Shawn Combs got started as fly fisher in Kentucky, got a degree in mechanical engineering, and started with Orvis in 2011. He was the designer of all of Orvis’s very successful Helios rods, and was most recently responsible for the development of all of Orvis tackle including waders, reels, boots, and packs. After 15 successful years at Orvis, Combs announced was leaving Vermont to take on a new role as vice president of Scott. We had the chance to sit down with Shawn in the Montrose, Colorado, Scott Fly Rods factory to find out what inspired the move, how he feels about his former employer and co-workers, how he will collaborate with Scott President Jim Bartschji, and what the future holds for fly rod design. You won’t want to miss this inside look at two of the biggest brands in fly fishing.