People

Chris Blankenship concluded his nine-year tenure as Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, during which ADCNR invested over $525 million in outdoor recreation improvements and acquired more than 110,000 acres of land. His legacy includes expanding red snapper seasons, completing The Lodge at Gulf State Park, and establishing the Blankenship Scholars Program at the University of South Alabama.

St. Croix has promoted Ryan Teach to Vice President of Product and Marketing at its Park Falls headquarters. Teach, who joined the company in 2018, previously served as Brand Manager for St. Croix Rod and Vice President of Innovation. CEO Scott Foristall praised Teach's angler-driven approach and leadership across St. Croix's family of brands including SEVIIN Reels and St. Croix Fly.

Streamlight, Inc. announced four key sales leadership promotions effective October 1, 2026. Matt Baker, Bobby Knight, Justin Thomas, and Brian Osborn have been promoted to expanded roles across Law Enforcement, Sporting Goods, Federal/Military, and OEM markets to strengthen sales operations and support continued growth.

The Angler Action Foundation mourns the loss of executive director Brett Fitzgerald, a passionate conservationist who led major seagrass restoration projects across Florida and authored "Snook (Sportsman's Best)." Fitzgerald's legacy includes his dedication to fisheries education, habitat preservation, and his profound impact on those around him.

Valerie Craig has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. Craig brings over 20 years of conservation experience, including senior roles at National Geographic Society, The Conservation Fund, and Ocean Conservancy, to lead the organization's ambitious growth and flats fishery conservation goals.

The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) announced Kelly Long's appointment as Executive Vice President, effective October 19, 2026. Long brings decades of leadership experience from Rather Outdoors and Martin Reel Company, along with public policy expertise from his work in the offices of U.S. Senators Tim Scott and Jim DeMint.

Simms Fishing Products appointed Dexter Levandoski as Global Sales Leader effective September 15. Levandoski brings 15+ years of fishing industry experience, including leadership roles at Patagonia and Poncho Outdoors, to strengthen global partnerships and drive growth.

Landon Hall has been appointed Editor in Chief of Florida Sportsman magazine by Outdoor Sportsman Group Publishing. Hall, a freelance outdoor writer and founder of Outdoor Legacy Media, brings expertise in saltwater fishing, hunting, and coastal living to the role overseeing all print and digital editorial properties. He replaces retiring long-time editor Jeff Weakley.

Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit appointed Scott Hersey as Pro Staff and Sponsorship Manager. Hersey manages Yamaha's professional angler programs and tournament sponsorships, including the Bassmaster Elite Tournament Series and Coastal Conservation Association STAR tournaments.

Charles Gaines, noted outdoors writer and author of "Stay Hungry" and cowriter of "Pumping Iron," both adapted into films featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, passed away Tuesday at 84. A lifelong bird hunter and angler who fished in over 25 countries, Gaines was also credited as one of paintball's inventors.

J. Robert Long, a marine industry executive who led Starcraft, AMF Crestliner, and Wellcraft Marine, died July 15 in Sarasota, Florida at age 86. Long purchased Marine Concepts in 1994 with his wife Karen and grew it into a 250-employee design and manufacturing company before selling to Patrick Industries in 2016. He was inducted into the NMMA Hall of Fame.

Waypoint TV promoted Katherine Elliott to Vice President of Media Operations & Distribution and Graig Hale to Vice President of Business Development & Programming. Both leaders have been instrumental in building the outdoor streaming network's infrastructure, partnerships, and growth initiatives.

John Simms, pioneering fly-fishing innovator and founder of Simms Fishing Products, passed away on June 3, 2026, at age 89. Known for inventing neoprene waders, Croakies eyewear retainers, and the WristLok casting aid, Simms revolutionized fishing apparel and equipment before selling his company to Life Link International in the late 1980s.

Revelyst Inc. announced Dave Mellon's appointment as President of Simms Fishing Products and Revelyst Outdoor Performance. The former Grundéns CEO, who previously held leadership roles at Simms, will oversee the Bozeman-based platform and drive growth across its portfolio of iconic outdoor brands.

Paul Thomas Hoppes, Jr., founder of Sailfish Boats and Seminole Marine, passed away on May 12, 2026. He built his flagship brand from a small warehouse in Havana, Florida into the largest employer in Cairo, Georgia, known for high-quality boats and exceptional industry reputation.

Chris Caswell, renowned boating writer and former editor-in-chief of SEA Magazine, passed away May 13. He hosted the Marine Voyager cable television series and contributed to publications including Power & Motoryacht, Passagemaker, Yachting, Sail, and Cruising World, earning numerous industry awards throughout his career.

American Outdoor Brands, Inc. announced that Tyler Lindwall has joined the company as Vice President of Corporate Development. Lindwall brings over 15 years of experience in corporate development and mergers and acquisitions, most recently serving at Vista Outdoor Inc., and will lead the company's acquisition and integration efforts.

American Outdoor Brands announced that Tyler Lindwall has joined as Vice President of Corporate Development. Lindwall brings over 15 years of experience in corporate development and mergers and acquisitions, most recently serving at Vista Outdoor Inc., and will lead the company's acquisition and integration efforts.

Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit promoted Jason Berry to Director of Marine Service, where he will oversee all U.S. service operations including call centers, field service, warranty, and training. Berry, a Yamaha team member since 2005, previously served as Customer Experience Division Manager and reports to General Manager Joe Maniscalco.

A mural featuring legendary fly-fishing pioneer Dave Whitlock was unveiled March 26 in Bull Shoals, Arkansas. Artist Duane Hada created the artwork on the west side of Wishes & Fishes Fly Shop, funded by donations from fly-fishing groups and individuals honoring Whitlock's contributions to the sport.