Fin & Fire with Jeff Mishler

Episode 30 Featuring Kevin Sloan---CEO and Founder of Skwala Fishing

Launching a top-of-the-line fly fishing apparel brand into a market known for quality products is the kind of challenge Kevin Sloan has faced for decades. As a founder of the brands Sitka and MeatEater, Kevin has unique insights and experiences from his successful past and presents a vision for his new venture, Skwala Fishing. In this episode of Fin and Fire With Jeff Mishler I sit with Kevin in Bozeman Montana and go deep into the design and branding of a quality product.

Episode 29 Featuring Spencer Sawaske---Outdoorsman and Hydrologist/Instream Scientist with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

In this episode of Fin and Fire with Jeff Mishler I dive into the challenges of water management in the State of Oregon and discover that it boils down to the relationships between the landowners and the state agencies. In Oregon, Spencer works at the epicenter of these relationships.  He's also a prolific hunter/angler and we trade stories about our pursuits of the elusive Blacktail bucks of western Oregon. 

Episode 28 Featuring Jeff Hickman---Lodge Owner and Outfitter Driven by Passion and Ethics.

A solid work ethic produces results.  Jeff Hickman is an example of this.  From humble beginnings to his role today as a father, husband, lodge owner, outfitter, property owner and conservationist, Jeff's story is an inspiration for anyone considering a life or career immersed in the world of fly fishing. 

Episode 27 Featuring Justin Dion---Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Game Department

Big Game hunting seasons often change but when they go from an over the counter tag to a controlled hunt, the hunting public is often left with many questions. In this episode of Fin and Fire With Jeff Mishler I sit down with Justin Dion from ODFW, Game Department and ask some tough questions about why my favorite units to hunt elk have moved to a controlled hunt and whether or not those management changes make a difference. In the process, I learn that if I took more advantage of the application process, my overall hunting experience would most likely improve. 

Episode 26 Featuring Guido Rahr---President And CEO of The Wild Salmon Center

After 30 years of sharing rivers and life experiences, Guido and I sit down for a deeper discussion focused on his evolution as an angler and the commitment he made to saving wild salmon and steelhead.  In this episode of Fin and Fire With Jeff Mishler I ask Guido tough questions about the future of conservation and how the Wild Salmon Center is preparing for it.

Episode 25 Featuring Tom Bie---Publisher and Editor of The Drake Magazine

For 25 years The Drake Magazine has created a voice for the everyday fly angler. In this episode of Fin and Fire With Jeff Mishler, Tom tells the story of how The Drake evolved, his personal journey to this moment, and how young writers can create works destined for publication.  Along the way, we also discover that we in fact went to the same junior high in a small Oregon town many years ago.  

Episode 24 Featuring Rich Zellman---A Next Generation Fly Fishing Steelhead Guide With An Old Soul And Simple Approach

If you chase steelhead with a two handed rod you should know who Rich Zellman is.  His Keep It Simple mantra makes him more effective at finding and catching steelhead on a river often called the most difficult river in the world to find success.  I sit down with Rich near his favorite waters and dig deep into the man and his passion to help you catch the steelhead of your lifetime. 

Episode 23 Featuring Simon Gawesworth---Fly Casting Instructor and Lifelong Advocate For The Sport

Simon Gawesworth is known as one of the nicest people in the world of outdoor recreation, and one of the best instructors.  A lifetime of teaching people how to flycast has created a perspective and humility we could all learn from.  If you need to improve your skills, an hour with Simon might be the best money spent.  This episode of Fin and Fire with Jeff Mishler digs into the spirit of the man and his commitment to our sport.

Episode 22 Featuring Nick English---Headwater Sales Manufacturer’s Rep

What does it take for a product to go from idea to something real that you use in your daily life? In this episode of Fin and Fire with Jeff Mishler, Nick and I discuss the product development process.  His direct experience with the largest brands has produced a rare level of experience and insight and hopefully a road map for anyone considering a change in careers or pursuing one in the outdoor products industry. Along the way, we find that our lives are again, parallel in many ways. 

Episode 21 Featuring Austin Bridges---Partner at guidesourceoutdoors.com

As an outfitter, how do you know that the guide you are hiring is competent. As a guide, how can you know that the outfitter who wants to hire you  operates a reputable business? In this episode of Fin and Fire with Jeff Mishler, I sit with Austin Bridges of Guidesourceoutdoors.com and we discuss their business plan to ensure that Guides, Outfitters and the public hiring their services have the best experience possible.  Think Indeed for the outdoor industry. Along the way, we tell some pretty funny hunting stories as well.