Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Yeti Rambler Bottles are HERE!

That's right.....in stock now!



Like the rest of their Rambler series, the Yeti Rambler Bottles features a No Sweat™ design to keep condensation from collecting. Its 18/8 stainless steel construction stands up to even the toughest of conditions and you’ll find the leakproof, insulated TripleHaul™ cap protects your truck cab or day pack from any unnecessary spills. Unlike narrow-mouthed drink bottles that are a hassle to fill or rinse, the Rambler Bottle features Over-the-Nose™ technology for easy loading, drinking, and cleaning. And it’s BPA-free.


In other words, the Rambler Bottle is the only insulated container for cold (or hot) beverages that’s built for the wild.

*  18/8 Stainless Steel- made with durable kitchen grade 18/8 stainless steel
*  Double Wall Vacuum Insulation- keeps your drink as cold as science allows 
*  No Sweat Design- keeps your fingers dry and un-frostbit and....you won't need a coaster
*  "Over-the-Nose" technology for easy loading, drinking and cleaning
*  BPA Free


Yeti Rambler Bottle 18 ounce


The 18 oz Rambler™ Bottle from Yeti is a next-level insulated bottle. The perfect addition to your rough commutes, day hikes, or kayak sessions, this Rambler Bottle has the power to keep your water chilled or coffee hot until the last sip. Perfect size for vests or sling packs!



Yeti Rambler Bottle 36 ounce



Yeti has brought the legendary insulating power of their Rambler™ Tumblers into bottle form. The 36 oz Rambler Bottle is the perfect addition to your blind, ranch, or boat, with enough power to keep your water cold until the very last drop.



Yeti Rambler Bottle 64 ounce


The whopping 64 oz Rambler™ Bottle from Yeti takes insulation to the next level, complete with a double-wall vacuum to keep drinks hot or cold for hours. Perfect for remote campsites and rough worksites alike. 




Mad River Outfitters
Your source for Yeti Products



And remember:


Shop our competition! Find a better deal.....we'll meet or beat it. We take their "coupons" also!





Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Fishing Reports- 3/29/16


* Please remember to call us for more up-to-date or detailed information! These reports are not meant to be your one and only, daily source of information. They are typically general, even seasonal type reports and we currently don't have a set schedule as to when we update. Please, just because we don't update as often as we like, it doesn't mean that we don't care.

There are many different approaches you should take in order to get a good game plan for a trip or a day of fishing. Also remember that things change and these reports are what we know at the time of posting only. Keep in mind that we do express opinions and personal preferences from time-to-time which may be different from yours or what you may read elsewhere. Thanks for checking and don't forget to call us if you need any further information or a more up-to-date report. 614-451-0363

***THANKS for all of the reports and pics this week friends. Although we can't use or reference all, they are appreciated. Keep them coming!***


Mad River

4/1/16 Weekend Update- The river did blow out pretty good with the rains. The very upper reaches may fish tomorrow and will probably be looking good on Sunday. The lower river will probably still be a bit high for most tomorrow and will come into great "streamer shape" on Sunday. 

We did have more reports of Hendricksons on Wednesday but they were sporadic. There were fish feeding though. The rain Weds night and yesterday put the brakes on for a few but we may be back at it over the next few days. We'll check in early next week and post some reports and pics from the weekend.

3/29/16- The Mad is in good shape and continues to fish well. We have been getting report after report of good catches. Mostly nymphs and streamers the past few days but will again be looking for dries as the weather warms. 

As you saw in our last report, we did see confirmed Hendricksons a week ago today. A few other folks spottted them mid to lower river as well. Problem is, with the weather and temps fluctuating, they will be sporadic. Seems as if another cold front is coming through with some rain and that will probably slow them up yet again. They love warmth and sunshine and typically won't hatch in this cooler weather. We'll keep an eye out for sure and let us know if you see anything.

In the meantime, here's some reports from friends over the past few days:

"Got out on the mad for the first time this morning. Drove 6 hours round trip to fish for two hours. Managed to get one before leaving, and moved another. Took a "mikes meal ticket".

Water looked good despite the apparent spike in flow, although I'm not sure what it normally looks like. Nice green tint and about two feet of vis I would say. Fished down from county line. Only made it a couple hundred yards down though. My first time down there and my first time chucking streamers, unfortunately I was a little preoccupied to really be able to fish hard.

Can't wait to get back down there. I know there are some big fish hunting that water.


Thought you might wanna pic for the report."- Trey Keyes



Trey Keyes- Mad River Excursion

"The streamer bite was very good from 6:00 to 8:30 PM last Tuesday. I landed a number of smaller fish along with 1- 18” and a large male 23-24”.  A white wooly bugger did the trick . Enclosed photo of the big one, could not get him to pose a good shot with my fly rod for scale."- Bill Rice




Frequent contributor Bill Rice had a great day last Tuesday!


Clearfork River



4/1/16 Weekend Update- The Clearfork blew out pretty good with the rains. Both stretches a bit too high to fish today. The upper might come into good streamer shape tomorrow and be looking pretty good on Sunday. Hard to say with the lower. We'll keep our eyes on it and try to update if they drop the lower. In the meantime, if you get out there, send us reports and pics. Should be some hogs caught on streamers as the water drops.

3/29/16- The Upper Clearfork is a bit high but perfect streamer water. Should shape up nicely over the next few days depending on how much precip we get Thurs/Fri. This piece of water continues to impress and the reports and pics we are getting are nothing short of fantastic. As much as the Mad gets the "press" for giant browns, the Upper Clearfork is the real sleeper. Nymph fishing has been good to excellent also with green caddis larva and hendrickson type nymphs in a size 14 or 16. Bead head pheasant tails or Trophy Nymphs have been working extremely well also. No great reports of bugs on the surface other than some midges and sporadic Blue Winged Olives #18-20. The water is still a bit high and cool for dry fly fishing but you never know....we will be there very soon.

The lower is a bit high today but chances are pretty good that they will bring it down to very fishable for the weekend. If you are adventurous and a good wader, you could get down there and throw monster streamers and see what happens. We are due for a hog to come from this water!

Here's a report from last Wednesday from our friend and customer Eric Roth:

"First light on the Upper Clearfork Wednesday morning. Barely enough light to get a picture but my largest Ohio Brown Trout yet!"


Eric Roth from the Upper Clearfork....on a streamer of course!



Clear Creek


4/1/16 Weekend Update- The Creek didn't budge that much. Pretty much the same report as below and it should be a good to great weekend of fishing. Be on the lookout for bugs and let us know what you see. Take a pic and send it! BTW- we are still offering MRO Hats and MRO stickers to those that send reports and pics from the Clear Creek. Be sure to include your address so we can send.

3/29/16- Clear Creek did come up pretty good with the rain on Sunday/Monday but is dropping nicely. Today and tomorrow could be good to great streamer water and then Thursday and into the weekend we should be back to normal Spring flows. Watch the weather though.

As you saw and read in our last report, there has been pretty good surface activity and some bugs hatching. Not confirmed but sounds like a few anglers experienced some Hendricksons, which is to be expected and should get better as we warm up a bit. Red Quills and BWOs have been catching fish with a good drift.

We have also been getting some nicer fish swinging soft hackles, which is always a good bet on any water but works especially well on Clear Creek. If green doesn't work, try an orange or yellow.

Thanks again for the pics and reports.....let's keep them coming. Still gonna be sending out hats and the new MRO/Ohio Stickers so be sure to include your phone number and address with the pic/report. We'll get them out to you.



Erie Steelhead

4/1/16 Weekend Update- 

The Vermilion is up and muddy. Gonna be a few days here but hopefully we can get out there early next week. This creek should be on fire here for a few weeks if not more.

The Rocky and Chagrin are both up and will probably be Sunday before we wet lines there again. The Chagrin is dropping a little quicker and MIGHT fish tomorrow afternoon? For sure it will be a swinging game with big bright flies until they both clear. Then back to eggs and nymphs. Most anglers have been reporting eggs working best.

