Fly Fishing

jeremy · Location: Portland, Maine

Fly fishing shops. What are the characteristics of a "good" vs. a "bad" fly fishing shop? Do you have a "home" fly fishing shop or just go anywhere? What about when traveling, what do you look for in a fly shop? Any tips or lessons learned from either good and/or bad experiences with fly shops? How about online fly shops vs. physical fly shops? Why buy, let's say, a fly rod from 1 fly shop online over another fly shop online? What about the "Giant" fishing retailers such as cabelas, gander mountain etc.. who have integrated fly shops?

joey · Location: Colorado

They fly shop I hang at out here (and work for part time) is probably the coolest in my area. It is not huge but they carry a good variety of equipment. All the guys are chill and make you feel very welcome. They have a fly tying area where I'll go to tie some up and have a beer with the shop dog. I have found that most Orvis endorsed shops are well run and carry plenty of equipment. So if I see one in an area that I am travelling to Ill stop in a check it out. Otherwise location is key when I am on the road.

greg · Posted: Sun 01/27/08 9:44 pm Post subject: Fly Shops

I try and find good shops in which I can get in and out of when on the road. Most of my gear is a popular brand and I will usually see if there is a dealer of the same Brand name around, if not I know what I need and thats what I go in to get. On the road your at the mercy of what is available. My home shop is where I try and get every thing I need before I go on trips. I like a shop where people know me and what I like. I like seeing the same people for my equipment as it is more comfortable than talking to strangers who really see you once or twice and don't care particularly if yu return or not. I do like and exspect friendly and curtious help and will not return to a shop that is otherwise, I can get what ever I need overnited to from my home shop if necessary.

Austin · Posted: Sun 01/27/08 9:45 pm Post subject:

I think for me fly fishing shops with quality people running it is the main reason why i come back for more. Often times a good fly shop will have employees that will give out fishing tips and locations for the area that the fly shop specializes in. I tend to not go back to fly shops with people who are not very personable and don't really care about good hospitality. Even though these "good fly shops" may have higher prices, i still go back! i like making purchases with people i trust!

Hunter · Posted: Mon 01/28/08 10:15 am Post subject:

I choose shops mostly by tying gear and proximity. I'm not really a gear whore and am mostly getting away from plastic and going bamboo. I only buy waders every couple of years (in fact, I've been fishing through two seasons with a pair that somewhat leaks, necessitating a tube of sealant in the truck at all times). That leaves tying gear for purchases and I spend a lot more on tying gear in a typical year than on all my other fishing related purchases (minus gas). Destination flyshops generally don't interest me as they don't carry much I'll need (maybe tippet, etc...). Different shops cater to different kinds of anglers. Some have a terrific selection of dry fly hackle. Some saltwater stuff. Some just have the little stuff you inevitably need. And I generally like to look at materials to make sure I'm getting what I want- ruling out online shops.

So what makes the difference in choosing which shop to drive to? The faces behind the counter. There are those you want to stop at and those you don't.

Capt.Ahab · Location: Lincoln Maine

I tend to lean toward the shops that stay current. Shops that are open to suggestions for new products that they should consider carrying are key. And like Hunter, I find myself purchasing tying gear much more often than fishing gear...however, I can say I am definitely a gear-head. I love different rods, reels, vests...etc. I find the design, features, durability...all the aspects of gear interesting. I think my dream job would be as a product field tester.

But more importantly the company that makes the gear has it's reputation riding solely on their product, so companies can make it or break it by their product quality or lack thereof. I think fly shops are a lot the same. I can relate to a shop owner with a critical eye for their products being carried. I have great appreciation for experiential knowledge, so the "I heard" stuff can take a hike. So, as much as a vague statement this is...I like shops that carry quality products. What defines a quality product is entirely in the eye of the consumer of course. I suppose I can hold a very aesthetic view point on that definition at times and a very practical view as well....wow this is harder than I thought it would be.