I recently spoke with Pete Crommett of Cheeky Fly Fishing, and had the opportunity to ask him some questions. I based the questions off being a total stranger of the company, someone that had never heard or seen anything regarding Cheeky. The overall experience was great, and I am more than happy to share this interview with you all. For more information on their lineup, check out Cheeky Fly Fishing, and follow them on Facebook/Twitter.
When was Cheeky founded?
Boston, 2009.
Who are the founders of Cheeky?
Max Key, Peter Crommett, Ted Upton and Scott Caras.
Max Key, Peter Crommett, Ted Upton and Scott Caras.
What led to the start of Cheeky?
The idea of breaking the mold. We wanted to see a change in fly fishing that promoted the fun, adrenaline pumping, thrill-seeking side of the sport and aspired to help lead that change. Our goal was to develop high-quality fly reels and apparel designed to emphasize style and performance rather than tradition.
The idea of breaking the mold. We wanted to see a change in fly fishing that promoted the fun, adrenaline pumping, thrill-seeking side of the sport and aspired to help lead that change. Our goal was to develop high-quality fly reels and apparel designed to emphasize style and performance rather than tradition.
What was the idea behind the name Cheeky? Was it a collaborative effort or a single person’s idea?
Collaborative. Cheeky is a word that not only describes our company vision but how we want people to feel when they’re using our products on the water: confident, bold and fearless.
Collaborative. Cheeky is a word that not only describes our company vision but how we want people to feel when they’re using our products on the water: confident, bold and fearless.
What do you think makes you different from all of the other fly reel companies?
The list is long. From design, color and industry leading specifications to our dedication to conservation and unparalleled customer service, our goal is to push the sport forward at every level. Just last week, a guy called to thank us for sending his Mojo 425 so quickly (he was hopping on a plane the next day) and we ended up talking about salmon flies for over an hour. We always make time to talk fishing.
The list is long. From design, color and industry leading specifications to our dedication to conservation and unparalleled customer service, our goal is to push the sport forward at every level. Just last week, a guy called to thank us for sending his Mojo 425 so quickly (he was hopping on a plane the next day) and we ended up talking about salmon flies for over an hour. We always make time to talk fishing.
From what we see around the social networks, it seems like the company has kicked off to a great start. Did you predict it would grow this quickly?
I don’t think any of us expected this. A priority of ours from the beginning was to stay connected to our customers, followers and industry colleagues. We wanted to support the fly fishermen and women pushing the limits of the sport through social media. Every morning I wake up to an inbox full of fishing stories, pictures and news from our followers. It makes my day.
I don’t think any of us expected this. A priority of ours from the beginning was to stay connected to our customers, followers and industry colleagues. We wanted to support the fly fishermen and women pushing the limits of the sport through social media. Every morning I wake up to an inbox full of fishing stories, pictures and news from our followers. It makes my day.
How long did it take to produce the very first Cheeky fly reel, from the brainstorming stage to hot off the press? What did it feel like to produce your first reel? It was a big rush wasn’t it?
Oh man, it took us awhile and there is no doubt that it was a huge rush! The process of tweaking and testing our designs took nearly two years, and during this time, we incorporated many different components, cuts and designs and also conducted extensive field and lab testing. Finally we came to what you see today. There is no doubt that the adrenaline was pumping during the assembly of the first finished reel.
Oh man, it took us awhile and there is no doubt that it was a huge rush! The process of tweaking and testing our designs took nearly two years, and during this time, we incorporated many different components, cuts and designs and also conducted extensive field and lab testing. Finally we came to what you see today. There is no doubt that the adrenaline was pumping during the assembly of the first finished reel.
What was the thought process behind using carbon fiber in the sealed disk drag system?
After testing various materials and combinations, we found that carbon fiber produced the most reliable and consistent drag. Especially under heavy drag settings, we found the startup inertia, heat dissipation, durability and stopping power were the best with the materials we incorporated.
After testing various materials and combinations, we found that carbon fiber produced the most reliable and consistent drag. Especially under heavy drag settings, we found the startup inertia, heat dissipation, durability and stopping power were the best with the materials we incorporated.
What other products might you introduce that are not already available?
We are constantly looking at new products to compliment the reels. Currently, we are working to further develop our line of outdoor technical gear and apparel and are excited about a few other fishing accessories. That’s about all I can say…
We are constantly looking at new products to compliment the reels. Currently, we are working to further develop our line of outdoor technical gear and apparel and are excited about a few other fishing accessories. That’s about all I can say…
What was the first fish caught on a cheeky fly reel?
The first fish caught on a Cheeky prototype was a 14” Landlocked Salmon on the Magalloway River in western Maine. The reels have come a long way since then.
The first fish caught on a Cheeky prototype was a 14” Landlocked Salmon on the Magalloway River in western Maine. The reels have come a long way since then.
How does Cheeky define a “progressive” fly angler?
Progressive fly fishermen are those who are pushing the limits of the sport to new levels. That could mean chasing new species in your backyard, traveling the world pursuing the next record, creating new and exciting films or anything else that will help define Fly Fishing over the next decade. Cheeky is there to meet the needs of these individuals, those who demand more from their equipment and apparel than ever before.
Progressive fly fishermen are those who are pushing the limits of the sport to new levels. That could mean chasing new species in your backyard, traveling the world pursuing the next record, creating new and exciting films or anything else that will help define Fly Fishing over the next decade. Cheeky is there to meet the needs of these individuals, those who demand more from their equipment and apparel than ever before.