The Grand is out for a bit but the tribs have been fishing well all week. We have even had folks on tribs to the tribs and found fish. Hopefully, we can get back on the Grand mid to late next week. 

The Ashtabula and Conneaut are looking good. If you are heading out now...these are the streams to hit the next few days.

If you get out there, let us know how you do. Submitted pictures that make it here get a new MRO/Ohio sticker. Be sure to include your address and send to admin@madriveroutfitters.com.

We'll keep our eyes and ears out and check in early next week. Have a great weekend.


3/29/16- The streams did bump up pretty well on Sunday night and Monday. Pretty much everything blown out today so the guides have had to move onto some tribs to find water. Probably going to be Thursday before we start to see the main stems back in fishable shape but we'll see. Check the gauges and feel free to give us a call but we have been telling folks that Thursday looks better than tomorrow.

The V is coming down and may be fishable level tomorrow, but will surely be muddy. Have some big and flashy flies and try swingin'. She should be full of fish. Let's hope the weekend shapes up.

The Rocky and Chagrin may fish later in the day tomorrow and will surely come into play on Thursday. Let's hope that we don't get another shot of rain and the weekend looks good. Try larger and brighter flies the next few days and then move into smaller eggs and nymphs as the water drops. Pink and Cheese colored eggs have been hot tickets throughout the region.

The Grand is out for a bit but many folks have been on the tribs the past few days. There are plenty of fish around but they seem to have been in the creeks for a while. Most of the fresher and larger fish seem to be in the main river but that could change at any time. We'll keep an eye on the big river and let you know when it comes back in.

The Conneaut is out for a few days. It's pretty high and muddy. We'll keep our eyes on it and hopefully Thursday and Friday things will start to shape up. Reports from the weekend on the Connie were either extremely good or extremely bad. Seems that the fish were condensed into certain areas and others were void of fish. This push of water should spread things out again at least for a few days and should have also brought a big push of fresh fish in as well. The Ashtabula should come into play late tomorrow and look pretty great on Friday.



Kevin Parsons, above, booked a guide trip with us a few weeks ago and told us that he would be happy just to catch 1 fish. Well, guide Josh McQueen accomplished that task pretty quickly and then moved into EXCEEDING his expectations. Kevin called up last night and paid for another day today saying that he had too much fun to limit it to one day. Here he is from earlier today. 

We'll get a weekend report up to let you know what we know and in the meantime, if you get out, let us know how you are doing!


Brandon Pecora sent us this photo from the Oswego River in New York. A beautiful fish caught on a Glow Roe 10mm bead.



Mad River Outfitters
Fly Shop, Guides, Schools and more!

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

Friday, March 25, 2016

Simms Right Angle Footbed


Step up and feel the difference!



SIMMS RIGHT ANGLE FOOTBED OFFERS UNMATCHED SUPPORT FROM THE GROUND UP.

Whether perched on a poling platform scanning the flats for bonefish, or flipping and pitching for trophy bass, if you spend a lot of time on boats, you spend a lot of time on your feet. Anglers who rise early to catch the bite of first light and remain on the water to reap the rewards of dusk have all but come to accept foot, leg and back pain as a necessary evil. With Simms’ new Right Angle Footbed, the best support is now much more than just a soft foundation, it’s a platform specifically designed and engineered to allow you to fish longer, and harder without fatigue. Here, Simms Footwear Product Line Manager and Developer, Vince Garofalo goes in depth on Simms RAF and the importance of maintaining a biomechanically correct stance.


Simms: Back in July of 2015, the award winning men’s and women’s Currents Shoe, the Westshore Shoe and the Women’s Clearwater Sandal were introduced. Aside from grippy outsoles and tons style, all of these shoes boast a critical and innovative component — the Right Angle Footbed (RAF). What is the general idea behind this techy insole?
Garofalo: The RAF was designed to put your foot and therefore, the rest of your body into the correct angle — the right angle. If I was going to give a definition of RAF, I would say, it’s a specifically engineered, biomechanically correct arch support.



