How Pescador on the Fly Got Started: A Journey from Frustration to Innovation

The story of Pescador on the Fly starts with my lifelong love for fly fishing. I learned the ropes from my father and grandfather, who taught me the patience and technique it takes to catch fish on the fly. Fly fishing became my way to connect with nature, unwind, and find a sense of peace, and that passion has stayed with me through every stage of life.

As my career in financial services took me all over the country, fly fishing remained my constant. No matter where work took me, I’d find a way to get on the water and cast a line, sometimes for trout, sometimes for bass, panfish, carp, and even saltwater fish. I just love fly fishing for everything.

But traveling with traditional fly rods was always a hassle. Running through an airport with a 30+ inch rod tube in a suit and tie quickly became a burden. Lugging around that long tube was just plain awkward. Fly fishing gear wasn’t built for the busy, travel-heavy lifestyle I was leading, and I knew there had to be a better solution.

Eventually, I came across a seven-section rod, thinking I’d solved my problem. But that early packable rod was a disappointment—heavy, clunky, and felt like casting with a telephone pole. Those early models weren’t built right, and I think a lot of anglers still carry a bias from those first-generation packable rods.

Determined to create something better, I got to work. I spent years testing prototype after prototype, working through trial and error and fine-tuning every detail to get it right. Eventually, we launched with the El Cinco, a seven-section rod that was lightweight, compact, and showed we could improve on those early designs. But while El Cinco was a solid step forward, I knew it wasn’t an epic rod yet. So I kept working, continuing to refine every aspect to create something truly exceptional.

This commitment to quality and performance led to the launch of our El Jefe series, which balances quality and affordability, and then our flagship El Rey series—designed to compete with those $1,000+ rods you see in ads, yet available at $600. I love bringing El Rey to market at that price, because we do sell $1,000 rods; ours just happen to cost $600. The feedback from seasoned anglers has been incredible, with some even saying they’ll never travel with a four-section rod again after trying El Rey.

That said, there’s still a time and place for both four- and six-section rods, and I use both, depending on the trip. On dedicated fly fishing trips, I often bring my four-section rods, but for travel, there’s nothing like the convenience of a six-section rod. It’s all about having the right tool for the job, and we make both to meet every angler’s needs.

Today, Pescador on the Fly offers a full spectrum of gear for every angler and every budget. Our Econ 101 line provides an affordable entry point for beginners or anyone wanting to upgrade their starter gear. The El Jefe series offers exceptional value and quality for mid-level anglers. And for those who want the best, the El Rey series stands toe-to-toe with high-end rods, delivering premium performance without the premium price.

Our product range now spans from 0 to 10 weight rods, including our 7-10 weight saltwater series, giving anglers everything they need, whether they’re targeting delicate trout or fighting saltwater game fish. To complete the experience, we also offer a range of accessories, fly packs, and combo outfits—all with direct-to-angler pricing that eliminates the middleman and keeps our gear accessible.

For me, Pescador on the Fly is more than just gear; it’s a commitment to the angling community—a promise to bring quality, affordability, and performance together in one place. My goal has always been to create a brand that makes fly fishing accessible, enjoyable, and within reach for everyone. So whether you’re new to fly fishing or a seasoned angler, we’ve got something for you, with gear that’s ready to go wherever your next adventure takes you.