Simms Fishing Products
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Fishing gear and apparel |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Founder | John Simms |
| Headquarters | Bozeman , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Derek Tarlecki (President) |
| Products | Waders, boots, outerwear, clothing, travel accessories |
Number of employees | 115 |
| Parent | Vista Outdoor |
Simms Fishing Products is a U.S.-based company specializing in the manufacture of fishing gear, apparel, and related accessories, headquartered in Bozeman, Montana.
History
Established in 1980 by John Simms, a fishing guide and outfitter from Jackson, Wyoming, the company sought to create superior quality waders and wading equipment compared to existing options. During the mid-1980s, Simms introduced high-end neoprene waders to the American market. Subsequently, John Simms sold the enterprise to Life-Link International, a sporting goods producer located in Jackson.
In 1992, K.C. Walsh, a management consultant based in Los Angeles, purchased Simms from Life-Link and moved its operations to Bozeman. The firm currently employs 115 individuals there and centralized its manufacturing processes into a newly built facility in October 2013.
In early 2023, Derek Tarlecki was appointed President of Simms Fishing Products by Vista Outdoor.
Products
Following K.C. Walsh’s acquisition and relocation of the business to Bozeman, Simms pioneered the introduction of breathable waders incorporating Gore-Tex technology. It remains the sole American manufacturer and one of only three worldwide licensed by W. L. Gore and Associates to use Gore-Tex in wader production. The company was among the earliest to design waders specifically for female fly fishers. In 2006, Simms launched the premium G4Z zippered wader, which featured waterproof zippers supplied by the YKK Group, establishing a new benchmark in the industry.
Responding to a 2008 initiative by Trout Unlimited aimed at banning felt-soled waders and boots to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species, Simms declared it would phase out felt soles starting with its 2010 product lineup. However, due to strong consumer demand despite regulatory restrictions in numerous states, felt-soled boots were reintroduced in 2011.
Simms produces an extensive selection of waders, boots, outerwear, clothing, and travel accessories for both men and women targeting fishing and outdoor enthusiasts. Its products are distributed worldwide through independent fly fishing retailers, large sporting goods chains, and e-commerce platforms. By 2012, international sales represented 30 percent of total revenue, supported by distribution centers located in Europe, Japan, and New Zealand.
In 2022, Simms contributed $50,000 toward recovery efforts following flooding at Yellowstone National Park, financing these donations through proceeds from special edition Watershed wader sales.
Awards
Since 1998, Simms Fishing Products has been honored eight times with Field & Stream Magazine's Best of the Best award for various items such as waders, boots designed for wading, jackets, and travel bags. In 2016, the company earned the President's "E" Award in recognition of its export achievements.