Yes. It is an old meme. But it is a good meme. And, to be honest, I couldn’t get it out of my head so it has found itself at the beginning of this post.
Last year I set out to compile an exhaustive fly shop directory. Aside from the fact that I’m convicted that fly shops play an integral role in the culture of fly fishing, I am continually amazed at how well-known, highly-regarded shops aren’t always easy to find online. In the 21st century!
To date, there are 385 shops on the directory. First: that paints a much brighter picture than the dire predictions some industry types paint. Second: I found about 325 of those on my own, using relatively rigorous search criteria. That means about 15% of fly shops’ online presences were under the radar. It kinda, sorta confirmed why I set out to do this whole thing in the first place.
With the season coming up quickly, I wanted to put out another call to check my work. I’m happy for you to point out my errors, get things accurate, and make this a resource worth using.
Keep reading to learn more about the directory, find out where you can access it, and how you can help me keep it up to date.
Here’s the FAQ:
- Can’t I just Google “fly shop near me”? Of course. However, you’d be surprised how many fly shops don’t show up on a simple search.
- Why isn’t [big chain outdoor store] on the list? From personal experience, I can say that I’ve been to many Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s locations where the fly fishing employees know their stuff and offer great customer service. But there is certainly a difference in a traditional fly shop and a big box store.
- Why isn’t the rod building store, gas station with a great fly assortment, or lodge pro shop included? I can appreciate how locations like these can actually be as helpful as some full-orbed shops. Once again, these locations are great but they don’t check all the boxes of my admittedly arbitrary criteria.
- Why did you miss [shop]? Because I’m human. Send me any misses or corrections below.
- Where are Alaska, Hawaii, and international fly shops? They’re there… just not here, yet.
- I don’t like [shop]. You know what? There are some shops on this list I’ve had bad experiences with, too. And that isn’t a question.
- Could you [implement this web feature] to make this page a lot more user-friendly? I’m not the most web-savvy guy out there, but I am tinkering with ways to make the Fly Shop Box better.
Here’s where you can find the directory on Casting Across:
Here’s where you can help me keep things complete and accurate: