Sam Cornthwaite...
Growing up in both Alaska and Montana, Sam Cornthwaite has always been surrounded by fish. He began his fishing career at 1 in his dad's kiddy-pack, and started fishing for herring, dolly varden, and trout at the age of 4. At eight he learned how to fly fish for pink salmon and trout, and has fished for every species of salmon.

In 2001, his family moved to Clyde Park, Montana, just north of the Yellowstone River. In 2004, he started Shields River Rods with a dream to create classic fly rods of all mediums, and sell them at affordable prices.