Simms: What exactly do you mean when you say, biomechanically correct?
Garofalo: When I say biomechancially correct, I’m referring to a biomechanically correct stance, which occurs when your foot, your ankle and your knee are straight. This allows an even distribution of weight across your entire foot platform, giving your whole body proper support from the ground up.

Simms: As a heady footwear guy, why is the correct support so important?
Garofalo: Like I say, it’s support from the ground up. What’s going on with your feet effects your whole body. Your feet are the foundation of your entire skeletal system. So it only makes sense, if your feet are not positioned in a neutral stance, neither is the rest of your body. The main goal of the RAF was to create a platform that allows anglers to fish longer and harder.

Simms: Given your background, what are the “symptoms” of not having a good arch support?
Garofalo: Most of the population pronates, which means their arches collapse inward. This causes the knees to buckle inward and sends pressure to the outside of the hips which in turn puts pressure on the lower back on up to the shoulders and even the neck. As far as symptoms go, I’d say it’s primarily fatigue. What generally happens is, if you’re healthy, you just kind of deal with it or become use to it. If you’ve never had proper support, you don’t know any different. Your feet get tired and then your legs get tired because your body is being driven by only a small portion of your muscles. The arch of your foot is the body’s natural shock absorber, when it has the correct support, or when your foot is “neutralized” you are then able to use your entire quad, all of your hamstring and your whole calf muscle and so on.

Simms: Is the RAF something people will notice right away?
Garofalo: When you first slip into a shoe with a RAF, you’ll notice a pronounced bubble under your arch and will likely feel a little pressure on the rear side on the inside part of the arch support. You’ll also notice subtle pressure on the lateral part of the foot.

Simms: What is the key advantage to a RAF?
Garofalo: A RAF stabilizes your foot. Again, it’s putting your foot into a biomechanically correct neutral foot positioning.

Simms: Does the footbed eventually take the shape of your foot or is it pretty rigid?
Garofalo: Absolutely. RAFs will eventually mold to your foot shape. Your body weight will naturally break down the arch and the entire footbed will conform to your foot shape with a good arch shape which in turn permits a customized feel.

Simms: Would you say it’s safe to say most anglers over look the importance of good support in most shoes?
Garofalo: I think so. Most shoes are not a performance driven piece of equipment — all of the Simms shoes that incorporate RAFs are. Being able to put your foot into a neutral position, or, biomechanically correct stance, you’re going to be able to stand longer, more comfortably, with less fatigue on your back and your legs which again will enable you to fish longer and harder and that was the whole idea from the very beginning of designing and developing the RAF.








Reposted from the Simms Blog and Community Specialist John Frazier



Mad River Outfitters
Fly Shop, Guides, Schools and more!

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Fishing Reports- 3/23/16


* Please remember to call us for more up-to-date or detailed information! These reports are not meant to be your one and only, daily source of information. They are typically general, even seasonal type reports and we currently don't have a set schedule as to when we update. Please, just because we don't update as often as we like, it doesn't mean that we don't care.

There are many different approaches you should take in order to get a good game plan for a trip or a day of fishing. Also remember that things change and these reports are what we know at the time of posting only. Keep in mind that we do express opinions and personal preferences from time-to-time which may be different from yours or what you may read elsewhere. Thanks for checking and don't forget to call us if you need any further information or a more up-to-date report. 614-451-0363

***THANKS for all of the reports and pics this week friends. Although we can't use or reference all, they are appreciated. Keep them coming!***


Mad River

3-25-16- Weekend update- The rain last night did bring the river up a bit but it should be looking perfect for the weekend. For those looking to throw streamers, the lower river should be in fantastic shape for this....especially tomorrow. With the front and the chill in the air we probably won't see bugs for a few days but sounds like Sunday will be a sparkler so maybe a chance. Otherwise, we'll be back on "Henny Watch" 1st of the week.

***Thanks again for all of the pics and reports friends. We'll do our best to get them up here and on Social next week. Great to see the sense of community this Blog is creating!!!!

3-23-16- BREAKING NEWS! Hendricksons on the water yesterday!!! 

