What Fishpond does

Fishpond is a family-owned Colorado company founded in 1998 and headquartered in Denver that designs and manufactures premium fly fishing gear, outdoor lifestyle products, and travel accessories. The company operates a direct-to-consumer e-commerce business through fishpondusa.com (powered by Shopify) supplemented by an authorized dealer locator network, with global shipping to destinations ranging from the saltwater flats of the Indian Ocean to the freestone rivers of Montana. Product lines include the Thunderhead Submersible line (waterproof packs, bags, and duffels made with TPU-coated NewStream recycled PET fabric and self-healing zippers), the Stormshadow rolling luggage collection, the Nomad Net series of landing nets, and the Tacky line of fly storage boxes made from 100% recycled plastic since 2021. The company also sells the FP Field lifestyle line of waxed canvas bags, accessories, and an apparel category, as well as co-branded conservation products with Protect Our Winters (50% of sales donated) and Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (per-purchase mangrove plantings).

The company's underlying technology centers on sustainable materials rather than software: Cyclepond recycled fabrics, NewStream fabric converting single-use plastic bottles into submersible textiles, organic cotton canvas, and the first major fly box line to use 100% recycled plastic. Pricing ranges from $2.50 entry-level accessories to $399.95 premium submersible duffels, with gift cards up to $500 and free shipping on orders over $150. Revenue is generated through one-time unit sales via DTC and dealer channels, supplemented by mission-driven conservation co-branded products that drive both revenue and brand purpose. The customer base comprises serious fly fishing enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers (primary segments), conservation-conscious consumers (secondary), and conservation organizations that partner on co-branded fundraising products.

Fishpond is B Corp certified (achieved 2022), co-owned by brothers Will Kurtz (CEO) and Ben Kurtz (President), and has built a network of six named conservation partnerships including American Rivers, Trout Unlimited, Western Rivers Conservancy, Protect Our Winters, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, and the Science on the Fly program co-founded with Woodwell Climate Research Center. The company employs 11-50 people and operates without disclosed external funding or acquisition activity beyond the 2013 absorption of Nomad Fly Fishing.

Name

Fishpond

Legal name

Fishpond Inc.

Website

https://fishpondusa.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Fishpond is a family-owned Colorado company founded in 1998 that designs and manufactures premium fly fishing gear, outdoor lifestyle products, and travel accessories, selling directly to consumers worldwide through its e-commerce site and an authorized dealer network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Fly Fishing Gear

akta.pro primary industry

Fly Fishing Specialty Retail (CRAMALAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Water Sports & Marine Recreation Retail (Paddle/Surf/Dive/Boat Accessories) (CRAMABAI)

Keywords

• Fly fishing gear
• Outdoor equipment
• Submersible packs
• Landing nets
• Fly storage

Headquarters

HQ city

Denver

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Direct E-commerce Sales: Fishpond generates revenue primarily through direct sales via fishpondusa.com, selling fishing packs, bags, nets, travel luggage, lifestyle products, and accessories directly to consumers.
2. Conservation Partnership Products: Co-branded products with partners like Protect Our Winters and Bonefish & Tarpon Trust where a portion of sales (e.g., 50% for POW products) are donated to conservation causes, driving both revenue and brand purpose.
3. Dealer/Retail Distribution: Products sold through authorized dealers and retail locations found via the dealer locator on fishpondusa.com.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Fishpond designs, manufactures, and sells premium fly fishing and outdoor lifestyle gear — including submersible packs and duffels, landing nets, fly storage, vests, chest and lumbar packs, rods and reel cases, rolling luggage, and waxed canvas lifestyle bags — directly to consumers through its own e-commerce store and authorized dealers. The company emphasizes sustainable materials (recycled PET, organic cotton, recycled plastics) and conservation partnerships (Protect Our Winters, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, Trout Unlimited, American Rivers, Western Rivers Conservancy) as core elements of its product and brand offering.

Product overview

Fishpond is a family-owned Colorado company (based in Denver at 8,200 feet in Summit County) that designs and manufactures premium fly fishing gear, outdoor lifestyle products, and travel accessories. Founded over 25 years ago, the company offers a comprehensive product portfolio organized into three main categories: Fishing (packs, nets, storage, tools, accessories), Travel (luggage, rod cases, duffels), and Lifestyle (FP Field waxed canvas line, apparel, dog gear). The core product lines include the Thunderhead Submersible Line (fully waterproof packs, bags, and duffels made from recycled materials), Stormshadow luggage collection, Nomad Net series (multiple configurations for different fishing applications), and Tacky fly storage boxes (made from 100% recycled plastic since 2021). Fishpond also operates two conservation-focused sub-brands: Protect Our Winters Collection (50% of sales donated to POW) and Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Collection (supports mangrove restoration with per-purchase plantings). The company is B Corp certified and emphasizes sustainable materials including Cyclepond recycled fabrics, NewStream recycled PET from plastic bottles, organic cotton, and recycled fishing nets. Products are designed and developed in Colorado with the Arrowhead Retractor and Confluence Net Release manufactured locally.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• FP Field: Waxed canvas lifestyle bags and packs influenced by early adopters of hunt and workwear, responsibly sourced with certified organic waxed cotton canvas.
• Nomad Nets
• Thunderhead
• Stormshadow
• Tacky

