And follow them on Instagram and TikTok @ombraz. Want to support our charity of the month while gearing up?  Use our affiliate link and 50% of our proceeds go directly to conservation. Thanks for reading, thanks for giving back—and big congrats to the Ombraz crew for continuing to do it right.   This interview was conducted by The Fly Box and featured in Casts That Care , our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter. Casts That Care  brings you real stories, big ideas, and the heart of the fly fishing world, all while donating 50% of subscriber fees to a different fly fishing charity each month. Subscribe today and use promo code: "OMBRAZ15"  at checkout for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate 25% more to conservation efforts.

Marriott International is making a bold move into nature-focused travel with the recent trademark filings for its new brand: Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy .

This piece is part of Sunday Cast , a weekly op-ed published in Casts That Care —our daily fly fishing newsletter. Each subscription helps support fly fishing charities, with 50% of fees donated every month, Join Us Here ! Read more. Think deeper. Fish better.   By Kevin Wolfe | Casts That Care A Walk Through the Modern Fly Rod Market If you walked into a fly shop ten years ago, you’d probably be told one thing: “Get a 9-foot 5-weight.” It was the beginner’s rod. The everyman's rod. The compromise between dries, nymphs, and light streamers. And honestly—it still holds up in a lot of ways. But over the last couple years, I’ve been paying close attention to the rod market, and things are shifting in a big way. This week’s Sunday Cast isn’t a hit piece on the 5-weight—it’s a walkthrough of where I think fly rods are going, based on what I’ve seen in fly shops, catalogs, conversations with rod builders, and firsthand experimentation. We’re entering an era of more specialized, more regional, and more experimental fly rod design. And the old “one size fits all” thinking is quietly being phased out. Euro Nymphing and the Long Rod Revolution Let’s start in freshwater. Euro nymphing isn’t new, but its grip on the market definitely is. Once a niche style, it’s now a core offering in most rod lineups. Nearly every major brand now has a dedicated 10' or 11' 2-weight or 3-weight in their catalog. Ten years ago, those rods barely existed. These aren’t casual rods. They’re surgical. They’re technical. And they’re here to stay. The takeaway? Anglers aren’t just buying what’s recommended anymore. They’re buying what works for their exact water. And when they get a taste of sensitivity and control with these setups, they’re not going back. Saltwater Growth and Heavier Freshwater Gear On the other end, the saltwater scene is exploding. And I don’t mean just the die-hards. First-time fly fishers are starting their journey with 8- and 9-weights, chasing reds in the marshes or bones in the Keys. Even in the trout world, I’m seeing a rise in 6- and 7-weight rods—not as backups, but as primary tools. Big streamer setups, stillwater rigs, and lake fishers want more backbone and line-pushing power. The 5-weight is slowly being squeezed out from both ends. New Materials, Better Engineering Part of what’s making this shift possible is the tech. Companies like Orvis, Sage, Scott, and Hardy are investing heavily in rod design, not just aesthetics, but real material innovation. Helios 3. NRX+. Air 2. R8 Core. Every one of these represents a leap forward in performance and feel. That means rods are lighter, stronger, and more purpose-built than ever. You’re no longer choosing between “stiff” or “soft.” You’re choosing between rod personalities. The Rise of Local and Boutique Builders Another big piece of this: local rod makers are thriving. I’ve had more conversations with small-batch builders in the last year than ever before. Some are building bamboo. Others are glass fanatics. Some are customizing graphite tapers for exact rivers or species. What they all have in common is this: nobody’s building a plain old 9' 5wt anymore. They’re building tools with identity, story, and a reason to exist. And buyers are paying attention. Redefining the Everyday Rod Even rods that market themselves as "universal" are shifting. Redington's new EDC—short for Everyday Carry—was designed to be a do-it-all stick. But even that model comes in different sizes and weights. One angler’s everyday is a 7'6" 4-weight; another’s is a beefed-up 6-weight. There’s no such thing as a true one-size-fits-all anymore. The point is: even the brands that used to lean on standardization are now embracing customization. They're acknowledging that "everyday" looks different depending on where you live, what you fish for, and how you want to fish. What It All Means The idea of a “starter rod” is still around—but now it comes with a dozen qualifiers. Starter for what? For who? For where? We’re living in a time where the fly rod market is fragmenting—and I don’t see that as a bad thing. It means more innovation, more voices, and more ways to fish. My Take The 5-weight isn’t dead. But it’s definitely been demoted. It’s no longer the go-to—it’s the fallback. A piece of the puzzle, not the whole board. If you’re serious about your gear, or just curious about what’s out there, now’s the time to explore. Because the next chapter of rod design is already underway—and the 5-weight is watching it happen from the sidelines.   This piece is part of Sunday Cast , a weekly op-ed published in Casts That Care —our daily fly fishing newsletter. Each subscription helps support fly fishing charities, with 50% of fees donated every month, Join Us Here ! Read more. Think deeper. Fish better.