Good numbers of bugs spotted yesterday around 3:00 p.m. and fish were responding in a big way. Quite a few folks reported good to excellent dry fly activity for a few hours. No reports of spinner falls yet, but it's already time to be thinking of evening fishing. Although it's hard to say what will happen with the cooler temps and precip expected the next few days, it's safe to say that Spring is here....and it's early. (It's been many years since we have seen Hendricksons in March).

The upper river is in perfect shape for dries and nymphs and the lower river still has enough flows for larger nymphs and streamers. We are expecting a front to move through tomorrow with quite a bit of precip so we'll see what happens over the next few days. May put the kabosh on the bugs for a few days at least. We'll try to update on Friday for the weekend but for sure...word of the day....Hennies.

Shop rat and guide Ryan Ratliff was out on the Mad yesterday with young Jack Tjarden and his father and wrote up this little blurb:



Happy Jack on a guide trip with Ryan!

Eigth grader Jack Tjarden made the most of his Spring Break this week by giving his skills a little boost on the Mad.  It was a cold windy start, but Jack soon had his mending, roll casting and even the single-hand spey stuff perfected by the time the midges were coming off thick.  After seeing a few fish rising to midges we pulled out the Tenkara rod and Jack fell in love with the simplicity and ease of casting.  As the day was starting to come to an end we found some more consistent rising fish.  At closer inspection there was a good Hendrickson hatch starting.  Jack was quickly introduced to the selectivity of the Mad's inhabitants!  Combine selectivity, complex current seems and 30mph winds things got pretty challenging...well down right frustrating!  After watching many beautiful takes only to find too much slack in the line or a gust blew some line into the brush Jack finally had a fish to hand!  His dad had to drag him off the water or he would have stayed there all week...  Great time out with a young man who has a love for the outdoors and is a natural at the spey style casting!  It is good to see our next generation with a love for fly fishing!- Ryan 

Also got this note from Arthur Wolf:



"Thanks guys for all your help. Pulled this brown out of the Mad River on Friday. It's my 2nd trout on a fly!!"


Clearfork River



3-25-16- Weekend Update- The Upper did come up enough to give us that streamer water we were looking for. Get out there!!! They did raise the lower a bit as well so it should fish well. Keep your eyes on the gage though as they might open her up a bit more tonight or tomorrow. Regardless, looks like a great weekend of fishing ahead. Keep your eyes out for bugs!!! Should be some BWO types and Hennies popping soon.

Thanks again for all of the pics and reports friends. We'll do our best to get them up here and on Social next week. Great to see the sense of community this Blog is creating!!!!

3-23-16- The upper Clearfork is looking pretty good as we speak, maybe getting a touch on the low side. The lower is...well....pretty low. We could use this rain that looks like is going to hit tomorrow and into Friday. The lower stretch especially needs a bump.

Once again though the upper has been producing some fantastic fishing. Those willing to chuck big streamers have been rewarded big. Once again, Josh Snyder sent us these photos from Sunday:



"Got out on the UCF this morning to toss some meat.  Fish were eager to chase!  They wanted it as fast as I could jerk-strip it.  Number of decent fish to the bank, including these two!" - Josh Snyder

No word on any bugs yet...and probably not going to happen this weekend, but with Hennies popping on the Mad the past few days they can't be far behind on the Clearfork. Keep and eye out for Caddis as well and surely arm yourself with some caddis larva patterns. They will be key food along with the #12-16 mayfly nymphs.

Let us know if you get out!


Clear Creek


3-25-16- Weekend Update- The Creek is in good shape....just enough bump in flows that you might consider throwing some streamers. We did have some good to great reports the past few days and seems that the season is starting off great down there. We did get some hats and stickers out to those that have contributed and we'll get the rest out 1st of the week.

***Thanks again for all of the pics and reports friends. We'll do our best to get them up here and on Social next week. Great to see the sense of community this Blog is creating!!!!

3-23-16- Clear Creek is looking good right now and fishing has been surprisingly decent. We'll see what the rains the next few days do for the weekend but we are hopeful we can get out.

The big story here is our friends Elliot Cantwell and Justin Shiflett.

