Dealer Showcase: Kismet Outfitters

Q&A with Captain Abbie Schuster; Owner, Guide, Yoga Instructor & Cheeky Ambassador

Cheeky:How did you get into Fly Fishing? 

Abbie: I was born and raised in New England. I grew up fishing these waters, which provided me the opportunity to gain knowledge and passion for this sport. I learned to fish on Martha's Vineyard when I was young and also spent many years fishing the rivers and small creeks of Maine, Connecticut and New Hampshire.

I attended University of Montana, which only fueled my fly fishing addiction, so it was a natural choice for me to become a fly fishing guide. In 2011 after completing Sweetwater Guide School, I started guiding in Montana and since then have not looked back. I have guided in Washington and Alaska and have fished waters abroad. To me there is nothing better than giving the gift of fly fishing to a client. Every trip will be an opportunity to not only catch fish, but expand and grow your knowledge. 

Cheeky: Why did you name your business Kismet? 

Abbie: Fly fishing is something I have done my entire life that is why the word Kismet spoke to me when naming this business. Owning and running an outfitter is my destiny. My passion and where my knowledge lies is fly fishing.

Cheeky: Tell us about Kismet Outfitters

Abbie: It's a guide service and fly shop based on Martha's Vineyard. The shop is in Edgartown, but we trailer boats and fish the whole island. The guide service actually started first, in 2016, and we opened up the fly shop in June of 2020. It's open year round, and you can also shop online (we ship). The fishing season begins in May and ends in October. 

Cheeky: For our folks who want to come fish with you, what do you offer? 

Abbie: We run full and half days, have beach permits, and run trips out of boats as well as Paddle Board fly fishing. We also offer paddle board rentals and paddle board guided trips. My goal is to have every client leave with life long memories, a stronger passion for fly fishing and conservation and a greater understanding about this sport.

Cheeky: How about the shop? We love that you offer both Cheeky Reels and Wingo Outdoors products!

Abbie: We carry everything! Fly reels (like Cheeky's Limitless 425, Launch 400, as well as the PreLoad series for those getting into fly fishing), rods, beach gear, fly tying materials, as well as fishing accessories like the Wingo Neck Gaiters or new Reversible Basecamp Belts. We also host events at the shop, as well as have an Airbnb above for those coming for trips. We always have cold beer in the fridge and a fire going outside! 

Cheeky: What's next for Kismet Outfitters?

Abbie: I want the shop to continue to grow. The goal of opening was to welcome the community to stop by. Whether you've never heard of fly fishing or fished your entire life, stop by and feel welcome and comfortable. I'd love to do more schools, get more people out there learning our fishery, as well as do kids camps to help get the future out there.