The American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) is the sole trade organisation for the fly fishing industry. Over the years, AFFTA has worked hard to grow the industry, all while balancing the tricky task of sustainability and diversification. 
In this episode of Anchored, I meet up with Ben Bulis, the organisation’s president, and Matt Smythe, the communications and membership director. We discuss the size of the industry, overseas manufacturers, guide protection, tolerance, inclusion, pro deals, and the pink it and shrink it strategy.
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Ep. 146: Ben Bulis and Matt Smythe on AFFTA

Join renowned angler April Vokey as she explores fishing, hunting, foraging and homesteading through intimate, face-to-face conversations with some of the outdoor world's most influential people. Her intense curiosity drives her to take a behind-the-scenes, vulnerable and honest approach with her guests that often ends up uncovering never-before-heard stories. An Anchored Outdoors production.

Sports

Wilderness

Chris Wood is the CEO of Trout Unlimited. Before joining TU in 2001, he served as a senior policy advisor to the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, protecting 58 million acres of public land. Chris began his career with the Forest Service in Idaho and later worked with the Fish and Wildlife program of the Bureau of Land Management.
In this two-part episode of Anchored, we discuss the issue of abandoned mines in the US, their cleanup, and the potential of the 'Good Samaritan remediation' approach to facilitate these cleanups. We delve into the legacy of mining and hydropower in the US, as well as how TU navigates the issue of introduced fish.
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Anchored Podcast Ep. 243: Chris Wood on Trout Unlimited Today (Part One)

Millie Paini grew up mountain biking and rock climbing, taking up fly fishing in her mid-twenties. A sought-after casting instructor, Millie co-owns TroutHunter on the Henry’s Fork. She resides near Last Chance, Idaho, enjoying both freshwater and saltwater fishing. 
In this episode of Anchored, we share personal updates and reminisce about past careers and experiences in the fly fishing industry. We cover the challenges and rewards of running a fly shop, the complexities of obtaining an outfitter license, and Millie's journey as a female ambassador in the industry. The conversation also touches on the evolution of Millie's business, the effects of climate change on local conservation efforts, and our comparison of why our daughters may prefer not fishing.
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Anchored Podcast Ep. 242: Millie Paini on Trout Hunter, Complexities, Getting Into Fly Fishing, and More

Mac Brown is the owner of Mac Brown Fly Fish and Fly Fishing Guide School in Western NC. Mac pioneered the first full-time fly fishing guide service in the region and was instrumental in establishing the Upper Nantahala River's Delayed Harvest. As an educator, Mac served as an Associate Professor at Western Carolina University, shaping the next generation of anglers and fostering the area's competitive fishing scene.
Author of "Casting Angles," Mac is a Master Casting Instructor and a Southern Fly Fishing Hall of Famer. Recognized by FFI with prestigious awards, including the Mel Krieger Fly Casting Instructor Award and Lifetime Achievement Award, Mac's contributions extend beyond teaching to product development and media presence. Active in fly fishing shows and youth coaching, Mac's legacy is rooted in decades of dedication to the sport and its community.
In this episode of Anchored we discuss advanced fly casting, trick casts, fly fishing’s evolution and so much more.
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Anchored Podcast Ep. 241: Mac Brown on Advanced Fly Casting, Trick Casts, Fly Fishing’s Evolution and More

Ryan Brod is a seasoned writer whose essays have graced the pages of numerous prestigious publications. Recently, he achieved another milestone with the publication of his first book, "Tributaries." However, Ryan's connection to the outdoors runs deep. Growing up surrounded by the hunting and fishing culture of the Belgrade Lakes region, he learned about fishing from his father, a generational guide. This upbringing shaped his path, leading him to become a Maine Guide in his early twenties.
Today, Ryan shares his passion for both storytelling and the natural world as a teacher of first-year writing and creative nonfiction at the University of New England. His experiences range from guiding inexperienced New Yorkers on frozen lakes to pursuing giant tarpons in the waters of Florida. In this episode of Anchored, we discuss fishing in Maine, how to fly fish from a canoe, fishing for carp in tidal waters, what makes us hunters (as anglers), choosing passion over profit in this day and age, and more.
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Anchored Podcast Ep. 240: Ryan Brod on Tributaries, Being a Generational Guide, Fishing in Maine, Carp, How to Fish From a Canoe, and More

Mike Schultz, affectionately known as “Schultzy,” is the Owner of Schultz Outfitters Fly Shop & Guide Service, a hub for Southern Michigan angling, instruction, and destination travel. Growing up in Michigan, he developed a connection with the outdoors, which ultimately led him to pursue a career in the fly-fishing industry.
Spending countless hours on the water each year, Schultzy has honed his expertise in Midwestern waters and beyond. While his primary focus remains on the warm-water fishing havens of Southern Michigan, his angling adventures have taken him to exotic locations around the world.
Driven by a passion for conservation, Schultzy has played a pivotal role in founding annual fundraisers like the Huron River Single Fly and Huckin’ for the Huron, in collaboration with the Huron River Watershed Council. These events support the preservation of Michigan’s Blue-Ribbon Smallmouth stream, the Huron River.
Outside of his angling pursuits, Schultzy resides in Dexter, Michigan, nestled along the banks of The Huron River with his wife, Allie, and their sons, Tanner and Dylan. With a commitment to sharing his passion for fishing and conservation, Schultzy continues to inspire anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike—myself included.
In this episode of Anchored, we discuss the process of opening his fly shop in Ypsilanti, tactics for catching smallmouth bass on the fly, the effects of water temperature, tackle, and more.
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Ep. 146: Ben Bulis and Matt Smythe on AFFTA

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