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

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

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

I was born in a small town in Oklahoma but moved to Colorado shortly after, kicking off an amazing journey of experiencing and enjoying the outdoors. After working in the backcountry skiing and beer brewing worlds, I joined Fishpond in August of 2017.

Currently living in Erie, Colorado with my little family. As my son grows up, I look forward to getting him out in the wild and passing on my passion for wild places.

Favorite Fishpond Conservation Partner

Trout Unlimited and POW

Staff Product Pick

My Cutbank Gear Bag is my go-to and holds everything I need for a successful day of fishing. The organization is fantastic and, as we know, easy access is key to efficiency on the water.

Favorite Beer

Upslope Brewing Company - India Pale Ale

Dream Adventure

Chasing Golden Dorado in Bolivia with the boys sounds like a good ole time!

Marcus Jump

I was born and raised in Denver, CO and have been lucky enough to explore so much that this great State has to offer. I love to fish, snowboard, backpack, spend time with family, and occasionally have a beer or two. 

Favorite Fishpond Conservation Partner

westernrivers.org

Staff Product Pick

Thunderhead Lumbar Pack

Favorite Beer

Odell's St. Lupulin 

Dream Adventure

New Zealand: Fish in the morning, snowboard in the afternoon, surf at sunset.

Jack Reis

I was born in Louisiana and raised in the Pacific Northwest, so spending time on the water has always been part of my life. After graduating from the University of Denver, working in the corporate world, and spending time on the rivers of Colorado as a fishing guide, I came to Fishpond in 2019 to combine my professional background with a passion for fly fishing and environmental conservation.

Favorite Fishpond Conservation Partner

You won't be able to nail me down on a favorite, but I am passionate about any organization that shares our dedication to effecting positive change for critical environments and species. I also have a deep appreciation for any group that recognizes that success is measured by the degree to which they continue to take action in the face of great opposition. There is no silver bullet for the environmental issues we are presented with, but my favorite conservation organizations continue to take action on the ground floor and advocate for smart water and land policies.

Staff product pick

The Cutbank Gear Bag goes just about everywhere I do. On most day trips it's filled with my spare reels, tippet, fly boxes, sunscreen, and other valuables. When I travel, it doubles as a gear box for all of my photography equipment. On one particularly cold and rainy float in Wyoming, it even acted as a shelter for a new puppy on her first river float!

Favorite beer

Rainier on the river, Pacifico on the beach

Dream Adventure

For years I've been curious to explore parts of the western Amazon in Peru, Columbia, and Brazil. When it comes to saltwater, it has to be Oman. For a fraction of the cost and planning, the lake down the street from my house has never let me down.

Carlos Azuero

I was born in Fort Collins, Colorado, but spent most of my life on the Caribbean waters of the northern coast of Colombia. A couple of years ago I decided to move back to Colorado to take on new adventures and explore these majestic landscapes.

Favorite Fishpond Conservation Partner

Hard to pick one! Anyone out there trying to make a difference deserves a mention and I just hope the list keeps on growing!

Staff Product Pick

The Thunderhead Submersible Sling is the best grab-and-go option for outdoor adventures.

Favorite Beer

An ice-cold Modelo always does the trick!

Dream Adventure

It has always been my dream to explore the Amazon in southern Colombia and experience its wildlife.

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. I found my way back to Colorado to pursue my 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.

Adrian Cisneros

I'm originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, but moved to Colorado in kindergarten, so I'd say I pretty much count as a native at this point. I love camping, fishing, and playing ultimate frisbee whenever I get the chance. Around The Pond, I’m the self-appointed arbiter of swag… which I take very seriously.

Favorite Fishpond Conservation Partner

American Rivers

Staff Product Pick

My Wind River Roll-Top Backpack has come through for me in all kinds of weather. It’s tough, dependable, and turns heads without trying too hard.

Favorite Beer

Modelo. Crisp, easy-drinking, and perfect after a long day on the water.

Dream Adventure

Japan has been at the top of my list for a long time. I’d love to visit during cherry blossom season. There’s something magical about that time of year. I love the way tradition and modern life coexist there, from ancient temples to cutting-edge architecture and technology. It feels like a place where adventure lies around every corner.

Vince Chen

I was born in Denver, and it's always been home for me. With the beautiful backdrop we have here, it would be hard to get used to anything different. The most time I have spent away from home was the half of a year I spent studying abroad in Spain - which was one of the most memorable experiences I have had to date. I am a graduate of the University of Denver.

Favorite Fishpond Conservation Partner

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust

Staff Product Pick

The Waterdance Pro has been a reliable companion for me on fishing ventures. The pack accommodates as much or as little I decide to bring with me out on the river - all the while sitting snugly off to my side when it comes time to get to fishing.  

Favorite Beer

I think favorites tend to change with the times, but I do have a fond memory associated with one of my first beers. In college, I took a tour of the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin while traveling with friends. To cap off our tour, we served ourselves a "perfect Guinness pour" from the tap and enjoyed a drink together on the top floor overlooking the city. 

Dream Adventure

There are many places I have been lucky enough to have seen in my life thus far, and I would love the chance to go back to any of them. But one destination I have been considering for a while is Iceland - a place that is unlike any other that I've been before.

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!