Products and services

• Thunderhead Submersible Line Fishpond's most technically advanced series of waterproof storage systems, featuring rugged TPU-coated fabric and self-healing airtight zippers for fully submersible backpacks, lumbar packs, sling packs, chest packs, duffels, and pouches. Built with NewStream 100% recycled single-use plastic water bottle fabric for use from Alaskan backcountry to Antarctic ice fields. Targeted at anglers and travelers needing waterproof gear protection.
• Stormshadow Line Premium luggage and pack collection designed for travel and adventure with durable construction and functional organization. Includes Stormshadow chest packs, lumbar packs, sling packs, rolling carry-ons, medium and large rolling duffels, and luggage tags. Targeted at fly fishing travelers transporting gear.
• Fishpond Nomad Nets Premium landing nets for fly fishing available in multiple sizes and configurations (Native, Yampa, Canyon, Emerger, Middle Fork, El Jefe, Mid Length Boat, and Boat Net) with sustainable materials, signature drop-down fly benches, thermoformed construction, and River Armor enhanced-durability variants. Targeted at freshwater and saltwater fly anglers seeking professional-grade landing nets.
• Tacky Fly Storage Line Complete line of fly storage solutions including Fly Pucks, Fly Docks, Daypack Fly Boxes, Original Fly Boxes, Double Haul Fly Boxes, Pescador Fly Boxes, and tying mats. Made from 100% recycled plastic since 2021 with MagPad magnetic options. Targeted at fly anglers needing organized fly storage.
• LowPro Small and Medium Fly Boxes Slim-profile fly boxes that reduce the size of the Pescador lineup, making it easier to bring every tackle option. Targeted at anglers seeking compact fly storage.
• Fishpond Fishing Vests Fishing vests for warm weather and extended wear including the Sagebrush Pro Mesh Vest, Flint Hills Vest, Tenderfoot Youth Vest, Ridgeline Tech Pack, and FlyLite Women's Vest. Targeted at fly anglers needing all-day gear carry and organization.
• Lumbar Packs and Wading Systems Waist-belt style lumbar packs and integrated wading systems including the Elkhorn Lumbar Pack, Waterdance Pro Guide Pack, Switchback 2.0 Wading System, and South Fork Wader Belt. Targeted at wade fishing anglers needing secure gear carry.
• Fishpond Chest Packs Compact chest packs for essential gear including the Cross-Current Chest Pack, Canyon Creek Chest Pack, and San Juan Vertical Chest Pack (priced from $49.95). Targeted at anglers needing streamlined access to gear during casting.
• Fishpond Backpacks Technical backpacks for fishing and outdoor use including the Ridgeline Backpack and Firehole Backpack with organized storage compartments. Targeted at anglers and outdoor users needing daypack carry for gear.
• Fishpond Gear Bags and Wader Duffels Large gear bags for boat and expedition trips including the Cutbank Gear Bag (priced up to $329.95), Green River Gear Bag, and Cimarron Wader Duffel with moisture management for waders. Targeted at traveling anglers needing expedition-scale gear transport.
• Rod and Reel Cases Airline-compliant and tube-style protective cases for fly fishing rods and reels including the Dakota Carry-On Rod & Reel Case, Dakota 45" Rod & Reel Case, Ripple Reel Case, Honcho Reel Case, Thunderhead Four-Piece and Two-Piece Submersible Rod & Reel Cases, and Jackalope Rod Tube Case. Targeted at traveling anglers needing safe transport for rod and reel setups.
• Fishpond Tools and Accessories Fishing tools and accessories including the Grass Sticks Wading Staff, Arrowhead Retractor, 360 Swivel Retractor, Riverkeeper Digital Thermometer, PIOPOD Microtrash Container, Headgate Tippet Holder, Dry Shake Floatant Bottle Holder, RIO Headgate Tippet Dispenser, Confluence Net Release 2.0, and Lariat Gear Straps. Several are handcrafted in Colorado. Targeted at fly anglers needing on-water utility tools.
• Replacement Parts and Maintenance Comprehensive replacement parts and maintenance items including foam inserts, back panels, straps, buckles, wheels, zipper components, Nomad End Caps, Nomad TPU Replacement Net Bags, Nomad Replacement Coated Nylon Nets, TruZip Lubricant Wipes, TruZip Lubricant Bottle, Sandbar Travel Pouch, and Net Holster. Targeted at existing Fishpond customers maintaining and repairing their gear.
