Over the next few weeks we’re going to be highlighting members of our Board of Directors who are seeking re-election, or will be continuing their current term after the 2018 election this October 12th. If you are a current AFFTA member and want to join other industry leaders in shaping the future of fly fishing for generations to come, consider running for the AFFTA Board. Submit your bio before Friday, September 21st. All details can be found here.
Colby Trow owns Mossy Creek Fly Fishing in Harrisonburg, Virginia with his twin brother Brian. Colby was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia and grew up in the outdoors fishing, skiing, and windsurfing with his family all over the world. Fly Fishing has been a passion for him since he was 10 years old and his career started at age 14 commercially tying flies for shops and clubs. His summers were spent instructing classes and guiding in the Shenandoah Valley through his college years. He opened the business shortly after obtaining his bachelor’s degree in pre-med biology at James Madison University in 2002. The shop hosts Virginia’s largest fly fishing guide service and fly fishing schools. Colby’s mission for the business is to enhance, protect, and promote water quality in the Shenandoah Valley while growing the awareness and demand for the sport.
Colby has put Mossy Creek Fly Fishing at the forefront of conservation efforts and stream restoration projects in VA. Along with his fly shop staff and guides he is constantly working with local landowners, politicians and agencies to promote protect and enhance the areas waters. Conservation is the lifeblood of the industry and it needs to be fully embraced so everyone can enjoy the future.
Teaching and instructing new anglers is one of his favorite parts of the business. Education is a vital function for sustaining and growing the sport. He knows this because his business relies on it daily. His staff instructs over a thousand new anglers annually. Instruction with passion is necessary to ensure retention of anglers, not only for his shop, but for the sport.
Colby and Brian are also big supporters of Project Healing Waters. Mossy Creek hosted a few of the very first wounded warrior fishing outings with the organization. They organize the Mossy Creek Invitational annually, one of the largest fundraisers for Project Healing Waters.
Colby lives in Harrisonburg, VA with his wife Jessica, their two boys, and their dog. He has served on the AFFTA Board for 5 years and will be up for re-election in 2019.
Why is AFFTA Board service important to you (personally and professionally)?
Serving on the AFFTA board has allowed me to see into the heart of the fly fishing industry. This industry is made up of many important components- Guides, Retailers, Manufacturers, Media, NPO’s, Conservationists, etc. The diversity of our current board offers true, quality representation across all of these categories.
Personally it has been very rewarding to be a voice for fly shops and retailers and to be able to give back to the industry that I am so passionate about. As a business owner, member, and participant in this trade association it is most important to ensure our industry leaders are continually guiding us in the proper direction.
What work is AFFTA doing as an organization that gets you excited?
Finding quality benefits for our members like the business discounts from Staples and UPS to the very popular guide insurance. Whatever makes the lives of our industry partners easier is what motivates me.