About Sportsmen’s Connection

Your Local Fishing & Outdoor Resource in Kent, CT

Who we are

Our Story

Sportsmen’s Connection has been a trusted name in fishing tackle, outdoor gear, and local guide services for more than two decades. What started as one angler’s passion for the outdoors has grown into a full-service tackle and gear shop serving anglers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts from across Northwest Connecticut and beyond.

Why choose us?

Whether you’re chasing trout on the Housatonic, hiking the Appalachian Trail, or stocking up for your next adventure, our goal is simple: to help you make the most of your time outdoors.

20+ Years Of Experience

To provide you with the best experience

Angler, Guide & Owner

Meet Ethan Raskind

Ethan Raskind

My name is Ethan Raskind and before I moved to Connecticut, I lived in Colorado for 16 years. During that time, I fished all over the region and guided in the Vail Valley for 5 years.

I have been living and guiding in the Northwest corner of Connecticut for over 20 years. In addition to guiding, I have a 1,600 sq. ft. brick & mortar store loaded with fishing tackle and outdoor gear at friendly prices.

We offer fly fishing and conventional fishing products, great service, and expert, honest advice. We also have live bait and a wide variety of camping and outdoor gear!

Sportsmen’s Connection is located at 15 N. Main Street, Kent, CT, 06757

Come check us out!

Our Mission & Values

At Sportsmen’s Connection, we believe in providing honest advice, fair prices, and local expertise you can trust.

Our mission is to help anglers and outdoor enthusiasts make the most of their time on the water and in the woods — whether they’re beginners learning to cast or seasoned anglers chasing trophy trout.

We pride ourselves on:

Experience

Sharing decades of experience on the Housatonic
River

Tackle

Offering the largest selection of fishing tackle in Litchfield County

Live Bait

Supplying live
bait and gear
for
every season

Knowledge

Delivering friendly, knowledgeable customer
service

Community

Supporting the local outdoor community and visiting travelers alike

Rip lips

Rip Lips Fishing: Our Partner Brand

Sportsmen’s Connection is also home to Rip Lips Fishing, our in-house brand of premium fly tying beads and fishing accessories. Trusted by anglers nationwide, Rip Lips products are known for their precision, durability, and brilliant finishes.

You can explore our full product lineup online at RipLipsFishing.com.

Local Expertise — Guiding on the Housatonic River With over 20 years of guiding experience, Ethan and his team know every pool, bend, and run of the Housatonic River. Whether you’re fly fishing for trout, spinning for bass, or just looking to improve your casting, our guide service is built around providing a safe, educational, and memorable experience on the water.

Visit RipLipsFishing.com

Check out our premium products

Book a Guided Trip

We’re proud to serve anglers and outdoor adventurers from:

Kent, CT

Our flagship store and guide headquarters

Cornwall, CT

Access to upper Housatonic River drift sections

New Milford, CT

Gateway for lake and river anglers in southern Litchfield County

Testimonials from Happy Customers

Ethan and his team are the real deal. Friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about fishing — everything you want in a local tackle shop.

Best shop in the area for live bait and honest advice. Ethan even helped me plan my first wading trip on the Housatonic. Highly recommend!

Visit Us or Call Today!

Ready to gear up, plan a guided trip, or just stop by for local fishing advice? Visit our shop or give us a call today!

Visit us in downtown Kent

15 N. Main Street, Kent, CT 06757

Call Us at (860) 592-0130

Email:

sportsmensconnection@yahoo.com