Meet Cullen Haskins | Founder of Check Your Flies

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cullen Haskins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cullen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

I started Check Your Flies because I wanted to sell my hand tied flies and knew others did as well. The artisanal side of fly fishing gear is one great thing about the sport. There is a special connection between you and the fish, especially if you can tie the fly, build the net or fly rod on your own.

I thought, why not create a fly fishing website where anyone can buy and sell thier handmade fishing gear. Ultimately creating a growing fly fishing marketplace and community to support small businesses and independent craftsmen.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I have been in the outdoor industry for many years. I was a raft guide for a summer, I worked in the sales and design of whitewater rafting equipment as well as the golf and camping industries. I have a degree in Commercial Recreation, so the outdoor recreation industry is my passion.

I arrived where I am today by working hard and not giving up. The outdoor industry can be tough, it is very seasonal and demanding. Hard work and developing meaningful relationships are important to my success. I am always trying to learn something new whether it is from my mistakes or talking with another angler on the river, there are always lessons to be learned. Try new things and make mistakes so you can build off them.

I want the world to know that Check Your Flies is made up of great people that work hard with a shared passion for fishing and quality craftsmanship. If you fall in this category we would love for you to be a part of the community.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

If my best friend were to come visit, we would go float fishing for sure. Spending multiple days floating and fishing along the river is the best. We would probably fish as many rivers as we could in that amount of time. Rivers we would float would be the Arkansas, Gunnison, Colorado or Eagle. We could even get in a bit of whitewater paddling on a few of those rivers as well.

We would most likely be camping and eating great homemade meals at camp like brats, cole slaw and a cold beer. Simple but delicious. I can’t forget about lunch on the river, a river sandwich just tastes better.

If staying local to Longmont, fishing the St. Vrain near Lyons, Boulder Creek, the Big Thompson orthe Cache La Poudre would be best. A nice hike to the alpine lakes of Rocky Mountain National Park would also be a great option. Downtown Longmont has plenty of options for great food and drinks. Long’s Peak Pub, West Side Tavern, orJefe’s would be my choices for a nice meal with a great atmosphere.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I would like to dedicate my shout out to my family. Growing up in Michigan, I always wanted to go fishing and they were supportive of that.Whether it was taking me to my aunt’s house to fish the lake, go on a fishing charter in Lake Michigan or stay out late with me to night fish, they are a big reason for my love of fishing to this day.

My best friend Phil deserves recognition as well. He and I started this fly fishing journey at the same time in middle school. Back in college he got me out to Colorado to show me what western trout fishing was all about. After many years we are still hooked on fishing.

Website: www.Checkyourflies.com

Instagram: @checkyourflies