Casts That Care | July 11, 2025 Record-Breaking Growth Continues In 2023, the U.S. outdoor recreation participation base reached 181.1 million Americans—58.6% of the population—a 3% year-over-year increase driven by youth, seniors, and communities of color.

Casts That Care | July 10, 2025 The Insight That’s Turning Heads A recent McKinsey & Company report revealed something that should make every fly shop, lodge, and nonprofit in our space take notice:

Casts That Care | July 9, 2025 The Big Picture The world turned its eyes to Nice, France, where global leaders, scientists, and conservationists gathered for the Third United Nations Ocean Conference . Their mission? To rally support for the 30×30 goal : protecting 30% of Earth’s oceans by 2030.

Amazon Prime Day officially launches tomorrow, July 8, and runs through Thursday, July 11. For fly anglers, this annual shopping bonanza can be the perfect time to stock up on essentials, upgrade your gear, or support small fly fishing brands that sell through Amazon.

Happy Fourth of July from Casts That Care. Today, as we celebrate independence, freedom, and the enduring beauty of our public lands, we pause to reflect on one of the most quietly American traditions out there: fly fishing. From its colonial roots to its modern revival, the story of fly fishing in the United States is a story of exploration, craftsmanship, and conservation. Fly fishing didn’t originate on American soil. It was brought here by early European settlers, particularly the English, who carried with them knowledge, literature, and equipment. But once it landed, it evolved in distinctly American ways. Colonial Beginnings (1600s–1700s) Fly fishing first took hold in the colonies of New England and the Mid-Atlantic, where settlers pursued native brook trout in cold, clear streams. Without access to European gear, early American anglers used resourceful materials: horsehair for lines, hand-carved hooks, and feathers from local birds. While fishing was often a necessity, it was also a connection to home, and to nature. By the time the Revolutionary War began, fly fishing had become a subtle thread in the fabric of American life. The Birth of an American Style (1800s) In the 19th century, the Catskills of New York became the heart of a new American style of fly fishing. Theodore Gordon, often called the father of American dry fly fishing, adapted British techniques to suit American insects and fish. Here, the craft of fly tying flourished, with patterns developed to imitate native hatches. At the same time, American rod makers began building split-cane bamboo rods, establishing a tradition of handmade craftsmanship that endures today. Westward Expansion and the Rocky Mountain Frontier (Late 1800s–1900s) As the nation expanded westward, fly fishing followed. Anglers explored the vast and unpressured rivers of the Rockies, chasing native cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Writers like Ernest Hemingway and Zane Grey helped romanticize the image of the solitary fly fisher on a wild river. The gear evolved as well—fiberglass rods and mass-produced flies became more common, opening the sport to a broader audience. Postwar Boom and the Rise of Conservation (1945–1990s) After World War II, fly fishing saw a surge in popularity. Returning veterans found peace and healing in quiet rivers and the rhythm of casting. This period also gave rise to a deeper conservation ethic, thanks in part to advocates like Lee Wulff, who famously declared, "A good gamefish is too valuable to be caught only once." Catch-and-release became a standard practice. Organizations like Trout Unlimited were born, as anglers took it upon themselves to protect the waters they loved. The Modern Era (2000s–Today) Today, fly fishing in America is more accessible, diverse, and connected than ever before. Anglers are just as likely to be casting in urban parks as in backcountry streams. Women, veterans, youth programs, and communities of color have expanded the reach of fly fishing far beyond its traditional image. The movement is deeply tied to mental health, clean water advocacy, and the preservation of public lands. And through social media and film, stories of local fly fishers are being shared across the world. The Spirit of the Fourth So today, we raise a rod to the rivers. To the traditions passed down from generation to generation. To the wild, fishable waters that remain free and public. Fly fishing in America is about more than technique—it's about freedom, access, and stewardship. As fireworks light the sky, remember that this land, these fish, and this tradition are worth protecting.

How a European native became a mainstay in American fly fishing and why it's still not considered "native." Origins: Brown Trout in Europe Brown trout ( Salmo trutta ) have been swimming in European rivers for thousands of years. Native to a wide range of waters from the British Isles to the Balkans, these fish evolved in cold, clear, and well-oxygenated streams. In places like Germany, Scotland, and Norway, they became cultural staples—valued as both food and sport. But their story didn’t stay in Europe. The First Transplants: Brown Trout Come to America In the late 1800s, American fisheries managers and anglers were hungry for sportfish that could thrive in a wider range of waters. Native brook trout ( Salvelinus fontinalis ) were already beloved in the East, but they struggled in warmer or degraded streams, especially as deforestation and pollution increased. In 1883, the U.S. Fish Commission received brown trout eggs from Germany—specifically from the Black Forest region. These eggs were hatched and stocked in Michigan's Baldwin River, part of the Pere Marquette River system. The hatchery attempt was one of several in the 1880s and 1890s, and while some early introductions failed, others took hold. Soon, brown trout were stocked across the East Coast, Midwest, and eventually into Western rivers. Their adaptability made them ideal for the changing landscape of American waters. The Spread: From East to West Though they were first introduced to rivers in the East, brown trout were never considered fully native to North America. But they spread fast: Northeast & Midwest:  Stocking programs proliferated in New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Rocky Mountains & West:  States like Montana, Colorado, and Utah began stocking them in high-country streams and tailwaters by the early 1900s. California:  By the early 20th century, they reached West Coast fisheries, though rainbow trout remained dominant there. Their success had to do with resilience: browns could tolerate warmer water, outcompete native fish in some systems, and even thrive in slightly polluted or modified environments. So Why Aren’t They Considered Native? Some anglers wonder whether brown trout, having reproduced in the wild for over a century, might now be considered native. But in ecological terms, nativity is not based on how many generations a species has been present. Instead, it depends on whether the species arrived without human intervention. Even a population of brown trout that has existed for dozens of generations in a single river system is still classified as non-native because it was introduced by humans, not nature. In contrast, "wild" simply means the fish were born in the stream—not hatchery-raised—regardless of species origin. Here’s how the breakdown typically works: Native:  Originated in the region naturally, without human interference. Non-native (or introduced):  Brought by humans, intentionally or not, but not necessarily harmful. Invasive:  A non-native species that causes ecological harm. Brown trout usually fall into the middle category. They're not invasive in every setting, but in some waters, they do outcompete or hybridize with native trout species like brook trout or cutthroat trout. The trend in freshwater non-native versus native capture fisheries landings by weight and wholesale value from 2007-2018. Adapted from DOF (2007-2018). Why Fly Fishers Love (and Debate) Brown Trout Fly fishers often prize brown trout for their size, selectivity, and wariness. They’re considered more challenging than rainbows, and more adaptable than brook trout. A big wild brown—especially one born, not stocked—is a trophy in nearly any water. But they’re also controversial: In Western states, brown trout have displaced native cutthroat trout in some systems. In some conservation circles, brown trout are seen as an obstacle to native fish restoration. However, in many Eastern and Midwestern waters, they fill a void left by declining native species. Final Cast Brown trout might not be native to the U.S.—but they’re part of our fly fishing story now. Their history is a mix of science, sport, and shifting ecosystems. Understanding where they came from—and what they’ve meant to fisheries across the country—is key to understanding both the legacy and future of American fly fishing.