Simms- Waders to the Stars

Those industry insiders over at PaleMorningMedia dropped us a line today to let us know that their client, and purveyor of fine waders, Simms Fishing, will be the ones keeping William Hurt dry during filming of the movie adaptation of David James Duncan's, "The River Why"

From the text of their release:

Simms part of the scene as "The River Why" begins filming
BOZEMAN, Mont. - Simms Fishing is going on location - in this case Oregon - as cameras start rolling later this week on "The River Why" - a screenplay adaptation of David James Duncan's celebrated novel.
Simms is providing waders, wading boots, technical fishing shirts and other props to the cast, which includes William Hurt and Amber Heard.

In addition to "The River Why" - being directed by Matt Leutwyler - Simms is part of a related project being shot on the set. A documentary by Miranda Bailey (executive producer of The Squid and the Whale) explores the environmental impacts of the movie industry. Bailey will chronicle how "The River Why" tries to remain true to Duncan's environmental ethic. To assist in this quest, Simms is providing wading boots with non-felt soles, which are designed help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Early indications out of Hollywood say "The River Why" will be in theaters early in 2009.

If we can talk the guys at PaleMorning Media into sending us some behind the set photo's from the filming, we just might achieve our goal of being the TMZ of Fly Fishing Websites.

Simms: Designs to combat invasives

Felt soles are considered by many anglers to be a piece of vital fishing equipment. Anyone who has ever tried to maintain their footing on a mountain stream bed covered in slippery rocks will agree that it is hard to beat felt for traction.

Now scientists are telling us that our soles may be causing problems for the environment in that they can harbor nasties like didymo or whirling disease and aid in their movement from watershed to watershed. Due to the fact that some biologists believe that the felt might be virtually impossible to clean, many areas are moving to ban them.

An recent press release from Simms Fishing Products via Pale Morning Media indicates that they recognize that this could be a turning point in wader and wading shoe design and that they are taking steps to make invasive species control a part of their business:

All of Simms’ waders – made in Simms’ exclusive U.S. manufacturing facility in Bozeman – are extra rugged and are DEET and saltwater resistant, providing exceptional strength and quality through the repeated washings necessary to battle aquatic hitchhikers.

“Many of the county’s outstanding recreational fisheries are under assault from aquatic invaders. Organisms like didymo (or “rock snot”), whirling disease and New Zealand mud snails threaten to alter forever some our most treasured fishing resources,” said K.C. Walsh, president of Simms. “Creating premium quality gear that makes it easier to care for the resources we all enjoy is a responsibility we take seriously.”

CleanStream™ is Simms’ way of melding modern fabrics and design to offer a comfortable, durable boot that is a snap to rinse and clean – and proper cleaning in the first step in stopping the spread of aquatic invaders.

AquaStealth® soles are made from high friction rubber designed to excel in and out of water. The, light sponge-like rubber provides added durability for hiking, and doesn’t absorb and hold water like a traditional felt sole.

Simms is a partner in the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers project sponsored by the U.S Coast Guard and the U.S Fish & Wildlife Service. For more information, log on to www.protectourwaters.net

Simms goes on a diet

One of the big issues I find myself having to deal with when traveling, is the sheer bulk you have to lug around when carrying standard waders and boots. Simms has taken the traveling anglers plight to heart and given their products a float plane (or for the less extreme among you- carry on bag) friendly trim down:

From a recent release from Simms Fishing Products:

SIMMS RIVERSHED™ SERIES SLIMS DOWN FOR THE BACKCOUNTRY AND RAISES THE BAR FOR EXTREME WET WEATHER PROTECTION

Giving anglers an edge in all conditions, Simms’ Gore-Tex PacLite® waders and
jacket are paired with a dynamic synthetic boot

BOZEMAN, MONTANA – (for immediate release) - Designed for a generation of anglers who enjoy extra effort and big payoffs, Simms new Rivershed™ waders, jacket and boots reset the standard for rugged lightweight fishing gear.

Ideal for hiking into high mountain streams, bushwhacking to hidden ponds, and float plane adventures chasing big fish, the Rivershed™ Series is made for hard-chargers who need extreme wet weather performance … but know every ounce counts.

Simms Rivershed™ Waders ($299) are made in the USA with Gore-Tex Performance® Shell fabric. With articulated knees for less bulk and more comfort, 5-layer Gore-Tex® fabric in the front leg panel for increased durability and patented built-in Guide Model gravel guards, Rivershed Waders combine toughness and functionality. They’ll fold up to fit into a backpack and withstand a multi-mile march up a remote stream – all without weighing you down.