Last week we challenged folks to get out on Clear Creek and send us some reports/pics. Well....Elliot and Justin did! We'll let them take over here:


"Saw your report on clear creek and thought I would send you a report. Fished the last three days with good results, numerous fish per day with a few bigger than average. Nymphed consistently and caught most fish on a 16 grey hare's ear, bed head hare's ear, or dark grey scud pattern. Fish were in deeper holes half the time but picked up the fish above ( one of the nicest) in a thigh high run. Black caddis coming of sporadically Monday but no rising fish. Thanks for being an awesome shop, ordered from you guys a couple times. Hard to find in Ohio"



And yet another report from today:

"Today resulted much of the same as last week, some bwo coming off and a few winter stonefly but no rising fish. The drop and water temps seemed to slow things back down. Grey hares ear and scud patterns took most fish. Here's some pics, will be out tmrw let you know if anything changes"- Elliot Cantwell

And from Justin:



"Since my bracket was busted, I decided to go try my luck for the first time at Clear Creek. Threw some streamers around looking for larger fish, but no luck. Caught plenty of the smaller guys on smaller streamers and nymphs. Decided to snap a few photos to share because, well, who doesn't love a free hat? Thanks for pushing me to try a new spot."- Justin Shiflett


Thanks Elliot and Justin for taking us up on the challenge and delivering. Free hats and new MRO/Ohio stickers are on the way to you guys. We really appreciate the participation and support.



Erie Steelhead

3-25-16- Weekend Update- 

The V did shoot up overnight but has crested and will probably fish well tomorrow and for sure on Sunday. It will be a little dirty but probably good swinging water. This water should have brought some really nice fish in. We look for the V to be hot here for a few weeks.

The Rocky and Chagrin are pretty high and off color but should be fishable for the weekend. They have both been fishing pretty well this week and should continue and maybe even get better.

The Grand did come up to where it might not be the best choice for a few days. We'll have to see what happens overnight and get some eyes on it. As soon as it does start to drop to safe levels....get out there.....she's packed with large, fresh fish. This weekend though if the main stem is too much, try the tribs.

The Ashtabula and Conneaut didn't get much. The Ash is a bit low but may still be worth trying. The Conneaut has been good but it's pretty clear. As the weekend rolls on it may get tougher as the water drops. For sure lighter tippets and more subdued colors are on the menu. Could have used a push of water but we'll see what we hear over the weekend.

****Thanks again for all of the pics and reports friends. We'll do our best to get them up here and on Social next week. Great to see the sense of community this Blog is creating!!!!

3-23-16- As we speak right now, we have several guides out on the water today having "Epic" days...to say the least. For those of you that follow us on Facespace or Google or Twittergram etc. you know what we mean. 

Here's just a taste of the day that Stephen Was had today:



Hopefully we can get Stephen to write something up about his legendary experience with MRO guide Josh McQueen today.

As you can see, Ohio Steelhead fishing is absolutely on fire. It seems that the past few days things have just lit up...and lit up chrome....even despite the mostly low and clear creeks. We are finding large numbers of large fish in the streams. Some drop backs but plenty of fresh fish as well.

The problem is, the waters are mostly getting pretty low and we are hoping for the rains tomorrow and Friday to freshen things up a bit. Depending on how much rain we get, the weekend and 1st of the week could again provide Epic fishing.

Most fish have been caught on small nymphs and egg patterns. The more subdued colors have been working better than the bright stuff...especially in clearer water. Black Stones, Prince Nymphs, Pheasant Tails and the like have been good and we have had to go to 3X and even 4X tippet to get takes. That should change with a bit of rain here. If all goes well, we should be back to swinging some big and bright stuff for at least a few days.

The Vermilion has really turned on and is getting pretty clear. A bit of rain will do this creek wonders and it should fish well moving forward. The Chagrin and Rocky are getting a little low. Don't get us wrong, you can still go catch some fish, but this rain will help alot. Conneaut is on the low side and super clear, but folks have been doing very well but reports of the fish being a bit spooky. A bit of rain and it will turn on again big time! The Ashtabula is just too low right now and not really conducive to fishing until we get some more water.

