Staff

Meet the team

Chad Harkins

Chad Harkins

I grew up in Virginia, mainly fishing golf course bass ponds and the James River. I got my "start" in the outdoor industry at 16 working fly fishing retail, and continued working retail and guiding when I moved to Steamboat Springs after my freshman year in college. After college, I worked as a rep in the running/cycling industry for a few years before repping for a number of different fly fishing manufacturers for over ten years. I absolutely love spending time with my family, fishing, skiing, touring, camping, biking, and hiking in my beautiful back yard of Steamboat.

Favorite Fishpond Conservation Partner

As a resident of the Rocky Mountains, I have to go with Protect our Winters and other non-profits/conservation alliances that focus on protecting and preserving the resources we rely on and need on a daily basis, both as a manufacturer in the outdoor industry but also as individuals.

Staff product pick

Cutbank Gear Bag, hands down. My one-stop shop for my boxes, extra leaders and tippet, gloves or beanie (if needed), Lariat Straps, a spare koozie, etc.

Favorite beer

Pretty much any IPA or Mexican Lager from Storm Peak Brewing Company.

Dream Adventure

Anywhere that has sand, salt water, and warm air and cold beer sounds like a dream adventure to me!

Ben Kurtz

Ben Kurtz

Being a Colorado Native I was fortunate to grow up fishing the high mountain streams, and spending as much time in the mountains as possible. After spending four years in school on the East Coast, and sneaking a year of that time in New Zealand, I returned home to Colorado to work with the Vail Ski Patrol. During the Summer of 2009 I started my time with Fishpond, and that relationship grew to currently being the Co-Owner/President. If not on the water you can find me on the trail, chasing powder, or birds.

Favorite Fishpond Conservation Partner

Tough call here, and obviously we only engage in partnerships that are near and dear to our heart. If I really have to choose I would say POW. Watching the organization grow over the years has been incredible, and they are making a meaningful impact. Besides fishing my other true passion is skiing, and helping POW reach a new audience has been really rewarding.

Staff Product Pick

The two most utilized pieces of gear that I own are the Thunderhead Large Submersible Duffel, and the Thunderhead Sling. The Duffel is with me every weekend whether I am floating the river, or putting on ski boots in the parking lot. The sling is my companion for any river outing, and I think it's one of the most versatile pieces we have. It transitions seamlessly between trout fishing, in the raft, or wading the flats. It even sometime even joins me on a snowy bike ride around town.

Favorite Beer

Too many great beers to choose from, but most likely to be caught with a Coors Original in my hand.

Dream Adventure

Floating the South Fork of the Salmon in the Fall. Fishing in the morning and chasing Chuckar with the pup in the afternoon.

Will Kurtz

Will Kurtz

As a 6th generation Coloradan, spending time in the outdoors has always been an integral part of my life. I was fortunate enough to grow up spending weekends fishing, skiing, and playing in the mountains, all activities that left an indelible mark on me from a young age. In fact, after graduating from Brown University, I worked as a fishing guide at A Bar A Ranch in Encampment, WY, followed by a brief career as a ski bum in Jackson Hole. Now, as a partner and the COO of Fishpond, I'm proud to run a business that has called the mountains of Colorado home for over 20 years.

Favorite Fishpond Conservation Partner

As a B Corp, partnerships with conservation organizations, both here in Colorado and around the world, are some of the most important relationships our company is engaged in. One of the groups I have a tremendous amount of respect for is the Western Rivers Conservancy. Their ability to conserve land and protect fish and wildlife in such a tangible way across the American West is unparalleled.

Staff product pick

I simply don't leave home without my Thunderhead Submersible Backpack. During the week, it operates as my commuter bag, safely housing my laptop, notebooks, and everything I need to get work done. On the weekends, you'll find it pulling double duty as my boat bag. That bag is absolutely bombproof, no matter what I throw at it.

Favorite beer

Montucky Cold Snacks. It's a great river beer and I love the fact that they give 8% of profits back to causes in the communities they serve.

Dream Adventure

Tordrillo Mountain Lodge. Alaska has been on my bucket list for a long time. The opportunity to catch king salmon and heli-ski on the same day is incredibly exciting.

Kevin Best

Kevin Best

I was born and raised in Littleton, CO - after graduating from CSU, I moved back to Littleton where I live with my Wife and two Sons. I was introduced to fly fishing by my friend, and his Dad, when I was about 11 years old. Fly fishing has been a major focus in my life ever since. I founded Nomad Fly Fishing in 2010, and joined forces with Fishpond in 2013.

Favorite Fishpond Conservation Partner

Casting 4A Cure

Staff Product Pick

Nomad Mid-length net & Switchback

Favorite Beer

Lagunitas IPA

Dream Adventure

Exploring an island with my family, finding fish and throwing flies at them.

Blake Matzek

Blake Matzek

Kent Blackburn

I grew up on the Front Range and between sports, would spend all of my free time outside camping, snowboarding and being generally mischievous. After college I made the move to the Big Apple and after 6 years, and many a bacon, egg and cheese later, knew that I couldn't miss another ski season. My wife and I found our way back to Colorado to pursue our wildest dreams and haven't stopped climbing, biking and, of course, fishing, since.

Favorite Fishpond Conservation Partner

Protect Our Winters

Staff Product Pick

I always keep my Nomad Mid-Length Net within reach

Favorite Beer

A North Star at New Terrain Brewing after some hot laps in Golden

Dream Adventure

Bikepacking the Colorado Trail on my hardtail.