- Date published
How Co-Angler’s Regional Focus and Community Support Are Fueling Big Wins
Springfield entrepreneur John Bledsoe has been steadily reeling in major milestones with Co-Angler, his platform that helps anglers connect for real-world fishing trips. And as the company grows, Bledsoe has doubled down on a regional strategy rooted in the Ozarks, where passionate anglers and supportive entrepreneurial resources are helping Co-Angler thrive.
Backed by guidance from efactory, the Missouri SBDC at MSU and other business support resources, Bledsoe is expanding the platform, earning national recognition, and continuing to build a tool that strengthens community, supports mental health, and makes fishing more accessible for everyone.
Co-Angler now has nearly 1,700 users, 500 trips planned through the platform, and more than 100 successful fishing meetups. It’s proof that anglers are eager to get out on the water and connect.
Anchored in the Ozarks
Bledsoe has seen several major wins recently, including a surprise endorsement from one of fishing’s biggest legends: Bill Dance.
“Getting an official endorsement from Bill Dance, someone with millions of fans and over 50 years in the fishing industry, was huge,” Bledsoe said. “And he did it all out of the kindness of his heart.”
Another transformative milestone came when Co-Angler received national recognition from the Richard King Mellon Foundation. Earlier this year, Co-Angler was awarded third place in the foundation’s Social Impact Award competition, earning a $315,000 investment for its conservation mission and improving mental health and well-being through outdoor recreation.
That funding allowed Bledsoe to hire a full-time developer, a Codefi Code Labs graduate names Tyler Fenton who previously interned with Co-Angler. With added development power, Co-Angler is rapidly expanding features that help anglers connect more easily, track catches, favorite spots, and more.
Fishing, Friendship, and Mental Health
While Co-Angler is a tech platform, its purpose is distinctly human.
At the heart of the app is a simple idea: technology can help people reconnect offline.
“In a world where we have more ways to connect than ever, people are more isolated than they’ve ever been,” Bledsoe said. “Fishing brings people together. It’s outdoors, it’s peaceful, and it’s a shared experience.”
With 60 million Americans participating in recreational fishing each year, Co-Angler taps into a massive community who already know the mental health benefits of being outdoors. However, many lack opportunities to share those moments with others.
Co-Angler bridges that gap.
Building Momentum and a Sustainable Model
With new funding and new users, Bledsoe is expanding Co-Angler’s visibility through Ozarks-based marketing efforts, including social media content, local advertising, and video shoots with professional anglers on Table Rock Lake.
The company is also preparing to roll out a subscription model early next year. Co-Anglers who want to join trips will be able to subscribe for $5/month or $45/year, while boaters can continue to host trips for free. Additional revenue channels, such as advertising and a future gear marketplace, are also bubbling to the surface.
The ultimate goal? Keep fishing affordable and accessible for everyone.
“There’s tremendous value in being able to spend a day on the water without breaking your budget,” Bledsoe said. “We want to reduce the barriers to outdoor recreation.”
Supported from the Start
While Bledsoe is not an efactory member, he has been deeply engaged with the Missouri SBDC at MSU, meeting regularly with Sandra Smart to help guide Co-Angler’s growth.
“The SBDC team has been part of this journey from day one – especially Sandra,” Bledsoe shared. “As a solo founder, having a sounding board — experienced professionals who can help navigate tech and commercialization — has been invaluable.”
From mentorship to networking events, Bledsoe has tapped into many of the no-cost support options every step of the way.
“It’s a tremendous resource,” he said. “Having access to this community has made a huge difference.”