Jim Murphy, fly fishing industry legend, passes at 73

By Ross Purnell, Publisher Fly Fisherman

Jim Murphy, a fly-fishing raconteur and entrepreneur, passed away January 21 in Stuart, Florida at age 73. He started businesses, sold businesses, was a consultant and was an employee of some of the top brands in the fly-fishing industry.

In 1992, Murphy and David Redington (who passed 2024 in Stuart at 61) started the company Redington which sold rods to consumers and did some assembly and production for Orvis. Jay Green, who owned Sage fly rods at the time, bought Redington in 2003 and in 2005 bought RIO Products to create what is now known as Far Bank Enterprises. Murphy stayed on with the new company for a short time as a consultant.

Murphy later went on to help found Albright Rods and Douglas Outdoors. For most of his 37-year career in the fly-fishing industry, he worked for Hardy as President of Hardy North America, and later as director of fly fishing at Pure Fishing. In that role he worked with brands Hardy, Greys, Van Stahl, and others.

According to a Pure Fishing press release: “Jim led with calm strength and set a high bar for how to represent a legacy brand. He protected the Hardy name and carried its history with dignity and respect. He taught fly fishing to anglers around the world and was a pillar of the fly-fishing community and a leader and mentor to many. Jim believed in the power of craft and detail. He valued gear that felt right in the hand and on the water. He made time for conversations in fly shops, in waders, and on stages. He cared about the sport and the people who shaped it."

Chief Product and Brand Officer Jon Schlosser made this statement: "Jim carried the Hardy legacy with pride and care. He understood what made the brand special and made sure others understood it too. He knew the sport, the craft, and the community at a deep level. We will miss his voice, his steady presence, and his friendship. Our thoughts are with his family and with the many people in fly fishing who will feel this loss."

Jim is survived by his wife Tess Murphy and four sons: Colin Murphy, Giles Muphy, Owen Murphy, Alex Murphy. Services will be held at The Flagler in downtown Stuart, Florida, on Feb 28th.

---