Conservation through buying a fly fishing rod or reel

One of the greatest privileges we enjoy in the United States is our unparalleled access to public lands and the outdoors. I love knowing that when I go fishing in the mountains, the land and rivers I’m casting into belong to all of us as Americans. Having had the privilege of fly fishing around the world, I can confidently say that this level of access is rare.

In many countries, fishing is limited to “beat fishing,” where you pay to access a small section of river for the day. While I don’t mind paying for premium fishing experiences occasionally, there’s something uniquely special about the free access we enjoy in the U.S., whether it’s for fishing, hunting, hiking, or simply soaking in nature.

The Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act: A Legacy of Conservation

One of the reasons we have such incredible access to natural resources in the U.S. is the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937 and the Dingell-Johnson Funding Allocation of 1950. These landmark legislations place a small excise tax, around 10%, on all hunting and fishing supplies sold by U.S.-based companies. This tax directly funds wildlife conservation projects and public land access initiatives.

Every time you purchase a fly fishing rod or reel from a U.S.-based company, a portion of that sale contributes to maintaining and restoring the very lands and waters we cherish. From cutthroat trout restoration projects to the reintroduction of elk in states like New Mexico, the impact of this funding is monumental. Decades ago, elk were nearly extinct in parts of the West and completely eradicated in the East. Today, their haunting calls echo once more through these lands, all thanks to conservation efforts funded by Pittman-Robertson dollars. Cutthroat Trout were nearly wiped out in the Rocky Mountains, but today more and more restocking programs are expanding the cutthroat trout back into their traditional range thanks to these conservation dollars.

The Hidden Cost of Overseas Gear

The title of this blog, "Stop Buying Cheap Overseas Fly Fishing Gear," might seem provocative, but it’s rooted in a simple truth: every purchase of cheap, direct-from-China products through platforms like Amazon, Temu, or eBay takes valuable resources away from conservation.

This isn’t about the origin of the product or even its price. It’s about preserving the mountains, rivers, and valleys we love for future generations. Outdoor gear purchased from overseas vendors bypasses the Pittman-Robertson tax, depriving conservation efforts of millions of dollars annually.

If cost is a concern, I encourage you to find affordable alternatives from U.S.-based companies. Many offer budget-friendly options that still contribute to the greater good. All USA based companies pay into the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act regardless of where their products are made. Again, the products DO NOT need to be made in the USA as long as the company is based in the USA or has a headquarters here. 

Invest in the Outdoors You Love

Imagine walking into the woods to fish a stream teeming with trout, hearing the bugle of an elk in the crisp autumn air, or simply marveling at the natural beauty around you. These experiences aren’t guaranteed, they’re the result of intentional conservation efforts funded by generations of outdoor enthusiasts who cared enough to give back.

When you choose to support U.S.-based outdoor brands, you’re not just buying gear, you’re investing in the future of our public lands and wildlife.

Here is a chart of how the Pittman-Robertson funds are distributed across states.

Tight Lines,
Matthew Taylor