Posted: Fri 01/30/09 8:14 am Post subject: The Fly Fishing Economy & The Power of YOU?
Hi,
Anyone can attest that over the course of 6 years, we have NEVER talked about anything outside of fly fishing. Many positive and negative things have occurred over 6 years, and I have always thought that the best thing we can do is NOT get caught up in "The News" of the day .. and stay true to fly fishing. I think it is important to stay that course and we will. However, EVERYONE knows the current state of the global economy, everyone is affected (including me and ALL of my friends who rely on the fly fishing industry for their source of income) - FEAR is rippling through our economy and FEAR is exactly what makes it worse. When WE as consumers are AFRAID to spend, we don't - and THAT makes everything WORSE. So, I am reaching out to YOU as THE CONSUMER to help answer the "MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION" ... Are you going to spend $ this year in the fly fishing market space? Will you buy gear? Will you hire guides? Will you stay at lodges? .. And, YOU (as the consumer) are the KEY to everything. EVERYONE is walking on EGG SHELLS wondering what you are going to do? SO .. rather than sit back and wonder and speculate -- I am going to do something as unprecedented as these HORRIBLE economic times .. I am going to ASK YOU .. straight out - point blank - what are YOU going to do? WE, as individuals, are all "The Consumer" .. I am a consumer and YOU are a consumer .. So what are YOU going to do during these economic times - in regards to Fly Fishing Spending? Let's Keep It SIMPLE and speak to 3 key categories
As A CONSUMER, just like YOU, here is what I will be doing
I will be looking for value and savings and hoping to see some unprecedented deals and offers that have never seen before .. At the same time, I know that every business MUST make a profit to FEED THEIR FAMILY. So, I don't expect to see deals that are ultimately sooo good for me - but terrible for any company - as I know that the smallest fly shop, a solo guide, the biggest manufacturer and the smallest manufacturer ALL HIRE people and EMPLOY themselves and OTHERS. So, I don't want to see a fly rod for sale for $10 bucks or guided trips for $9.99 .. As those kind of prices could not enable anyone to make a living and those kind of prices ultimately don't help me or the seller. I'd like to see some DEALS that possibly COMBINE product or DEALS that are New, in comparison to "The Same Old Same Old" .. In other words .. Maybe a guide aligns himself with a lodge and puts together a PACKAGE that INCLUDES fishing, sleeping and even food! Maybe a manufacturer tosses in a FREE Line with their rod .. or offers DEALS by combining ROD/REEL combos or things like that .. I also know that by ME SPENDING money (even though I have personally felt losses like others and I too am fearful of what the future holds for me and my family) I AM DOING MY LITTTLE PART TO HELP.. .. So, I think in some way the transaction of MONEY between me and a manufacturer has more MEANING than it ever did for both ME and ANY MANUFACTURER .. meaning, I will be personally viewing my purchases as more than just getting a deal or whatever .. I WILL BE view my purchases as something that I EXPECT TO BE APPRECIATED by the vendors I choose .. Meaning, when spring comes and I need to spend 100 bucks on saltwater flies, like I usually do, I WILL BE GIVING THAT BUSINESS to the company that can make me feel as though MY BUSINESS is appreciated .. I am NOT going to be HAPPY to walk into a big place, do that $100 transaction .. and left to feel as though nobody cared about me doing my little part to help their company ... No Way... So, I guess .. for me .. the bottom line is that FLY FISHING is the LAST thing (outside of food for my family, paying my mortgage etc.. that i will not spend money on) .. However, how I spend that money .. with whom I SPEND IT .. and what I expect to get will change .. And ultimately it boils down to PERCEIVED VALUE and APPRECIATION FOR MY BUSINESS. And this will apply to everything .. In other words .. If you are fly fishing guide and a JERK and ya you catch lots of fish and big fish and your rates are $600 bucks per day ... I may have considered paying for your services because of your fishing prowess and tolerated your arrogant attitude ... but RIGHT NOW .. I will be looking for the GUIDES that can, of course, do a good job of trying to put me on fish .. willing to work hard ... willing to work with me on their pricing a little bit and offer special packages or whatever because I simply don't have the budget that I had a few years ago .. and most importantly .. GUIDES who say THANK YOU .. and SINCERELY appreciate my BUSINESS .. and who recognize that by CHOOSING THEM, I did so because I WANTED TO GIVE THEM THE MONEY as opposed to the many other options I could have decided upon ... So, value and appreciation will go a long way with me this year .. but, like i said - fly fishing, for me, is the only thing worth spending money on (after feeding my family etc.) and unless I go totally broke - I don't expect to NOT spend money in the fly fishing market space - unless unforseen circumstances arise -- in other words - Fly Fishing Spending will be THE LAST to go for me.
