From Vail to Victory: Jack Arnot’s Fly Fishing Journey
Jack Arnot, a 2019 graduate of Vail Christian High School, has transformed his passion for fly fishing into a successful career marked by significant accomplishments and entrepreneurial ventures. Born in Vail, Colorado, and raised in Eagle, Jack was surrounded by some of the best trout waters in the world, which fostered his early love for the sport. He began fly fishing at age 13 and quickly immersed himself in the competitive scene, guided by experienced mentors at his first Team USA Youth Clinic in North Carolina.
Jack's competitive career took off quickly. By 2016, he was a National Champion, and he participated in two World Fly Fishing Championships in Spain and Colorado, all while he was attending high school as a full-time student at Vail Christian High School. After completing his freshman year at Colorado State University, where he graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor's degree in Business specializing in Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism.
Jack made the Men's World Fly Fishing Team in 2021. His achievements include winning gold and silver team medals for Team USA Youth Team and securing a bronze medal at the 2024 World Championship in France as part of the Team USA Adult Fly Fishing Team.
In addition to his competitive success, Jack's professional life is equally impressive. He recently started a new sales position with Thunderbird Solar, collaborating with a fellow U.S. fly fishing team member, producing and marketing solar water well pumping systems. Jack also runs his own business, New Age Fly Fishing, and co-owns Invisi-Labs, a company dedicated to developing innovative recreational and commercial fishing products. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident even during his high school years, when he and fellow VCHS alumnus Tom Boyne patented a clear materials fly fishing hook.
Jack’s guiding career began in the summer of 2018, where he found joy in introducing people to fly fishing. This experience highlighted the sport's ability to bring people together, and he continues to share his knowledge as a part-time instructor for the Youth USA Fly Fishing Team.
Jack is also dedicated to preserving freshwater resources for future generations, ensuring that others can experience the same exceptional waters he has enjoyed.
Reflecting on his time at Vail Christian High School, Jack fondly remembers Mr. Dan Mysnyk as a respected teacher, one who didn’t allow any “monkey-business” and is thankful for the discipline he gained as a result of his teaching. His overall experiences in high school helped him feel very prepared when he started his college career.
Also at VCHS, he appreciates the friendships and mentorships he developed. He advises current students to find a passion and pursue it relentlessly, sharing his own story of creating a profitable fly-fishing website during high school. As a memorable graduation gift, Ms. Mindy Larson, the VCHS principal at the time, gave Jack a pair of lucky fishing socks, which he humorously notes are the only pair he never loses and still bring him good luck.
Jack has his sights set on competing on the US Fly Fishing Team at the 2026 World Flyfishing championships that will take place in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Good Luck Jack and the US FF Team!!
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