WFS 522 – AFFTA Confluence 2023 with Lucas Bissett – IFTD, Orvis-Endorsed Guide, Conservation

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/522 Presented By: NR Adventures, Chota Outdoor Gear, Jackson Hole Fly Company Lucas Bissett joins us today to discuss the AFFTA Confluence 2023 event, providing an exciting insight into the changes it brings this year. Among the highlights is the introduction of real-time census data providing a more accurate snapshot of the industry's growth. We also explore Lucas's personal journey in fly fishing. Did we mention that he was an Orvis-Endorsed Guide in 2017? If you're aspiring to be a fishing guide, get tips from the expert himself on what it takes to excel in the field. Episode Chapters with Lucas Bissett on AFFTA Confluence 2023 2:05 – Lucas discovered fly fishing later in life when his family relocated to Missouri around age 10. At the age of 12, he received a basic fly fishing kit from his grandmother and started catching panfish and bass with it. 02:55 – Following a break during his college years, Lucas reignited his love for fishing at the age of 24 when he successfully landed his first redfish on a fly. He eventually pursued a career as a guide, spending 11 years guiding people red fishing from the back of a skiff. 04:30 – Lucas was an Orvis-endorsed guide for eight years and even got the title of Orvis-endorsed guide for 2017. 07:55 – We discuss the importance of positive reviews as a guide, and Lucas shares insights on navigating and addressing less favorable feedback. American Fly Fishing Trade Association 12:00 – AFFTA is the sole trade association in fly fishing. Their main goal is to try to help guide the sustainable growth of the fly fishing industry.            12:55 – For Lucas, it's crucial that individuals feel their trade association is actively advocating for their interests. This involves organizing events that unite industry players in a business-oriented setting. 13:30 – They've done the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show in the past, but that has changed to Confluence this year. The Confluence is a very similar show, but they have made pretty dramatic changes, according to Lucas. 14:10 –  Lucas shares that AFFTA has partnered with TrackFly, a data collection company, to obtain more precise and real-time census data. This system integrates with retailers' Point of Sale (POS) systems and then gathers and compiles the information, which AFFTA will use to generate a biannual report. 31:40 – Lucas provides insights into his perspective on the current state of the fly fishing industry. 39:36 – Lucas shares information about the AFFTA Fisheries Fund. 45:34 – Lucas enjoys fishing and tries to do it whenever he can. His job at AFFTA lets him travel across the country, so he takes the opportunity to fish in different places. 47:00 – Lucas offers advice for those interested in becoming fishing guides and shares what it takes to pursue a career in guiding. Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/522