about fish insider
Travis Loyd
Publisher
Travis’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for fishing make him a natural as the principal and publisher of Fish Insider. He builds personal connections and finds an outlet for competition through his love of the sport while simultaneously benefiting partners with a business acumen that’s second to none.
Joel Vandekrol
VP + Chief Creative Officer
Joel Vandekrol is a dedicated creator with a profound passion for fishing. Married and a father of three, Joel seamlessly blends his family life with his love for the outdoors. His commitment to excellence and meticulous attention to detail are evident in everything he does. Whether he’s out on the water or behind the lens, Joel captures moments that resonate with authenticity and evoke a true sense of the fishing experience. His work not only showcases the beauty of the sport but also inspires others to appreciate and engage with the natural world.
Art Nubaryan
VP of Business Development
From luxury cars to high-end fishing hooks, Art has established himself as a top salesperson advisor in the world of business. His passion for fishing started when he was just a child, eventually leading to tackle manufacturing and now to sales and consulting. As much as he loves catching fish, his real passion is helping fishing brands catch customers.
David A Brown
Senior Writer
A lifetime angler with adventures ranging from Amazon peacock bass to Florida Keys bonefish to giant Canadian pike, David blends creative storytelling with insightful descriptions to convey the sport’s essence and provide the details anglers need to make their own memories. With nearly four decades of writing experience, David delivers compelling content across multiple media platforms, including traditional magazine and digital features, tournament coverage, video scripts, marketing communications, specialty publications, and creative projects. He’s also a book author, photographer, foodie, and proud dog grandpa.
Matt Cook
President
Matt’s love for fishing developed into to a successful career of growing leading brands in the fishing industry and a desire to share the sport with others. The fusion of his passion, stewardship, and expertise provide the foundation that leads the team at Fish Insider.
David Schlake
Editor-in-Chief
Hailing from Goochland, Virginia, David grew up on the James River with the Atlantic Coast less than two hours away. While his proximity to prime waters resulted in a passion for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, he also enjoys upland and big-game hunting. He graduated from West Virginia University before making his way to Austin, Texas, where he helped launch and grow Wide Open Spaces into the outdoor industry’s digital leader in hunting and fishing content. His byline has since appeared in many other revered publications, including Field & Stream, Lone Star Outdoor News, Shotgun Life, Field Ethos, and more.
Bill McDonald
Director of Sales
With nearly 40 years of experience in the outdoor industry, Bill McDonald has journeyed from a grassroots fisherman to a touring professional, gaining invaluable insights and expertise along the way. His career has seen him not only excel in fishing but also thrive in promoting and working within the industry. Bill is passionate about building brands and forging long-lasting partnerships that benefit all involved. His dedication to helping others succeed is a testament to his belief that “Fishing Matters.” Whether it’s mentoring newcomers or collaborating with established brands, Bill’s enthusiasm and knowledge make him a pillar in the outdoor community.
Who We Are
We started as readers and evolved into creators—authentic, real people shaping the industry. We are writers, creators, directors, influencers, manufacturers, and cultivators of influence and innovation.
Above all else, we are anglers before anything.
what we do
We are committed to delivering a high-quality product that our partners are proud to represent. Through conscious decision-making, we serve our readers’ interests and influence the industry for the better. As the central hub of information, we are the new force driving communication, crafted from traditional roots to benefit everyone involved.
Our mission
We are here to change perceptions, not merely through words, but through the compelling content and stories shared by and for our readers. As industry insiders, we offer valuable insights and genuine perspectives. We are real people with real experience, committed to disrupting industry norms and breaking away from bad habits.
Our style
We craft content that resonates—dynamic, precise, and enveloped in quality. Our expert writers animate every keystroke, presenting each piece on a rich, premium canvas. Anchored in the core values of our culture, we empower the fishing community with messages crafted with intent and care.