Echo Flyfishing
In the realm of fly fishing, finding the perfect balance between durability and price point can be a challenging pursuit. However, there’s one name that consistently rises above the rest—Echo Flyfishing. Trusted by our guides and cherished by our guests who frequent our fishing camps, Echo has become synonymous with quality and value.
But there’s more to the story. Recently, the dedicated team at Echo had the privilege of sharing their journey on the Wet Fly Swing Podcast. In this captivating episode, they delve into the intriguing backstory of Echo Flyfishing—a company that has redefined the standards of the industry. It’s a listen you won’t want to miss.
Wet Fly Swing Podcast
“…In today’s episode, we get up close and personal with the minds behind Echo Flyfishing: Tim Rajeff, Jarrod Black, and Jamie Hixson. We hear the story of how Echo was founded and discover how they crafted some of the world’s toughest, most durable rods.
Plus, find out why Tim chose to pass the Echo torch to Jarrod and Jamie instead of selling out to the highest bidder. Join us for this inspiring episode that celebrates not only the art of fly fishing but also the lasting friendships it creates…”
To listen to this podcast, click on the following link – Wet Fly Swing Podcast Episode 483
About Echo Flyfishing
ECHO represents a tight-knit community of passionate fly-fishing enthusiasts based in Vancouver, Washington. Founded by the visionary Tim Rajeff, ECHO embodies his larger-than-life personality and serves as both a creative outlet and a commitment to advancing the industry. Currently, Rajeff Sports serves as the global distributor for ECHO Fly Rods and Air-Lock Strike Indicators, dedicated to delivering top-notch products and exceptional customer service to fellow fly-fishing aficionados.
As the founder of Rajeff Sports, Tim Rajeff maintains a schedule that’s busier than your typical individual. When at the office, he dedicates his time to designing innovative fly lines and rods, overseeing managerial responsibilities, and assisting with customer service. However, when he’s not at his desk, you’re likely to find him seeking any excuse to cast a line, whether it’s in nearby waters or in far-flung destinations.
Tim’s profound expertise in fly rod design and performance traces back to his early years spent at the Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club in San Francisco, where he emerged as a talented competitive caster. His achievements include securing a gold medal in single-handed distance casting at the World Casting Games and clinching the national overall fly accuracy and distance championship. Tim embarked on his journey in rod design as early as 1980, pioneering the use of graphite fly rods in competitive casting.
After a youth filled with fishing and casting in California and Oregon, Tim’s fishing career took a significant turn when he joined the Fenwick Fly Fishing School in Montana in 1973. In 1985, he ventured northward to Alaska, where he started guiding. His adventures eventually led him to establish the first fishing camps on Russia’s Kola Peninsula, a remarkable 60 miles above the Arctic Circle. He spent six years managing these remote camps before returning to the United States in 1994. Upon his homecoming, he began a tenure at a premier domestic rod manufacturer, where he assumed roles as the head of the engineering department and the Fly Brand Manager. For nearly two decades, until 2001, he immersed himself in the intricate world of fly rod design and manufacturing, honing his expertise in the field.
Meet the Team at Echo Flyfishing – Tim Rajeff
Co-Founder and Chief Rod Artisan
At Rajeff Sports, Tim wears multiple hats, serving as the creative force behind our diverse range of offerings. He’s not just the mastermind behind our fly rods, reels, and lines, but he’s also the craftsman responsible for building our workspaces, including our desks and pallet racks. Tim’s journey into the world of fly-fishing and rod design began in earnest as he grew up a mere half-mile from the renowned Golden Gate Casting Club in San Francisco. It was there that he developed a profound fascination with casting techniques at a tender age.
Eleven years ago, Tim’s life took an unexpected turn when he had a fateful slip in the shower, resulting in a sharp blow to the head. In the wake of this incident, he experienced a moment of clarity, prompting him to embark on the journey of establishing a rod company. It’s often said that sometimes all it takes is a significant jolt to the head to set one’s thoughts and priorities straight.
Jarrod Black
Co-Owner and Head of National Sales
Joining Rajeff Sports in its inaugural days in June 2001, Jarrod witnessed the ringing of the phones on that momentous first day, prompting a moment of contemplation: “What now!?” A seasoned veteran in the industry, Jarrod initially entered the fishing world to satisfy his insatiable appetite for gear. Little did he foresee that taking on significant responsibilities would also mean sacrificing some of his precious fishing time.
When Jarrod isn’t steering the ship in sales at Rajeff Sports, you’ll likely find him on the Kalama River, expertly maneuvering for Steelhead, or exploring the diverse terrain of the Pacific Northwest through activities like hiking, biking, and skiing, often in the company of his lovely wife.
Jamie Hixon
Co-Owner and Head of Inventory Management and Product Development
My journey with Rajeff Sports commenced in 2005, and since then, I’ve taken on the critical role of overseeing Inventory Control and collaborating closely with Tim on the development of new products, affectionately referred to as “Tim Control.” When I’m not fully immersed in the operations at Rajeff Sports, you’ll often find me casting lines in the nearby waters around my residence or enjoying quality time with my family at our cherished lakeside retreat, our second home.
Where to get your Echo Fly Rods in South Africa
Western Cape
Gauteng
Mias Angling & Scuba – 011 804 4102
KwaZulu Natal
To access additional information, kindly click on the following link.
