The Story

The founders of Rise Fishing Co are a combination of hard working fishing guides and experienced fly casting instructors who had a vision to create fly rods that are “user friendly” for the majority of fly fishermen allowing both skilled and novice anglers to pick up any of our rods and feel comfortable casting them. Having the background of working with many different types of fly fishermen gives Rise Fishing Co. the advantage in understanding what most people need in a fly rod. We all know that there is no one perfect rod for all fishing conditions, but we feel that our first series of rods is versatile enough to excel in almost any fishing environment.

Steve Bechard is the President and Co-Founder of Rise Fishing Co. Growing up in Upstate NY, Steve spent his free time fishing for trout in the Adirondacks and Catskills, chasing Great Lakes salmon and steelhead, and stalking carp on the flats of the Finger Lakes. He now calls the waters of Eastern Long Island home and spends his time on the water chasing stripers, bluefish and false albacore. 
Steve is a guide, casting instructor, and accomplished angler having competed in the Fly Fishing Masters and ESPN’s Great Outdoor Games. 

• 2003, 2004, 2006 Fly Fishing Masters
• 2004 ESPN’s Great Outdoor Games
• 2009 Montauk Redbone Tournament Grand Champion
• 2010 Manhattan Cup “Most Bass Released”

Koby Fulks was born in Southern California but raised in the mountains of Colorado and the beaches of Hawaii.  Koby always had a passion for the outdoors starting at a young age. Camping, fishing, hiking, and hunting throughout his life. Koby grew up in military life and is a former US Marine.  He turned his knowledge of the outdoors into a profession by making products and has been in the outdoor industry for 22 years.  With his background in products and marketing, Koby was featured on the Under Armour Ridge Reaper hunting TV show on the outdoor channel.  Living the life of an outdoorsman everywhere he traveled. He recently traded his corporate life in for the life of making fly rods and joining Steve Bechard in Rise Fishing co.  He brought a western hunters perspective to Steve’s Rise Fishing co and East coast saltwater brand.   Koby has a passion for western US trout species and spends most of his time figuring out how to get back to the mountains.  Steve and Koby’s backgrounds bring a well-rounded knowledge and experience in making fly rods.