Hi, I’m Philip Boland, and I’m glad you stopped by hafunfishing.com. I grew up near the coast of Maine, where weekend fishing trips with my father and older brother shaped much of my early life. After finishing school, I went to the University of Vermont and earned a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, with a focus on aquatic ecosystems. I then spent about six years working for a mid-sized outdoor gear retailer in Portland, Maine, where I learned everything from sourcing rods and reels to advising customers on gear that really works in challenging conditions.
Somewhere along the line I realised that people were hungry for honest, practical gear reviews—not just pretty photos and marketing speak, but “does it hold up when it rains”, “how easy is it to carry in a kayak”, “how do I know the warranty is worth it”. In 2025 I decided to turn this into something more serious, and liftoff of this blog happened.
My Journey to HafunFishing.com
The domain hafunfishing.com originally had roots in a long-standing fishing-equipment and fishing-tips site. I liked the name’s ring and connection to the world of angling—and I felt it offered a fresh slate and familiar context to build on. While I’m not carrying over previous content or business identities, the spirit remains: gear, honest advice, real-world use. I relocated from Maine to the beautiful Pacific Northwest—north of Seattle—so I’m within range of lakes, rivers, salt water and mountains. That variety keeps me busy and gives me real testing grounds.
In this new chapter, I’ve set this blog up to serve affiliates (including Amazon) in a transparent way: I honestly test and review equipment, share how I used it out in the field, what’s great and what’s not. Starting in spring 2025, I’ve committed to publishing detailed reviews, buyer-guides, “what I learned” posts, and updates when gear gets real-world wear and tear.
Why I Do This
I believe your time and money deserve respect. Fishing gear (and other outdoor equipment) isn’t cheap—and between hype and marketing, it’s easy to end up with something that looks great on a shelf but disappoints when you’re out on the water, battling wind, rain or early morning chill. My goal is to save you that frustration. When I review something, you’ll hear the story of using it—packing it on a riverbank at dawn, tugging fish in the surf, or stowing it in the trunk after a long weekend—so you’ll know whether it might work for your situation.
I also want this site to feel personal. You’ll see me write about gear I’ve chosen, altered, patched, returned or kept. I’ll mention when a manufacturer surprised me (good or bad), when out-of-box quality matters, and when after a season of use I still reach for the same piece. Real world, not just showroom.
What to Expect Here
On hafunfishing.com you’ll find: honest product reviews of fishing rods, reels, tackle, outdoor apparel and accessories; buyer-guides tailored around how you will actually use the gear (boat, kayak, shore-casting, fly, salt-water, fresh-water); real-life field testing and follow-ups after months of wear; and practical tips (“what to inspect when you buy”, “how to maintain gear so it lasts”, “what trade-offs are worth your budget”).
Whenever you click an Amazon link through this site, know that I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases—but that never influences whether or how I review a product. My reputation and your trust matter more than any affiliate check.
A Little Bit More About Me
When I’m not testing gear, you’ll probably find me hiking with our dog, Maya, in the Cascades; exploring a quiet trout stream; or cooking a good seafood dinner (grilled salmon from a local catch). I try to balance outdoor time with time at home where I live with my partner in a small lakeside house (yes—I’m very lucky). That vantage gives me easy access to test both freshwater and saltwater gear, from river riffles to ocean surf.
Thank you for being here—whether you’re a seasoned angler chasing the next trophy, or just someone picking up a rod for the first time. My goal is simple: help you get gear that works for you, and enjoy the journey along the way.
Author Profile
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Philip Boland is the creator and writer behind hafunfishing.com, an Amazon Affiliate review blog dedicated to fishing gear and outdoor essentials. Born and raised on the coast of Maine, he developed a lifelong connection to the water and a deep respect for the craft of angling. After earning his degree in Environmental Science, Philip spent several years working with an outdoor equipment retailer, where he learned the ins and outs of quality fishing gear and customer needs in real-world conditions.
In 2025, he launched hafunfishing.com to share honest, field-tested reviews, buying tips, and firsthand experiences with products that actually perform. Now based in the Pacific Northwest, Philip spends most of his weekends testing new rods, reels, and accessories on local lakes and rivers. His writing blends passion with practicality, helping readers make informed choices that enhance their time on the water.
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