Meet a Local Business Owner

The Daggerfish Gear Co.

What makes your products or services unique? What will people get from your business that they won’t get elsewhere?

Daggerfish is a maker of finely-crafted wilderness exploration products. We make gear for fishing, foraging, and feasting in the wild, all designed to help you find calm and confidence outdoors. We use natural, sustainable, and environmentally-friendly components as the primary materials for all of our products, and everything we make has the personal touch of every craftsman involved.

What’s the best way that interested customers can connect with you or find more information?

Visit us on our website at www.daggerfishgear.com, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook @daggerfishgear

What inspires your work?

As a kid, I was lucky enough to grow up in the National Parks. My dad was a park ranger, and so my family lived in some of the last wild places in the country. I grew up spending my summers camping, hiking, canoeing, and fishing with my dad and brother. These experiences taught me how to take care of myself in the wilderness, and I’m exceptionally grateful for them. Learning to be comfortable in the woods gave me a freedom that I’d like to help others find in their lives as well. I started this company to make gear I couldn’t find elsewhere, and to help folks feel calm and confident in the woods (and ultimately, in the rest of their lives). Our functional craft products are made by talented people who love their work, and our craftsmanship is guaranteed for a lifetime. You can trust the products we make to give you the courage to venture into nature, and find that confidence and calm within yourself.

How can people best support you or your community as we recover from the pandemic?

I think the pandemic has shown us what’s important – friends, family, health, nature, and community. It’s also put a strain on a lot of people’s wallets, including both the community of craftsmen here in Pittsburgh, and the customers we serve. I wouldn’t ask someone to purchase my products just because we’re in the same town, but if you’re thinking more consciously about your spending, I’d encourage you to invest in improving quality of life. I make what I make not only to provide a decent living for myself and the craftspeople I employ, but also because I truly believe that using our products makes our customers’ lives better. If you like what we make, please visit our site to place an order, and then get out there and have some fun with it! If you’re not ready to purchase from us yet, I encourage you to get outside and enjoy some nature with your friends – we’ll be here whenever you need us.

Are there any unique events, initiatives, sales, or opportunities at your store or community that people should be aware of?

This summer, we’ve launched our new Combination Kits, which combine our best products at a discount to give you the opportunity to expand your experience of the outdoors. Our Gather & Grill, Catch & Cook, and Fish & Forage kits bundle great gear at up to 25% less than the cost of buying everything separately. Check these out at www.daggerfishgear.com#kits 

Also, now through the end of June, we’re offering a special Limited Release of our Axe-Handle Hickory reels in honor of Father’s Day. These reels are made from one of the strongest and toughest US hardwoods, and have a rugged and classic feel like that of a well-used axe. Check out this special release at https://www.daggerfishgear.com/hickory