• FP Field Line Lifestyle collection of waxed canvas bags and packs made with certified organic waxed cotton canvas, including Horse Thief Tote, River Bank Backpack, Cabin Creek Toiletry Kit, Eagle's Nest Travel Pouch, Bow Wow Travel Water Bowl, Bow Wow Travel Food Bowl, Blizzard Soft Cooler, Hailstorm Soft Cooler, and TexWax Refinishing Tin. Influenced by hunt and workwear tradition. Targeted at conservation-conscious consumers seeking durable everyday carry.
• Fly Tying Kits Complete fly tying station kits including the Backwater Fly Tying Kit and Tailwater Fly Tying Kit for portable and organized fly tying. Targeted at fly anglers who tie their own flies.
• Burrito Wader Bag Compact wader storage and transport bag with roll-top closure. Targeted at wade anglers needing moisture-managed wader storage.
• Fishpond Hats and Sun Protection Collection of fishing hats including the High Country Hat, Lowcountry Hat 2.0, Hoot Owl Hat, Dorsal Fin Webbing Belt, Last Light Hat, FP Mesh Hat, Dorsal Fin Quilted Trucker Hat, Tracker Hat, Heritage Corduroy Hat, Headwater Hat, Fishpond Brim Beanie, Standby Hat, Heritage Hat, Ascension Hat, Cruiser Trout Hat, Heritage Trucker Hat, Las Pampas Hat, Phantom Hat, Dorsal Fin Trucker Hat, Local Hat, Brookie Lightweight Hat, and Camp Hat. Targeted at fly anglers needing sun and weather protection.
• Fishpond Shirts and Belts Technical fishing shirts and casual outdoor wear including the Tracker Shirt, Henry's Fork Shirt, On Point Shirt, Topo Trout Shirt, Maori Trout Kids Shirt, Little Hopper Kids Shirt, Maori Trout Onesie, King Webbing Belt, and Trucha Webbing Belt. Targeted at anglers and outdoor enthusiasts branded by Fishpond.
• Fishpond Dog Accessories Durable outdoor-inspired dog accessories including the Fishpond Dog Collar and Fishpond Dog Leash. Targeted at outdoor dog owners.
• Soft Coolers and Insulated Holders Soft-sided coolers and insulated beverage holders including the River Rat 2.0 insulated drink sleeve, Blizzard Soft Cooler, and Hailstorm Soft Cooler designed for extended temperature retention. Targeted at outdoor enthusiasts.
• Stickers Collection of die-cut and thermal stickers featuring Fishpond branding and fishing-themed artwork (entry-level accessories starting at $2.50). Targeted at brand fans and anglers.
• Wind River Roll-Top Backpack, Summit Sling, and Lodgepole Fishing Satchel Versatile fishing and travel bags including the Wind River Roll-Top Backpack, Summit Sling compact single-strap sling pack, and Lodgepole Fishing Satchel with traditional styling and modern functionality. Targeted at anglers and travelers needing flexible carry options.
• Protect Our Winters Collection Co-branded POW Water Alliance collaboration products including the Thunderhead Submersible Backpack - POW Edition, River Rat 2.0 - POW Edition, Stormshadow Rolling Carry-On - POW Edition, and Thunderhead Grande Submersible Duffel - POW Edition. 50% of sales from these products are donated directly to Protect Our Winters for climate advocacy. Targeted at conservation-minded anglers.
• Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Collection Co-branded products supporting the Bahamas Mangrove Restoration Project, including the Cutbank - Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Edition, Wind River - Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Edition (plants 46 mangroves per purchase), Dakota Carry-On Rod & Reel Case - Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Edition (plants 38 mangroves per purchase), and Tacky Pescador Large Fly Box - Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Edition (plants 10 mangroves per purchase). Goal: 1,000,000 mangroves planted. Targeted at saltwater fly anglers supporting habitat restoration.
• Fishpond Gift Cards Digital gift cards available in denominations from $25 to $500 ($25, $50, $75, $100, $150, $200, $250, and $500), delivered via email and redeemable online at fishpondusa.com. Targeted at customers purchasing gifts for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Quantifiable outcome

