Orvis Helps Kids Get Their Feet Wet in Fly Fishing
The 2004 Rod and Reel Swap—
Boy and Girl Scout troops nationwide to receive hundreds of rods and reels

MANCHESTER, Vermont (May 17, 2004) - The annual Orvis Fly Rod and Reel Swap
will run from June 1 through July 15, 2004. Customers can trade in usable
rods and reels from any company for a discount on a new Orvis rod or reel
this summer.

The old rods and reels are recycled to the next generation of anglers -
Orvis will split all tackle between local Boy and Girl Scout troops across
the country.

Participants in the 2004 Orvis Fly Rod and Reel Swap will receive a 25%
discount off a new Orvis fly rod or reel. With the exception of this
promotion, Orvis rods are seldom discounted unless they are discontinued, so
this event is a rare opportunity to update, renew, and contribute to the
next generation of anglers.

Any old fly rod or reel that is functional can be swapped for a new rod or
reel, from a six-year-old Orvis HLS to a 1960s Shakespeare Wonderrod
fiberglass. The 25% discount may be used on any T3, TLS, or Superfine fly
rod, and on the Battenkill Large Arbor reel. Still at the pinnacle of
fly-rod technology in its third season, the Orvis T3 is the lightest,
strongest, and most graceful fly rod available. The TLS has the best
value-to-performance ratio out there, and the newly revamped Superfines are
the perfect choice for small streams. The Battenkill Large Arbor reel is the
best oxymoron you could own - a lightweight tank.

Fly rods and fly reels can be swapped at Orvis company-owned stores,
participating Orvis independently owned dealers, or over the phone. If
conducting your transaction over the phone, simply call 1-800-333-1550 to
order your new fly rod or reel and mention you want to do the Rod and Reel
Swap. When you get your new fly rod or reel at the great rod swap price, you
can send back your old one in the same packaging.

Those living near one of Orvis' 28 retail stores or a participating Orvis
dealer may swap their rod at the store by bringing old tackle along with you
when you make your purchase. Each retail store will distribute donated rods
and reels among local scouting troops.

In 2003, Orvis donated hundreds of usable rods to an array of organizations
for young or chronically ill anglers, including scouting groups, Boys and
Girls Club of America, Paul Newman's Hole-in-the-Wall Gang, and Big Brothers
Big Sisters. The letters and photographs received in return made us feel it
necessary to bring back the traditional Orvis Rod Swap for 2004.

Please call 1-800-333-1550 or visit www.orvis.com/rodswap for more
information on Orvis fly rod and reel models.

PR CONTACT: ABBY WARD
Tel: 802-362-8525 Fax: 802-362-0141
warda@orvis.com
The Orvis Company, Inc.
PO Box 798 Manchester, VT 05254
www.orvis.com