The big news is that the Grand has come fishable in the past few days. It has been the hot ticket as you would expect. We really haven't been on the main stem at all this spring but we know that the feeders have been full of fish. Hopefully this rain won't completely shut it down for weeks again and we can get right back out there. Fishing the Grand River in the Spring is such a treat!

We'll keep a close watch on the rain coming in and try to get a report up for the weekend. In the meantime, we'll hope to get a story out of Stephen Was about his day today.


Mad River Outfitters
Fly Shop, Guides, Schools and more!

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Howler Brothers- Spring 2016


Spring 2016 Howler Brothers

From the Bros

We are Howler Brothers. We are not really related by blood. But we are bonded by many shared callings: Surfing, fishing, paddling and the good things that come with these pursuits. Things like fire pits, really good tequila, limes, and pre-dawn coffee.

Above all we’re united by a belief in doing things the honest and pure way (which is not usually the easy way). We design and craft all our garments, and everything we make, with these passions and values in mind. Put our products to the test. Heed the call.

Their Story

Howler founders Chase Heard and Andy Stepanian spent their adolescent summers haunting the waters and fish of Florida and Virginia and riding the ripples those states call waves. Both Heard and Stepanian now live in Texas where they raise families, work hard, make music together, chase fish with fly rods and make runs to the nearest coast or river when the opportunity arises.

Their vision for Howler – and the name Howler Brothers – was inspired by a sound they each heard on surf trips to Costa Rica: the call of the loudest animal in North America, the Howler Monkey. If you’ve heard it, you know how loud and startling the sound can be. But, after hearing it a few times, the sound becomes a part of the collective feeling of being in Central America and serves as a constant reminder that you’re in a good place, doing something you love.

With this emotional connection as a base line, Heard and Stepanian formed Howler Brothers to craft limited run, high quality clothing and goods that draw inspiration from the style and tradition of surfing and coastal sports. They set out to make gear that works in the water, on the boat, and around the fire pit when the stories are told. Clothes you might wear when you’re hearing Howler Monkeys from your hut after a day well spent. Or clothes to wear when you’re wishing you were.

Their Products

Howler Brothers clothing designs honor the soul, passion and timeless style of sports such as surfing and fly fishing but update historic garment ideas with modern influence from waves, water, geography, fashion and art. Every garment and accessory is crafted with functionality and attention to detail at the forefront. We avoid trendy or overly traditional ideas and use small batch production and collaborations with artists and craftsmen to create original, alternative offerings. Our base of operations, Austin, Texas, is miles from the nearest ocean but provides daily inspiration with its vibrant and diverse creative culture.


Howler Brothers Spring 2016 Highlights:


* Gaucho Snapshirts in Hibiscus and Crabs- the now iconic shirts are available in two new fresh embroideries for Spring 2016







* Loggerhead Shirts- A technical shirt with plenty of sun protection and "fishy features" that doesn't make you look like a cloned zombie.








* Horizon Hybrid Shorts- the iconic shorts that made Howler Brothers famous. Enough structure to pull off parties and runs to the grocery store but are always ready for an unplanned swim, boat ride or even a fumbled beverage.









* H Bar B Snapshirt- Down there in Austin, Texas, where the Howler Brothers reign from, the western snapshirt is standard fare. But, you certainly don’t have to roam the ATX to rock our H Bar B Snapshirt. Has become one of our best selling short sleeve shirts of all-time.









* Ranchero Polo- Voted as "Shop Favorite" shirt for Spring 2016!!!! Cool up front.....fiesta in the back. This is one polo that is going to turn heads.










* Pescador Shirt- season after season.....the un-disputed KING of fishing shirts. Howler Brothers set out to make the perfect all around fishing shirt; one that works on the boat and in your waders but doesn’t make you look like a giant tropical fruit that got into a knife fight when you go get a beer on dry land......and they did it in spades! Be sure to check out the video link on the website!!!









* Howler Hats- have become the best selling hats that we carry in the shop. These sell out season to season so if you see one you like......wail on it like a Howler Monkey.






Mad River Outfitters
Proud Dealer for the Howler Brothers

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363