SO - WHAT WILL YOU DO? How do YOU see "Fly Fishing" in relation to your budget - your spending - and where you will be looking for value in these very very difficult economic times. Also, I do recognize for those who have LOST their jobs .. the answer is pretty obvious. Good Luck To all!!! And I propose that we not be so afraid to spend a little that we LOCK UP the fly fishing economy and ultimately make it WORSE for everyone .. Let's together spend wisely and TELL the manufacturers, lodges and guides .. exactly what WE WANT! [/b]
Posted: Fri 01/30/09 8:49 am Post subject: Addendum
PS. As an ADDENDUM - EVEN IF YOU MAKE A LIVING from the fly fishing industry .. your INPUT, as a CONSUMER, is appreciated. All of my fly fishing friends (for the most part) are fly fishing guides, or work at fly shops or guide for lodges or work for manufacturers etc... So, when we travel to FISH for FUN .. we are consumers .. and just because Boz, Whippa or Kory etc.. make a living in the industry -- they are equally important to the industry AS CONSUMERS when they travel outside of their place of business .. For example a steelhead guide in the Pacific Northwest .. might SPEND MONEY to go on a fly fishing vacation to the Northeast to fly fishing for trout, bluefin tuna, albies or whatever the case .. So, all are WELCOME to participate -- FROM THE CONSUMER perspective.
Jeremy,
I think you hit some really good points with regards to the value and appreciation that a shop must have in order to earn my business.......As far as gear goes this year, the money I plan on spending would be on some new lines, flies and fly tying material. I plan on buying my gear at shops as mentioned above where my money is valued and staying away from places run by a bunch of chiefs that won't greet you as you walk in the door.
Rods and reels aren't a top priority, I'll make do with what I have and unless a rod or reel breaks, I don't see myself being the market. As far as guided trips go, I have 2 trips planned so far for the spring and that's about it. I'm planning on using my money for gas considering it takes me 2-3 hours to get to the best spots in VA. Its a tough time for everyone but being on the water is a top priority for me so being able to make the proper sacrifices to get there is truly worth it for me.
Posted: Fri 01/30/09 9:00 am Post subject: We all need your fly fishing dollars
Your post was very thoughtful and well communicated. Great job. As a fly fishing guide and fly fishing artist my income relies on fly fishermen willing to spend their money on both. I have noticed a decline in both venues, although not as much as many other guides. These are certainly tough times and nobody knows how long it will last but we will persevere. I, like most am still spending money for the equipment I need to conduct my business at the level my clients expect, but I must admit, the slowdown in business has caused me to be extra careful with money. My wife is a stay at home mom and we have 3 young kids that are very expensive as anyone who has kids can attest. We have tried to weed out any uneccessary spending and are thankful for gas under $2 per gallon again. When trips and art sales were plentiful I was very thankful for each sale and tried to express my thankfulness for every one, but tough times make me that much more thankful when someone chooses my ability over anothers. We are all going to make it through this and we'll have more character and be wiser because if it. Financial stress brings creativity and good things can happen if you put your best foot forward and press on. Be well. - MZ
I am retired and on a fixed income but I work part-time, using the part-time income to feed my fishing jones. Hard core or mid-core FF addicts are folks who truly love fly fishing and want to duplicate the fun over and over.