• Manufacturing nearly 100% of fabrics from recycled materials
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• 11th Hour RacingcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 September 202511th Hour Racing serves as a founding partner of the POW Water Alliance. Fishpond was among the first to join the Water Alliance, believing climate action isn't optional for businesses that depend on wild places, clean air, and clean water.
• Protect Our Winters (POW)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFishpond is a founding partner of POW's Water Alliance expanding climate advocacy from winter sports to water-based communities. 50% of sales from Fishpond x POW products are donated directly to POW. Fishpond joined POW to strengthen policy progress, back on-the-ground restoration, and use their voice to bring customers and employees into climate action.
• Bonefish & Tarpon TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to support Bahamas Mangrove Restoration Project following Hurricane Dorian devastation. Fishpond sells co-branded products (Wind River Backpack, Dakota Carry-On, Boulder Briefcase, Pescador Fly Box) with specific mangroves planted per purchase (up to 46 per item). Goal is planting 1,000,000 mangroves in Abaco, Grand Bahama, and surrounding cays.
• American RiverscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFishpond supports American Rivers' mission to protect and restore rivers that sustain clean water, healthy fisheries, communities, and wild places across the country. Partnership supports waters that matter to anglers and outdoor communities.
• Trout UnlimitedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFishpond supports Trout Unlimited's work to protect, reconnect, restore, and sustain trout and salmon habitat. TU has over 300,000 members and implemented $92.5M in volunteer conservation work over 10 years.
• Western Rivers ConservancycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFishpond partners with Western Rivers Conservancy who purchases land along rivers to permanently conserve fish and wildlife habitat and create public access. Fishpond created products that directly fund their work, writing a check for over $10,000 last year.
• National Fish Habitat PartnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 2006, National Fish Habitat Partnership has supported 1,299 projects benefiting fish habitats in all 50 states, reconnecting 4,711 miles of rivers and restoring over 43,000 acres of habitat.
• Science on the FlycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founded by Fishpond and Woodwell Climate Research Center, Science on the Fly advances understanding of changing watersheds through long-term, world-class river science. Aims to bridge science and public policy and inspire river stewardship.
• ShopifycoreTechnology or IntegrationFishpond uses Shopify to power its online store, processing e-commerce transactions, order management, and customer data for fishpondusa.com.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Filson: Heritage outdoor brand known for waxed canvas, tin cloth, and rugged lifestyle products. Highly comparable to Fishpond's FP Field waxed canvas sub-brand; serves overlapping affluent outdoor consumer base seeking durable, heritage-styled gear.
• Patagonia: Major outdoor apparel and gear brand with a fly fishing product line including packs, vests, and wading gear. Broader portfolio but overlapping sustainability ethos (1% for the Planet, recycled materials) makes Patagonia a relevant incumbent comparable for purpose-driven outdoor positioning.
• YETI Holdings: Premium outdoor lifestyle brand with coolers, drinkware, and bags. Comparable premium DTC positioning, similar affluent outdoor consumer demographic, and overlap with Fishpond's Blizzard/Hailstorm soft coolers and River Rat beverage holders.

Direct peers

• Orvis: Founded 1856, Orvis is the most established direct-to-consumer fly fishing brand offering rods, reels, gear, apparel, and luggage. Direct competitor in fly fishing packs, vests, nets, and travel gear with overlapping customer base of serious fly anglers.
• Grundens: Heritage fishing apparel and gear manufacturer specializing in weatherproof outerwear and commercial-grade fishing equipment. Direct peer in technical fishing gear with overlapping commercial fishing and fly fishing crossover markets.
• Simms Fishing Products: Leading manufacturer of technical fly fishing waders, boots, apparel, and gear based in Bozeman, MT. Direct competitor in premium fly fishing gear with strong dealer network and similar B Corp-adjacent sustainability positioning.
• Umpqua Feather Merchants: Leading manufacturer and distributor of fly tying tools, materials, and accessories under multiple brands (Dr. Slick, Esoteric, Umpqua). Direct peer in fly fishing tools category with shared dealer channels and fly angler customer base.
• Loon Outdoors: Fly fishing accessories specialist offering fly tying tools, floatants, indicators, and gear care products. Direct peer in fly fishing accessories with overlapping dealer network and shared customer base of fly fishing enthusiasts.

Emerging players

• Buff: Multifunctional headwear and outdoor accessories brand with crossover into fishing markets. Emerging player with comparable lightweight outdoor accessories category overlap and similar lifestyle/outdoor crossover positioning.
• Huk: Fishing-specific apparel and accessories brand with strong DTC and big-box retail presence. Emerging player in performance fishing gear with comparable target demographic (serious anglers) and direct product overlap in apparel and accessories.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubevimeo.com/fishpondusa
• Facebookfacebook.com/fishpond.usa
• Instagraminstagram.com/fishpondusa/?hl=en
• Xx.com/fishpondusa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fishpond

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Fishpond