WFS 518 - Mayfly Outdoors with Jeff Wagner - Airflo, Ross Reels, Able Reels

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/518 Presented By: Smitty's Fly Box, Angler's Coffee, Waters West Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Growing up in Sydney, Nebraska, the home of Cabela's, Jeff's passion for fly fishing was ignited at a young age. This episode takes you on an adventure with Jeff as he reminisces about his early fishing experiences, exploring the diverse fishing opportunities Nebraska offers, from trout streams to warm water fishing. As we journey through his early life, we also follow his career path through some of the most iconic brands in the outdoor industry, from his time with Cabela's, Winston Flyrods, and VF corp, to his current role as the President and CEO of Mayfly Outdoors, encompassing major players in the fly fishing industry. Our conversation doesn't stop at the surface level; we dive deep into the heart of the outdoor industry itself. We discuss the ever-important topic of sustainability in the fly fishing industry, the concept of B Corp, and the triple bottom line of people, profit, and planet. Jeff shares about Ross Reels' investment in a new anodizing facility in Montrose, Colorado, a move designed to reduce environmental impact while still maintaining a profitable organization. The conversation widens as we dissect the future of the industry, with a focus on upcoming collaborations from Ross Reels and Abel, all with an emphasis on conservation. Finally, we touch on practical fly fishing tips, such as the nuances of casting in the wind and the importance of practice. We celebrate the invaluable advice of casting instructors like Tim Ragef, Steve, Bruce Richards, Tom White, and Dusty Sprague. We conclude with an examination of the adaptability of the team at Ross Reels to stay ahead of industry innovations. Join us as we journey through the world of fly fishing, revealing its past, present, and future. Whether you're an avid angler or have never cast a line, this episode has something for everyone. Episode Chapters with Jeff Wagner on Mayfly Outdoors (0:00:05) - Fly Fishing and Mayfly Outdoors Growing up in Sydney, Nebraska, I learned to fly fish in cold streams for trout, bass, bluegill, carp, and pike. (0:08:38) - Iconic Outdoor Brands Ross' 50th anniversary is discussed, from its 1973 California inception to its current Colorado form. (0:21:18) - B Corp and Long-Term Success Ross Reels' success is discussed, exploring B Corp certification, triple bottom line, sustainability, ethics, and new anodizing facility. (0:25:27) - Ross Reels and Mayfly Outdoors Ross Reels' sustainability, longevity, innovations, other fly fishing companies, Mayfly Outdoors' acquisition of Air Flow Fly Lines, investments in people, place, and technology, and the triple bottom line of people, profit, and planet are discussed. (0:38:25) - Branding and Growth of Outdoor Industry Prana, North Face, Patagonia, Sims, Dynaking, and carp fishing discussed to maintain brand identity and explore fishing market opportunities. (0:44:10) - Carp Fishing in Warm Water Resources Carp fishing's potential benefits, fly fishing's responsibility, multi-species angling history, and Ross Reels' investment are discussed. (0:50:34) - Fly Fishing Tips and Conversations Casting nuances, instructor advice, and carp fishing's benefits to cold water fisheries are discussed. (1:00:00) - Fall Fly Fishing Launches and Collaborations Ross Reels and Able collaborate to promote conservation, sustainability, and longevity, while staying true to their identity. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/518