Being retired, I represent an economic "group", that segment of fly fishing consumers who have learned over many years what's important to them, and having increasing awareness that we are NOT getting younger. So our passion for fishing is more desperate, more rigid, we tighten the grip on our most treasured experiences and feircely state that we wil "Go to the Bahamas" this year or wherever because we VALUE what these trips give to us and know there is a finite number of trips left for us to experience.
Retirees on a fixed income might alter their plans, stay a day or two less, take one less guided trip, but they WILL go. They have the attitude...Come Hell or High Water, we will go.
They WILL still buy that rod, or anything else they crave because any skimping they do WON'T be on their precious fly fishing stuff or trips, it will be on other things, like postponing buying the new car, or other stuff.
Because of passion, I think the fly fishing industry is overall a more stable industry than many others.
Glad your not afraid to tackle the BIG question Jeremy...
Like everyone, my spending will be more thought out... For example, I just made a post about buying a new rod... I'm only looking as I recently sold some older fly fishing gear (two rods and a reel) to fund getting a new one. So I'm not really spending money on new gear, as much as reallocating funds... That said there are purchases that have to be made to run a guide service that can't be cut new lines, leader/tippet, flies. And I'm looking at changing some ins carriers to a new company that offers the same levels of coverage at more competitve rates, auto/gen liability.
I've also been working this week on creating some new package trips... I've offered some in the past in conjunction with a really nice lodge/B&B and they have been successful... For 2009 I'm actually creating a similar package float trip, including camping and meals. So there are different price tiers available to choose from. My hope is that people from all walks of life can get out on the water AFFORDABLY and enjoy the relaxing effects of being on a river and fly fishing. Most Americans could use an affordable "get-away" more than ever this year.
Posted: Fri 01/30/09 9:50 am Post subject: Economic Effects On Gear purchases and .........
This economy is ruff but I am old enough to have seen tougher, not much tougher but pretty bad. My refuge from problems has always been fishing. In my world of fishing their are no problems there is a need for new strategies,( Hope, by the way Is not a strategy), so the following is my strategy. Continue to purchase at the shop I have for years. The reasoning is simple, they know locally times are tough and will make an effort to stay in buisness in the local market. This means they will find equipment that is the same but for less! Instead of impulse purchases, I will be more selective! Trips? I'll make 2 for Atlantic Salmon but these trips I do for 2 weeks grocery costs and have a great time. I don't see guides in my future and have only used a guide a very few times. I will fish out West this year but there is no cost to me involved and I am very fortunate in this. I will not take those random 6 to 12 hour drives to spots I would like to fish but fish more locally in support of myself and local buisness. Fishing on a shoe string and loving every moment!!
This is pretty easy for me. I am actually in finance so all day everyday, I am neck deep in reports, analysis, etc. Jeremy's comment on fear could not be more correct. The markets are reacting on an emotional level instead of true numeric factors. That being said, fly fishing is the one thing that gets me totally away from what's going on. So if you ask me if anything will change with my fishing habits, I'll say no. In fact I just spent a good amount of money on a new Scott s4, Tibor Spring Creek reel, and a RIO gold line. Not to mention some new fishing luggage. As far as guide services, I'm heading to Montana in September, and have a float trip set up in March. This B.S. is not going yo get me down!
Bravo. I watch CNN 24/7/365 and am very in tune with the dire state of things. Not as much as you (in finance and drowning in numbers, stats etc..) .. But enough to make me full of fear and enough to think "Is this the end of the world?" .. THANK YOU for the HOPE and OPTISM and COURAGEOUS attitude .. if you are not already, you would make a GREAT steelhead fly fisherman!!!!! Again, I am not looking for False hope - but to have no hope at all, is also not something I subscribe too. Thank you for keeping the HOPE alive - and the solid courageous attitude - because THAT is something we can control .. and its a better than the alternative of walking around totally petrified and scared and thinking its the end of the world .. even if it is ---- I'd rather face it with hope and courage .. than be scared .. Let's fish sometime .. in addition to steelhead - I think you would do with the PAIN and discouragement and let down and total loss of hope sometimes associated with chasing bluefin tuna on the fly!!
as far as gear goes I dont think any big purchases are necessary right now. Obviously I'll by some flies, tippett and all the every day things that a fly fisherman uses, But i will save my coin until better time for bigger purchases. I am fortunate to live in a place were I can literally fish on half a dozen different rivers with in an 30 min - hour drive. So my fix will be easier than some others. I do have one steelhead trip planned in a month or so (I can't get enough of those steelhead) but the cost was crazy low and no guide cost associated. I will continue to look for other trips but will be a lot more careful where I spend my $$. I have noticed that air travel has been relatively cheap (especially out of DEN) so who knows. I would rather spend my $$ on a nice trip than a nice rod. Keep fishing we'll all come out of this...best to all.
