907 | The Story Behind Fishpond and Modern Fly Fishing Gear with Johnny Le Coq
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Johnny LeCocq didn't just build Fishpond—he redefined fly fishing gear by treating it like high-performance outdoor apparel, not just utilitarian tools. The brand's rise began with a radical idea: that fly fishing gear should feel as good as it performs, blending bold color, modular design, and sustainability from day one. What started as a vision on a Colorado ranch in 1999 evolved into the first B Corp in fly fishing, pioneering recycled fishing net materials and lifetime guarantees—proving that ethical business and innovation aren't mutually exclusive. But LeCocq’s legacy extends far beyond products. He founded Science on the Fly, turning anglers into citizen scientists who collect water quality data from 350+ rivers across the U.S. and six countries, creating a public, real-time dataset that’s now influencing policymakers. His journey—from designing cassette tape cases to revolutionizing fly fishing—shows that true disruption comes not from copying, but from soul: a brand that stands for something, inspires others, and gives back. Today, he’s painting trout, mentoring new creators, and proving that passion, when sustained with purpose, can outlast any company sale. The most surprising revelation? Fishpond’s success wasn’t built on better zippers or waterproofing—it was built on a philosophy: gear should make you feel like the athlete you are. The brand’s first chest pack wasn’t just functional; it was a statement. And the real innovation?
Fishpond was the first B Corp in fly fishing, proving sustainability and profit can coexist through 100% recycled materials and a lifetime guarantee.
The brand disrupted fly fishing by treating gear like sportswear—bold colors, modular design, and a lifestyle aesthetic that made anglers feel like athletes.
Science on the Fly turns anglers into citizen scientists, collecting water quality data from 350+ rivers across 45 U.S. states and 6 countries.
Recycled fishing nets from South Korean factories are now the backbone of Fishpond’s nylon products—pioneering a circular economy in a niche industry.
The zipper is the #1 failure point in waterproof bags; Fishpond’s self-healing zippers require regular lubrication to maintain performance.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Unlikely Origins of Fishpond
Johnny LeCocq’s journey from designing cassette tape cases at CaseLogic to founding Fishpond in 1999 is rooted in a passion for design and disruption. His early work in photography and product design laid the foundation for a brand that would challenge the conservative, outdated look of fly fishing gear.
The Birth of a Design Revolution
“I created color and I created options and things just took off because we were so different than anybody else.”
The Science of Waterproofing and Durability
Fishpond’s waterproof gear is built to last, with a lifetime guarantee and self-healing zippers. LeCocq reveals that the zipper is the most common failure point—and that maintenance, not just materials, determines longevity.
From Gear to Conservation: The Birth of Science on the Fly
“These water samples that come in from over 45 states now in the United States and six different countries, we're studying.”
The Legacy of Recycled Innovation
“We were the first company or first actually pretty much anywhere in the industry, to use recycled fishing net.”
“These water samples that come in from over 45 states now in the United States and six different countries, we're studying.”
“We were the first company or first actually pretty much anywhere in the industry, to use recycled fishing net.”
“I created color and I created options and things just took off because we were so different than anybody else.”
Host
Guest
Johnny LeCocq
person
Fishpond
brand
Science on the Fly
organization
Wet Fly Swing Podcast
media
Tacky Flybox
product
CaseLogic
brand
Nomad Nets
product
The Nature Conservancy
organization
Woodwell Climate Research Center
organization
Patagonia
brand
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