About Us
Our Mission
Superior fishing through improved, sustainably sourced gear and enhanced understanding of the natural world and how to conserve it.
The experiences of a female angler working through the trials of learning to fly fish and those of her partner, an experienced conservation-minded angler, have demonstrated some glaring problems with fishing gear and the fishing industry as a whole. At Fin River Gear we will research, develop, and market innovative, quality products in an affordable range to remedy current gaps in the market. We also aim to combat the abundance of deleterious plastics, gender and other bias, and antiquated ideas that are so prevalent in our industry. Every year we plan to launch at least one new product that has been painstakingly designed and rigorously tested by our team of dedicated anglers to be manufactured and sold on our website along with educational resources and conservation-minded content/action.
WHAT WE DO
Among the most daunting aspects for anglers are knowing what you will need for a successful day on the river and where to find the educational resources necessary to maximize your experience. Fin River Gear aims to capitalize on the recent explosion in popularity experienced by outdoor industries and leverage the growing popularity of conservation ethics by producing functional, affordable gear, sourced from sustainable materials, and removing hurdles faced by all anglers when looking for gear and knowledge.
Our Team
Kaelyn Canner (Founder)
Kaelyn Canner has a bachelor's in psychology that she has leveraged while working in human resources, payroll, and benefits administration technology. The early stages of her fishing addiction demonstrated the absence of accessible, eco-friendly gear, and educational resources with a specific novice and female focus. These hurdles have driven her to create a brand that will focus on filling these gaps in the market.
Leo Canner (CEO)
Leo Canner holds degrees in biology and political science and has spent his professional career working in industries related to experiential marketing with a focus on product development in the start-up space. A lifelong love of the outdoors developed into an obsession with fly fishing that has fueled his drive to incorporate both his professional and scholastic experiences into building a company devoted to creating superior outdoor gear.
Zach Welsh (CMO)
Zachary Welsh has a bachelor’s in marketing and psychology and has spent his professional career in a product focused industry. Zach has experience in channel marketing, regional account management and product development leadership. His love of the outdoors and passion for end-user-focused product development has inspired him to work for a company devoted to improving comfort, quality and performance every day on the river.
Will Hasse (CTO)
Will Hasse graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Leveraging experience in both manufacturing and design roles in industries ranging from commercial fall protection to aerospace, Will has a passion for developing dreams and inspirations into fully realized designs and products. His work with Fin River Gear presents an opportunity to blend state-of-the-art manufacturing technology and cutting-edge biodegradable materials into a product line that is durable, economical and ecologically responsible.