Earlier this week, The Guardian  published a sobering report titled “ Attempt to Protect England’s Rare Chalk Streams in Planning Bill Rejected by Labour MPs ”, a stark reminder that even the world’s rarest freshwater ecosystems can be sidelined in the name of development. We read it. We reflected. And here at The Fly Box, we feel compelled to go deeper, especially through the lens of fly fishing.

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: "FishinWithB15"  at checkout for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate 25% more to conservation efforts. Brandi Amoia didn’t grow up in fly fishing, but she grew up in water. Bluegills, perch, bass, if it had fins and swam in a Buffalo-area pond, she probably chased it. But like many of us, her angling habits were seasonal. When the water iced over, fishing slowed, and eventually, so did her interest. Then one day, her fiancé Sam (known in the fly fishing community as @creeks_and_critters) handed her a fly rod. "It looked weird," she said, watching the thick line whip through the air. But the curiosity won out. She gave it a shot. And it was chaos. Flies in trees. Tangles everywhere. Hats and shoulders getting snagged. “I never felt so defeated in my life,” she added. But that challenge lit a fire. Two years later, fly fishing is no longer a struggle, and now it’s part of who she is. The First Catch That Changed Everything After countless false casts and hours of frustration, something clicked. She watched her indicator disappear beneath the water and shouted, “I have a fish, Sam!” It was a 3-inch brown trout. That tiny trout lifted a weight she didn’t know she was carrying. “Who knew a 3-inch trout could change someone’s whole life?”. In that moment, fly fishing stopped being something she was trying and became something she belonged to. The Comfort of Small Creeks Brandi found her rhythm in the intimate world of small creeks. She admitted that being smaller in stature sometimes made her nervous about navigating deep or uncertain water. Small creeks, with their compact nature and quiet charm, became her sanctuary. “I believe small creeks have everything compacted into this small unique world that I feel comfortable in,” But the creeks offer more than safety. They’re filled with overlooked beauty, bugs, birds, small plants, and trees that many people pass by. “I feel at peace when I’m finally in a world full of more animals and plants than people.” From Borrowed Tools to Full Obsession Fly tying started with borrowed equipment. Sam’s desk. Sam’s vise. But before long, Amoia was diving headfirst into patterns, techniques, and materials. Watching Sam catch fish on his own bugs inspired her to learn the craft herself. Articulated streamers became her favorite obsession, and she fell down the proverbial rabbit hole of Kelly Galloup books and YouTube tutorials. “Tying flies has altered my brain,” she said. “It’s made it easy to understand what I’m doing when I pull up to a creek for my all-day adventure.” Brandi now shares many of those flies online—some on her own page, others through her fiancé’s brand, Creeks and Critters . Whether it’s for followers, friends, or future customers, her work is out there catching fish and attention. It’s a creative outlet, a learning tool, and a connection point all at once. A Moment of Silence Not every memory comes from the fish. Sometimes, it’s about the peace. A trip to Allegheny in September stood out. The creek was narrow, the trees closed in, and the machines from her 50-hour workweek were nowhere to be heard. “All you could hear was silence and water,” For someone who works around 60 loud CNC Swiss machines all week, that silence meant everything. “Just having that little break of pure bliss is a necessity.” Dream Destinations Amoia’s fly fishing dreams pull her in two directions: tropical and mountainous. She wants to wade the flats in the Keys for bonefish and tarpon. She also dreams of British Columbia, chasing bull trout in the woods. “I’m always torn between a warm beachy place and an in-the-woods fishing trip,” she said. Either way, it’s about the fish—and the escape. Fishing Behind the Lens Long before she picked up a fly rod, Brandi picked up a camera. She started with her mom’s Kodak, taking pictures of flowers and bugs. In high school and college, she moved into film photography, even developing prints. But over time, the joy started to fade. “I took a super long break from my camera though since I felt so burnt out mentally,” she said. When she finally picked it back up, it was for bugs, fish, and rotting mushrooms on the trail. “I really enjoyed taking photos of the fish we caught, the bugs I saw, and the rotting mushrooms growing on the trees. I started to feel more adjusted to nature photography rather than sitting in a loud and dark room.” Sharing to Inspire Brandi never set out to become a social media presence. At first, she just wanted to share the fun. But that fun turned into a digital scrapbook, and eventually, a community. She created a Facebook group called Buffalo NY Women on the Fly , hoping to inspire other women to pick up a rod, explore nature, and find the same healing she did. “I just want the person that only sees negativity and dark days to have some sort of light... Fly fishing has cured that sort of low and emptiness I’ve been feeling for a long time.” A Woman in the Industry Being a woman in fly fishing hasn’t always been easy. But, Amoia says most of her experiences have been positive. She’s received more encouragement than criticism. Still, she knows that’s not true for everyone. “There’s always a commentator out there... Someone is always going to say this or that. But at the end of the day, we are here to have fun.” This sport, she believes, should be for everyone. Advice for the Next One In To the woman hesitating to start fly fishing, Brandi’s message is simple: just do it. “It sounds cheesy,” she admits, “but you won't know unless you try.” She recalls casting line for three hours in her yard before something finally felt right. “It’s tricky and not everyone will understand it on the first try—and that’s okay,” she said. “What’s really fascinating about this sport is you can always have room to grow and learn. It’s never ending.” She recommends joining Facebook groups, asking questions, and pushing through the doubt. “At least 90% of the fly fishing world is probably the most underrated people you’ll meet.” Beyond the Rod When she’s not on the water, Brandi’s out in the world, hiking, camping, photographing bugs and fish, or riding bikes. She’s outdoors as much as possible, soaking up every quiet second of life away from noise and stress. Her lifestyle is proof that fly fishing isn’t just a sport. It’s a gateway to living more intentionally. More observantly. More freely. Where to Follow Brandi Follow Brandi’s journey on Instagram and TikTok at @fishin_with_b . You can also see more of her and her fiancé’s adventures on @creeks_and_critters . And if you’re a woman looking to get started in the sport, check out her Facebook group, Buffalo NY Women on the Fly . Brandi’s story shows that you don’t have to grow up with a fly rod to become a fly angler. Sometimes, all it takes is one fish—no matter how small—to change everything. 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: "FishinWithB15"  at checkout for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate 25% more to conservation efforts.

Every fly begins at the vise. But the story of the fly tying vise, the tool that holds it all together, is one of the least explored in fly fishing history. From humble beginnings with borrowed tools and improvised rigs to the high-end, ball-bearing rotary masterpieces of today, the evolution of the vise mirrors the development of fly fishing itself: functional, inventive, and always improving.

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: "IdentaFly15" at checkout for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate 25% more to conservation efforts, supported by IdentaFly! Fly fishing is a sport rich in tradition, passed down from angler to angler over generations. However, the complexity of choosing the right flies, understanding seasonal hatches, and adapting to varied conditions can overwhelm even experienced anglers. IdentaFly is changing this narrative by introducing cutting-edge technology into the sport, making fly fishing more approachable without losing its authenticity. This integration of AI could profoundly enhance how anglers connect with nature and master their craft. Origins: From Curiosity to Innovation The idea for IdentaFly emerged from a childhood experience of Jeff, one of the app’s co-founders. Jeff J - IdentaFly Co-Founder At 12 years old, Jeff asked an angler who was catching fish constantly what fly he was using, only to receive the dismissive response, "Go figure it out." Instead of discouraging him, this moment inspired Jeff, driving him to deeply understand fly fishing and entomology. As a certified entomologist and leader of Colorado’s High Plains Drifters fly fishing club, Jeff envisioned a tool to simplify fly selection. Phil L - IdentaFly Co-Founder In spring 2023, Phil, a software developer recently laid off, connected with Jeff and embraced the opportunity to combine his technological skills with a new passion. This collaboration highlights the potential for personal circumstances and shared passions to ignite innovative solutions. Bud J - IdentaFly Co-Founder Bud, the third co-founder, has been fly fishing since the 1980s when he caught a smallmouth bass on his very first cast. He’s been tying flies since junior high, experimenting with both traditional and modern patterns. As a longtime board member of the High Plains Drifters, Bud plays a key role in education, community outreach, and maintaining fly fishing’s sense of shared knowledge. Bridging Tradition with Technology Although fly fishing is typically enjoyed as an escape from technology, smartphones have become a practical part of outdoor adventures. IdentaFly integrates naturally by addressing practical questions like identifying current hatches or selecting appropriate flies without overwhelming the angler. This thoughtful integration could pave the way for technology to enhance traditional outdoor experiences rather than detract from them. How IdentaFly Works: AI Simplified IdentaFly’s core feature is its AI-powered image recognition tool. Anglers snap a photo of a fly, and the app analyzes image quality and pattern to provide accurate matches and confidence scores. Recognizing an insect's identification was less reliable due to photographic challenges. AI-based fly recognition faces inherent difficulties such as poor lighting, blurry photos, and fly variations. Phil notes that user-submitted photos often add complexity, but ongoing improvements and user education have substantially enhanced accuracy. To answer the main question asked, Can this app recognize bugs? the team developed the Hatch Forecast, predicting local insect hatches based on geography and season, even without connectivity. The Hatch Forecast feature addresses outdated and confusing traditional hatch charts by offering clear, interactive timelines and real species photos. Using GPS, anglers receive precise local hatch data monthly and soon weekly, even in remote, offline areas. This kind of accessible information could significantly improve anglers' experiences and confidence on the water. Community Contributions and Accuracy, Education and Engagement IdentaFly encourages community contributions but ensures accuracy by requiring patterns to have verifiable references or commercial availability. This balance maintains an informative and manageable database, underscoring the value of curated community involvement. IdentaFly serves not just as an identification tool but as an educational resource. Over 95% of patterns include complete tying instructions, helping anglers improve their skills. The free fishing journal tracks successful flies and locations, fostering ongoing learning and engagement. This comprehensive approach can elevate user knowledge and enjoyment significantly. Future Vision: Enhancing Angler Knowledge The future of IdentaFly is focused on creating genuinely useful features driven by collective user insights. Phil envisions a database enriched by user observations, offering comprehensive regional hatch data benefiting both anglers and conservationists. This forward-thinking approach could revolutionize how angler communities contribute to and benefit from shared knowledge. Discover IdentaFly Today Interested anglers can download IdentaFly on the Apple App Store, Google Play, or explore via their web app at my.identafly.app . New users are encouraged to try the free fly pattern database, hatch forecasts, and fishing journal. Phil emphasizes that while there is a learning curve, support is readily available. IdentaFly stands poised to significantly enhance every angler's time on the water. 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: "IdentaFly15" at checkout for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate 25% more to conservation efforts, supported by IdentaFly!

If you’re a fly fisherman with a passion for gear and a head for business, you may have wondered: Why can’t I buy shares in Simms? Or Sage? Or Orvis? The reason is simple: nearly every major name in fly fishing is privately held. In an era where companies go public to fuel growth and scale rapidly, the fly fishing industry remains firmly rooted in private ownership—and that’s by design.

Representatives Mark Amodei (R-NV) and Celeste Maloy (R-UT) recently introduced a controversial amendment during a late-night session of the House Natural Resources Committee, calling for the immediate sale of over half a million acres of federal lands in Nevada and Utah.

Japanese fly fishing isn’t one tradition. It’s a tapestry. While tenkara is the name most Western anglers recognize, it's just one thread in a wider web of minimalist and highly intentional fishing techniques that developed independently from Western fly fishing.

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: "HUNTER15"  at checkout for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate 25% more to conservation efforts. In a world of mass production and muted gear, Hunter Azar is creating something entirely different—one brushstroke at a time. His work isn’t just painted, it’s lived in. From Kinco gloves adorned with trout and cowboys to cornhole boards and guitars splashed with mountain sunsets, Azar’s art is a moving tribute to outdoor culture and individuality. It’s raw, bold, detailed—and it’s catching on fast. From Homework Doodles to Custom Commissions Hunter’s creative journey started in high school, sketching trees and portraits on his class assignments instead of completing the homework. Encouraged by his classmates, he picked up a sketchbook and taught himself the fundamentals of drawing and watercolor through YouTube and trial-and-error. "I liked feeling like the creator—giving the tree life," he said. His first-ever commission? A $40 ballpoint pen self-portrait for a friend. After a stint studying architecture in Charlotte, North Carolina, Azar decided to make a change. He moved to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to work as a ski valet and soak in the art-rich environment. While there, he began drawing on a chalkboard at work—and it didn’t take long for coworkers and guests to notice. Two glove commissions turned into dozens. One of his first big hits? A pair featuring a cowboy scene, hand-painted on the iconic Kinco gloves, popular among ski bums. Turning Gloves Into Canvases Hunter uses Kinco gloves because they’re blank, absorbent, and not pre-waxed—giving him control over sealing his own art. He started with just the primary colors and taught himself blending techniques on the fly. "Most mediums are similar, and I’d seen reels of people painting," he explained. "I had a basic understanding and just figured it out." His workflow is mostly intuitive. While he sometimes sketches beforehand, he often paints freehand with a clear vision in his mind. 'I like to envision it in my head and set the composition there,' he says. Over time, acrylic paint became his medium of choice—largely because of the boldness and speed it allows. One recent commission took him less than an hour to complete. Art That Sticks (and Seals) Azar’s style blends realism and abstraction, often accented with fine detail work and his signature 'dots and eyes' to pull viewers in. "I never draw the same eye twice," he noted Thematically, his pieces are drenched in outdoor culture—fish, ski lifts, bison, stormy skies, and carry a heavy personal touch. His favorite pair to date? His own Hestras. 'Because I get to rep them,' he says. What’s Next for Hunter Azar? Today, Hunter charges $250 for custom gloves and has a backlog of commissions that spans gloves, cornhole boards, T-shirts, and even a dice table. He’s dreaming bigger too. "I really want to paint a building and do a big mural," he says. He’s not stopping with gear either—Azar hopes to collaborate with brands and eventually launch a full art business rooted in outdoor gear and functional design. The Vibe: Real Community, Real Connection His TikTok following is active, loyal, and vocal—especially after a standout pair painted with MF DOOM artwork. "The guy who got them sent a bunch of messages that really made me feel good," he says. Several fans comment on almost every post. It’s not just views and likes, t’s relationships, appreciation, and encouragement. Where to Follow & Get Involved Hunter is currently taking most commissions through TikTok, but he’s hoping to grow his Instagram presence and build a website soon. If you’re lucky, you might catch one of his giveaways, or better yet, claim your own custom creation. He gives special thanks to his parents, younger brother, and friends for supporting him through this journey. "They’ve kept me going," he says.

In the evolving world of fly fishing, one of the biggest shakeups isn’t happening in a river—it’s happening online. A new generation of anglers is picking up rods, vises, and reels after first picking up their phones. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become unexpected but powerful classrooms for fly fishing, and the community is changing because of it.

Sunday Cast — An opinion piece by Kevin Wolfe A Wild Confusion In the U.S., we really love wild trout. We romanticize them. We write essays about them. We name our dogs after them. And more than anything, we like to say “wild” as if it means “right.” But here’s where it gets muddy: wild doesn’t mean native. A wild brown trout in Colorado might be the fifth generation born in that stream, feeding on native bugs, dodging herons, and outsmarting anglers. But technically? It’s still a European transplant. A rainbow in Georgia? West Coast visitor. And a brook trout in Montana might’ve been stocked in from the East. So what’s the label we slap on these fish? “Non-native.” And yet… I doubt the fish care. Trout don’t sit around saying, “Well, I’m technically a quarter Bavarian and half Scottish stock.” They don’t trace their lineage back to Loch Leven. They either survive in a river or they don’t. In that way, they’re more American than most Americans. If they’re born here, they are  from here. They don’t self-identify as Irish-German-Appalachian—they just swim. Opinion: If a trout species has lived wild in a river for generations, thriving, reproducing, and surviving, why do we still cling to labels like "non-native" as if they tell the whole story? Have we been asking the wrong question? Wildness Over Lineage We’re quick to celebrate wild trout over stocked ones. Rightly so. Wild fish are harder to catch, more beautiful, more in tune with the system around them. We call them indicators of river health. But the second we hear “non-native,” the conversation shifts—like their existence is somehow an ecological mistake. Here’s the reality: nature adapts faster than we do. And rivers don’t read stocking reports. If a species can hold in a system for generations without intervention—if it feeds naturally, reproduces consistently, and fits into the food web—then what exactly are we trying to undo? Belonging vs. Bureaucracy Yes, some rivers should  be restored with native fish. Absolutely. Cutthroat recovery in the West, brook trout in the Appalachians... those are important. But in many other systems, the story is more complicated. We have places where stocked “native” brookies are failing to hold, while wild browns thrive. Or places where rainbows are vilified for “taking over,” despite being born wild and contributing stability to the river... don't even get me started on bull trout out west If that sounds controversial—it shouldn’t. It just sounds honest. Let the River Speak This isn’t about turning our backs on native species. It’s about acknowledging that native  isn’t always the same as working . A river full of wild fish—regardless of origin—is often healthier than one full of hatchery fish of the “right” species. And protecting that wildness means being willing to ask hard questions. What do we value more: legacy or functionality? Would we rather have rivers full of “native” fish that need constant stocking—or self-sustaining populations that are truly part of the ecosystem now? Final Cast Trout don’t carry passports. They don’t know they’re non-native. They either belong in a system or they don’t. Maybe it’s time we stop looking at species like they’re resumes we have to vet—and start judging them by how well they’ve adapted to their home. Because for a fish born wild in an American river, dodging predators, eating bugs, and living free… what else do we really want? Let the river decide.

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: "WORKHORSE15"  at checkout for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate 25% more to conservation efforts supported by Namor Outdoors. A Brewery Born from Blue-Collar Grit Philadelphia doesn’t hand out respect—it makes you earn it. That’s the ethos Workhorse Brewing Company was founded on. Built to celebrate the region’s hard-working roots, the brewery has become a staple in Pennsylvania’s craft beer scene thanks to its focus on quality, community, and doing things the right way. “We really wanted to encapsulate the hard-working, blue collar mentality that Philadelphia and its people embody,” the Workhorse team explained. “If you’re from Philly, you earn your keep. What better way to celebrate that lifestyle and commitment than to have a well-crafted beer whenever the occasion allows?” Their name reflects that mission. Their beers live it. The Orvis Partnership: A Perfect Cast Workhorse’s values made them a natural partner for Orvis, a company long known for championing conservation and fly fishing culture. The two brands recently joined forces to create Speckled Stream , a hazy IPA brewed to honor trout waters and raise funds for stream restoration. The collaboration began over a beer and a shared passion for the outdoors. “One of our brewers is an avid fly fishing enthusiast,” they said. “It really just took a beer and a trip to a local Orvis in Chester County [PA] to get the conversation started.” From there, the process became fully collaborative. “We designed the labels together, curated activations, and focused on impact from the very beginning. We’re really blessed to work with such an outstanding organization and their talented group of employees.” A Hazy IPA with a Purpose So what’s in the can? A soft, tropical haze with aromas of mango and peach—balanced, crushable, and crafted for river days. “We wanted to make a beer that didn’t look like a milkshake but still had all the hallmark attributes of a hazy IPA,” they said. “It’s flavorful, approachable, and brewed with the choicest ingredients at an accessible price point.” The label design itself is a tribute to trout—the speckled patterns on the can mirror the textures and flow of wild fish, reinforcing the beer’s fly fishing roots. But it’s more than a theme—it’s a cause. Giving Back to the Waters That Raised Us A portion of every Speckled Stream sale goes to Brandywine Red Clay Alliance , a local nonprofit that protects the very streams anglers wade into. From water quality preservation to habitat restoration, BRC is on the front lines of keeping Pennsylvania’s waters wild. “BRC plays a vital role in protecting the waterways that are essential to the outdoor lifestyle championed by both Orvis and Workhorse,” the team said. “This initiative raises both awareness and funding—especially for clean water, biodiversity, and environmental education.” Beyond the Brewery: Building a Culture of Conservation Workhorse Brewing doesn’t stop at beer. Their track record of impact includes everything from a partnership with Philabundance , a Philadelphia-based hunger relief organization. Specifically, they donate $1 from every case of their Philly Light  12-pack sold to Philabundance. This initiative aims to support Philabundance's efforts in fighting hunger in the Greater Philadelphia area.  The Brewery also hosts Yappy Hour  events that raise funds for local animal rescues. And their upcoming projects continue that streak. “Giving back to our community is at the core of what we do,” they said. “Whether it’s hunger relief, rescue shelters, or watershed protection—these are just a few of the ways we make a meaningful impact.” They’ve even hosted Sip & Shop  events with Orvis stores, bridging gearheads and beer lovers, and turning local shops into hubs for shared culture and craft. What’s Next for the Speckled Stream Series? With a strong reception to the first release, Speckled Stream is just the beginning. “This was always envisioned as a series of seasonal releases,” Workhorse shared. “Each beer will feature new label art inspired by the patterns found on trout. Just like no two trout are alike, each beer will bring something new in both design and flavor.” Beyond that? Expect the return of fan favorites like Prickly Pear Margarita  in June, the beloved Oktoberfest  this fall, and a sports-themed collaboration  with a local university that they say will be “big on hometown energy.” Where to Find Speckled Stream and More You can find Speckled Stream and other Workhorse brews at their taproom , at bars and restaurants across the region, or through their online shop  (free shipping in PA on orders over $75). They also host frequent public events—check their site for tastings, taproom happenings, and outdoor activations. To enter their Ultimate Fly Fishing Experience sweepstakes and learn more about their impact, visit their Giving Back page . Follow them on social media: Instagram: @workhorsebrewing Facebook: Here A Toast to Hard Work and Clear Water From the banks of Pennsylvania trout streams to the tap lines of Philly’s bars, Workhorse Brewing is proving that good beer can do more than taste good—it can do good. And in Speckled Stream, they’ve bottled something rare: a beer that speaks the language of anglers, uplifts the community, and celebrates the waters that inspire both.

A case study exploring how performance-driven fishing gear could find new life, and growth, in the comfort-first world of athleisure. Market Overview: The Rise of Functional Athleisure Athleisure isn’t just a fashion trend—it’s a global industry valued at over $400 billion, projected to double by 2030. Within that massive growth lies a booming segment: functional athleisure, the fusion of comfort, movement, and technical performance.