086: From Fly Fishing Guiding in New Zealand to Starting an Outdoor Gear Brand with Matt Butler

Aotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast · May 2, 2024 · 32m

Matt Butler says he was born with an innate desire to fish, although his family wasn't outdoorsy. He started fishing in local Waikato rivers at age twelve and it took Matt three years to catch his first fish. After moving to Wanaka to pursue his passion for fly-fishing, he decided to spend his 20s doing what he loved. Matt would spend a few months each year as a fly fishing guide, then travel around the world and fish for the rest of the year. In 2020, that season of life came to an abrupt halt and Matt pivoted into starting an outdoor brand, KEA Outdoors, launching off a kickstarter…