Athletic and comfortable, Simms Rivershed™ Wading Boots allow for superior maneuverability while hiking into the backcountry. At the same time, their full synthetic construction allows for easy cleaning and quick drying. Made from durable synthetic leather, the Rivershed boots have rubber coated ballistic nylon mesh panels and a dual-density thermoplastic midsole for durability. A molded toe box with a rubber cap and rubber rand protect the forefoot, while non-corrosive hardware and nylon laces cinch tight for hiking comfort. Available in felt soles ($139) or studded Aquastealth ($189).

Made for the wettest conditions, Simms Rivershed™ Wading Jacket ($279) is Simms’ lightest full-featured shell. Made with Gore-Tex PacLite®, this breathable-waterproof jacket comes with quick-drying microfleece handwarmer pockets, a patented built-in retractor, reinforced forceps tab and adjustable, breathable stretch cuffs: all of which will come in handy when you’re netting and releasing fish all day.

About Simms Fishing Products: Established in 1980, Simms Fishing Products is the recognized leader in guide-quality fishing waders, outerwear, footwear and apparel. If they don’t make it, you don’t need it. Simms’ world-renowned line of waders are manufactured in Bozeman, Montana. Their full line of gear is available at specialty and large format retailers nationwide. For more information on Simms, please visit www.simmsfishing.com.

Pale Morning Media to represent Simms

PR Mogul, Drew Simmons of Pale Morning Media and Wicked Outdoorsy blog fame (where we got the above photo) announces an addition to the long line of companies that they represent for strategic public relations services.

for immediate release ...
Simms Fishing Products, the choice of professional guides,
chooses Pale Morning Media for strategic public relations

BOZEMAN, MONTANA (February 12, 2008) -- Simms Fishing Products (www.simmsfishing.com), the established guide’s choice for gear that embraces the elements in any conditions and any season, will partner with Pale Morning Media for public relations and strategic media support.

Founded in 1980, Simms creates high-performance waders, footwear, protective and insulated outerwear, technical apparel, lifestyle apparel, packs and accessories.

A leader in advocacy and conservation efforts, Simms directly supports numerous national and regional outreach efforts from the Atlantic Salmon Federation to Oregon Trout. They actively promote borderless causes such as the battle against aquatic invasive species and the fight to stop Pebble Mine. And they design a full range of products that enable anglers to better protect the places they love to fish.

“As Simms continues to grow, our vision remains the same: to be a leader both on and off the water,” said K.C. Walsh, president of Simms Fishing Products. “We sought a public relations partner with an acute understanding of the business, a passion for the brand, and a background in the industry. We found that rare combination with Pale Morning Media.”

A national communications firm specializing in the outdoor world, Pale Morning Media will work as Simms’ Agency of Record, combining primary-source public relations efforts with creative web 2.0 strategies to assert the brand’s leadership role.

Pale Morning Media represents numerous clients in the outdoor world including FlyFishing Retailer, the world’s largest fly fishing trade gathering, held annually in Denver, Colo.

“To me, Simms is synonymous with fly fishing. Their remarkable people, their innovative products and their passion for fishing have made them a true market leader,” said Drew Simmons, president of Pale Morning Media. “We’re honored to be working with such a premier brand and excited to help support the company’s ongoing success.”

Simms Fishing Products was started in 1980 by John Simms, a well-known and respected fishing guide and outfitter in Jackson Hole, Wyoming (In the off-season, Simms was a ski patroller, lending his initials to the infamous S&S Couloir). Creative and passionate, John saw an opportunity to enhance the fishing experience by developing apparel and gear that was more comfortable, more durable, and better performing in a full range of fishing conditions.

The company grew consistently through 1993, when it introduced breathable waders in a pioneering effort with W.L. Gore & Associates. Simms’ breathable waders changed the face of fishing, and opened up new possibilities for the sport. That same year, a passionate angler and entrepreneur (K.C. Walsh) acquired Simms and relocated the business to Bozeman, Montana.

Today, Simms remains true to the original vision of the company, with a staff largely comprised of committed anglers who understand the importance of quality, dependable fishing gear.

Simms is the only wader manufacturer in the United States, and one of only three worldwide, that is licensed by W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. to make GORE-TEX® waders. Simms' products are sold nationally and internationally at specialty fly-fishing stores and select large format retail chains.

For more information about Simms Fishing Products, please visit www.simmsfishing.com, or contact Drew Simmons at 802.583.6069 or drew@madriver.com.

# # #


drew simmonspale morning media / public relations & strategic media

5197 main street, number 9

waitsfield, vt 05673