Maine Outdoors Bids Farewell to the Orvis Endorsed Program

We've made a significant decision here at Maine Outdoors, and we want to share it with you. After careful consideration, we've decided to part ways with the Orvis Endorsed Program. In this blog post, I'll explain why we've made the choice to take the stickers from the boat, truck, website and brochures.

For those of you who may not be familiar with the Orvis Endorsed Program, it's a prestigious program that recognizes exceptional fly-fishing and outdoor experiences across the United States. For the last decade, Maine Outdoors proudly held an Orvis endorsement, but times change, and so do priorities. We expected that the endorsement would help with marketing and at times it did but never to expected levels. The commitment in terms of time, featured equipment and money is significant.  I asked several of you this summer if the endorsement made a difference in your decision to fish with me. To a person each was shocked to learn that I paid for the endorsement. All assumed that Orvis paid Maine Outdoors to showcase their equipment. I had that one backward to be sure.

Over the years, we've built a reputation for providing unforgettable outdoor adventures in the Midcoast region of Maine. We feel that our unique, personalized approach to guiding is best represented when we operate independently, free from the constraints of any particular endorsement program.

Leaving the Orvis program gives us more flexibility to innovate and adapt to the needs and preferences of our clients. We can focus on what we do best – crafting memorable fishing and outdoor experiences that reflect the true beauty and spirit of Midcoast Maine while providing you equipment that we believe will best serve your needs.

Our deep connection to the Midcoast Maine area and its natural beauty is what sets us apart. We want to focus on sharing the beauty of our region with you, without any external obligations.

While we are no longer part of the Orvis Endorsed Program, we want to assure you that our commitment to quality, sustainability, and conservation remains unwavering. We will continue to provide you with top-notch guide services and experiences that prioritize the well-being of the environment.

We appreciate the support of our clients. Our decision to leave the Orvis Endorsed Program was not taken lightly, but it reflects our dedication to providing you with the best possible outdoor adventures in the area.

Thank you all for being a part of our now 38 year long journey, and we look forward to continuing to share the beauty and fishing opportunities of this incredible region with all of you. If you have any questions or concerns about this decision, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Your feedback is invaluable as we move forward.

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Comments

Don, I appreciated your blog post. Thank you for sharing. I respect your decision, and I think that you have a very strong brand as Maine Outdoors! I wish you all the best. Having fished with you, I know you provide a great experience!

Don, My husband and I had a wonderful trip with you on our 2022 trip to Maine. You were wonderful, and your commitment to quality and your amazing knowledge and expertise will be unchanged. You did introduce me to the Orvis “brand” and as a result we used another Orvis guide for a fly fishing trip in North Carolina. They definitely should have been paying you!! You were great advertisement for them :) God speed.

Don your super power is your inclusiveness and your joyful, positive approach to the outdoors. It's said that people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. You care about the land, the waterways and, most of all, the people. Lorraine and I will always be grateful for the way you included our autistic son in his earlier and more challenging years. And....you are an outstanding fishing guide. We won't fish with anyone else. I also assumed Orvis was paying you....if they were smart they would. See you next year....

Scott,

I really enjoy fishing with you and your sons. Looking forward to seeing you all again next summer.

Don

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