I love to fish as much as the next guy. However, not to a point of obsession. My buying habits have always been to buy for value. The most expensive flyrod and reel combination will not catch more fish then the "good" rod. (or maybe they do and that is why I don't always catch fish) Whenever I travel to fish I buy supplies from the local fly shops in the area I am fishing. Whether it be in another time zone or my home state. I believe they know what is best for the targeted species and I recognize they make their living from the "tourist" fisherman. Probably more then they make from the local guy. So I think supporting them only makes sense. I have never needed every new gadget or gimmick that will assure me I will catch more fish. My diddy bag is an old backpack not a monogrammed leather bag from the high end catalog. I guess you get the picture. I believe you can fish without spending the mortgage, on gear and trips. During these economic downtimes I probably won't change anything that I have done in the past. But as I stated I was always frugal, so I don't think the flyfishing economy will even know I am still around.
These are scary times, no doubt about it. I have definitely seen a dignificant drop in business the last few months. That being said, it has not completely shut down.
Ultimately, the winner here is going to be the consumer. The current situation is going to force business to work harder and find ways to standout amongst the competition. The lack of trips is going to force those who are exceptional at what they do to work even harder and find the small things to do to get the business. Those who are not as competent guides or don't give a 110% every day on the water are going to get weeded out. This will give consumers only the hardest working and skilled guides to choose from in the guide pool. Driving that extra 20 minutes or staying that extra half hour at the end of the hatch are just a few things are just a few thing that we need to do.
I don't see the guiding industry coming to a screaching hault in the near future. But, as I stated before guides everywhere are going to have to go above and beyond expectations to keep things rolling. Despite how bad the economy is and the future looking somewhat bleak, I still consider myself lucky that I have a way of earning an income. Many people in america right now don't have that. Companies are laying off employees every day.
My fishing itinerary will remain consistent. Most of the places I fish are within a 100 mile radius of my home so my regular outings won't suffer. As far as air travel goes I only do 1 trip a year if that, so the current economical situation really doesn't affect my fishing this season. Fortunatley I have enough gear to outfit a small army and won't need to purchase anything out of necessity, and if need be I liked Boz's solution of selling some older gear that has served its purpose to make room for the new.
Just like nature, I believe there is an ebb and flow to the economy and society as a whole. Just think of this economic hurdle as The Proxigean Spring Tide...hike up your waders and tighten the wading belt a little and ride it out.
There have been several good points but a few stick out in my mind. One, I believe in the frugal fisherman. It doesn't take a $600 rod to catch more fish than the guy with the $100 rod. The same thing happens with guitars. Can the guy with the $2500 guitar always play better and sound better than the guy with the $500 guitar? No. The way I look at it is that for me personally, fishing and music are my two passions. A good rod and reel and a masterfully crafted guitar are extensions of my love for both of them so poor economy or not, most likely I will always be looking for new tools to enjoy. The other point is as Whippa states, there are definatly ebbs and flows to everything. One reason people are in a panic is that historically, there have seven year cycles to the economy. Once 9/11 happened, it has not been the same and no one really knows how to react. This country has seen enough ups and downs to understand that this is just one more hurdle to jump. This is not to say that we should ignore it and keep doing what we always have done, we need to be smart about it this time.
I think we should all boycott the 24/7 365 news channels that drive our emotions. I spent last summer on an island with no cable or satellite television. Most stress free summer I can remember since I was a kid. Fishing for me will not change much. I feel I have all the necessary gear to fish in my home waters. Fuel prices are down, so you can do a couple hundred miles in your vehicle or several hours on your boat without taking out a home equity loan.