What is Cheeky’s stance on conservation? Does Cheeky belong to any conservation programs?
Since day one Cheeky has taken an active role in conservation. Cheeky is a member of 1% for the Planet and also raises money throughout the year for organizations like Stripers Forever, the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and Casting For Recovery.
Since day one Cheeky has taken an active role in conservation. Cheeky is a member of 1% for the Planet and also raises money throughout the year for organizations like Stripers Forever, the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and Casting For Recovery.
It may be too soon, but are there any plans for future reels, after your current lineup has been released?
Right now we are continuing to focus our efforts on the current lineup of reels. We want Cheeky to become synonymous with the highest performing reels on the market, and believe the best way to do that is to pour all our energy in to our primary line. If you’re looking for new products, though, keep an eye on our Swag page. We plan to expand our line in 2012.
Right now we are continuing to focus our efforts on the current lineup of reels. We want Cheeky to become synonymous with the highest performing reels on the market, and believe the best way to do that is to pour all our energy in to our primary line. If you’re looking for new products, though, keep an eye on our Swag page. We plan to expand our line in 2012.
What will be the next reel to debut and when? Color combination? Species? Weight?
The next reel to debut will be the Thrash 475. For now, the color combination remains a secret, but think bright and bold. The Thrash 475 is well suited for 10 to 12 weight lines and species such as Permit and Tarpon.
The next reel to debut will be the Thrash 475. For now, the color combination remains a secret, but think bright and bold. The Thrash 475 is well suited for 10 to 12 weight lines and species such as Permit and Tarpon.
Since the launch of Cheeky, what was one of the most exciting outings on the water?
That’s a tough one. We’ve had some pretty incredible opportunities to fish all over the country since starting the business. Some of the highlights include hitting the Hendrickson hatch perfectly on the Delaware River, winter browns on the Green and a couple incredible days of blitzing stripers off the New England Coast. The biggest adventure so far was the five-week trip we did from Maine to the Florida Keys with our prototype reels in the fall of 2010. We put the reels in over 40 guides’ hands for feedback and had the opportunity to do some awesome fishing—fall stripers off Manhattan, tailing Charleston redfish, 100+ pound tarpon in the Gulf and permit in the keys. It was definitely a trip of a lifetime!
That’s a tough one. We’ve had some pretty incredible opportunities to fish all over the country since starting the business. Some of the highlights include hitting the Hendrickson hatch perfectly on the Delaware River, winter browns on the Green and a couple incredible days of blitzing stripers off the New England Coast. The biggest adventure so far was the five-week trip we did from Maine to the Florida Keys with our prototype reels in the fall of 2010. We put the reels in over 40 guides’ hands for feedback and had the opportunity to do some awesome fishing—fall stripers off Manhattan, tailing Charleston redfish, 100+ pound tarpon in the Gulf and permit in the keys. It was definitely a trip of a lifetime!
Where has this company taken you? What has been your favorite fishing locale?
The coolest places we’ve visited are the areas where life is all about fishing … a drift boat or skiff in every driveway and a fly fishing section in the town’s general store that rivals an Orvis. Carrabelle, FL is one of these places – the hurricane’s that regularly hit this part of the Gulf keep all but the hardest core fishermen away – but the pristine flats off the coast are like a dream to anyone chucking a fly in search of reds, bones, or tarpon. It was really a cool experience to spend a couple days in the community.
The coolest places we’ve visited are the areas where life is all about fishing … a drift boat or skiff in every driveway and a fly fishing section in the town’s general store that rivals an Orvis. Carrabelle, FL is one of these places – the hurricane’s that regularly hit this part of the Gulf keep all but the hardest core fishermen away – but the pristine flats off the coast are like a dream to anyone chucking a fly in search of reds, bones, or tarpon. It was really a cool experience to spend a couple days in the community.
Any future plans to participate in any fly fishing shows?
We love to do shows and events—not only are they great for our business, but they also give us a chance to enjoy the awesome company of others who have a passion for the sport. This year we’ll be participating in a handful of events including The Salty Fly Tournament in Apollo Beach, which was one of last year’s highlights, the Derby out on Martha’s Vineyard and the IFTD show in Reno. We’re also looking forward to continuing to work with some of the charities we’ve developed strong relationships with including Casting for Recovery, Stripers Forever and the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust.
We love to do shows and events—not only are they great for our business, but they also give us a chance to enjoy the awesome company of others who have a passion for the sport. This year we’ll be participating in a handful of events including The Salty Fly Tournament in Apollo Beach, which was one of last year’s highlights, the Derby out on Martha’s Vineyard and the IFTD show in Reno. We’re also looking forward to continuing to work with some of the charities we’ve developed strong relationships with including Casting for Recovery, Stripers Forever and the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust.
In closing, as far as customer service goes, what level of service can a customer expect from Cheeky?
As an independent manufacturer, we’re able to focus more time and effort on our customers. Cheeky is fully committed to providing superior service and always excited to hear from fly fishermen and women. We’re all ears. Cheeky is dedicated to incorporating feedback into our product design to ensure we are delivering products that meet the demands of our customers.
As an independent manufacturer, we’re able to focus more time and effort on our customers. Cheeky is fully committed to providing superior service and always excited to hear from fly fishermen and women. We’re all ears. Cheeky is dedicated to incorporating feedback into our product design to ensure we are delivering products that meet the demands of our customers.
Boom...Morgan
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