Today, I’ve been named the new “director of strategy and outreach” for Trout Unlimited. I am going to be delegating and changing some of my other writing and editing work, but I am going to continue my involvement with Angling Trade.
In fact, it’s my association with the trade that put me in this position, and I believe I can, in turn, help to make TU valuable to all of you.
My philosophy is that TU cannot be as strong as it could be and should be without considerably stronger support from within the industry of retailers, manufacturers, and guides. While Walt Gasson and others have made good inroads in that regard lately, there’s still a lot more potential out there.
By the same token, I think the industry spins on an axis of trout, and nobody does more to make trout fishing (and salmon) possible, and protect the future of this sport than TU. Without the resources, there is nothing. And TU’s 150,000 members represent the most motivated, dedicated angling consumers in America. (For the record, that audience is also a significant magazine readership, and TROUT is a great ad buy value, manufacturers… but that’s another story.)
The number of people who make their living by selling things related to catching trout in rivers, who are not on the rolls as TU members is too high. I think there are many reasons (partly TU’s) for that, but that should be fixed.
We need each other. I have been put in the position to build that bond stronger.
For years, as editor of Angling Trade, I have worked on helping retailers and manufacturers in the fly fishing industry move their businesses forward.
Now, I am asking for your help in moving my business forward. What can I do? What are the weaknesses? Where are the opportunities?
I value your input, and appreciate all insights and ideas… good, bad and otherwise.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Kirk Deeter
[email protected]
[email protected]