I definately believe in buy from the local fly shop, recommend the local shop to your friends, and support the local resturants etc in the area you are fishing.
If I was one that planned a trip or two per year that included long distance travel, lodging, guides etc. I believe I would be forced to cut back. My pay is predicated on the profits of the car dealership I work for.
Based on that, my income will be adversely effected by the current economy. Time to thighten up, suck it up and make the best of what is close to home.
Posted: Sat 01/31/09 10:48 am Post subject: Interesting
Patm,
Very good insight and very interesting. I have a question for you .. and maybe it will help those who are guides, lodges, shops or manufacturers .. as we all know that AUTO SALES are a driving force of the economy - and unless someone has been living in a CAVE, the understand the especially significant impact on the economy in relation to Auto Dealers .. So, I have a question for you ... It's agree that times have never been tougher for an auto dealer .. I do happen to know that an auto dealer is basically 2 very seperate business under the same roof -- SALES & SERVICE. I wonder if you might enlighten us as to some of the things that your car dealership is doing 'differently' or what types of things you are FOCUSING on in terms of selling cars and selling service .. I'd imagine that EVERYONE in ANY business could apply what you say their PRODUCTS or SERVICE based business .. because YOU are selling to very difficult things to sell right now .. due to fierce competition, lack of available credit for your customers and consumers in a state of "FEAR" and many job losses or cut backs on pay ... So, any advise for guides, lodges, shops or manufacturers in the fly fishing business .. or for that matter .. anyone in any business? Thanks pat.
I made a decision a long time ago that money would never effect my fishing plans. I will be sticking with that. Even if you have nothing, no one can take those memories and experiences away. It is best to just keep adding them.
if your business finds itself needing make huge changes because of these uncertain times, it is probably to late for you. the businesses that will survive this have been doing things right for a long time. the guide or lodge that has done the right thing to take care of their customers will continue to see a stable business. yes, there will be fewer customers coming to you but the "good" customers will still be coming. Of course you have to manage your cost and be mindful of your expenses. The profit margins will be smaller and the paycheck won't goes as far. Don't panic, keep doing the things that make you stand out from the rest and when this turns around you will be well positioned.
Posted: Sun 02/01/09 5:26 pm Post subject: spending money
I'll spend on all 3 accounts. Nothing will stop me from fishing ever... I hired a guide last weekend and will be next month and again in March as well as going to costa Rica bill fishing this month.
Posted: Mon 02/02/09 8:21 pm Post subject: $ On Fishing
Interesting post and a good range of perspectives. I am very curious to see how the current situation will affect the flyfishing industry in the coming months and years. Working in a shop in NYC where the heart of the financial crisis is we have been directly impacted. Our business has dropped off substantially and peoples' buying habits are obviously altered.
The story is no different for manufacturers, lodges and guide services. We are seeing offers that are unprecedented. I have worked in this business for almost 20 years and never seen the things that I have over the past few months. There will definitely be some great deals out there and there already are. Those are short fixes though that will benefit the few consumers that are fortunate enough to still be able to afford them. I think we will definitely see some serious fallout and there will be lodges and manufacturers that will not be able to weather the storm. In the long run, sound businesses that make smart decisions should survive. Some of the guys in this post have made very good points, it is more important than ever to give top quality service and be good at what you do.
As far as me personally, I will probably change very little of what I do. Flyfishing is what makes me happy, what keeps me sane and alive and I will continue to take 2-3 trips a year to far away places and 50 or so more close to home. I will also continue to buy gear (although I don't need much at this point). I don't spend huge money on trips, but I spend enough and when I go to a fishing destination I try to support the local businesses that depend on the precious dollars that are brought into their communities during the fishing season. I go out to dinner at the local restaurants, I stay in the local hotels or rental houses and I buy stuff from the local shops (especially if they provide the money losing service of selling me a fishing licence). I will continue to do this and will do my best to send my own "stimulus package" into the economy from the ground up. I may even do more with airlines offering phenomenal deals, fuel prices being low, lodges offering great deals and manufacturers offering discounts.
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