From day one, a goal of Casting Across has been to connect anglers with some of the best resources in fly fishing. And in my humble opinion there are few options out there that rival fly shops. Of course shops will sell you gear. But the best also provide real-time information and legitimate community. That …
Do you have a fly shop? Only a generation ago, it would be virtually unthinkable for a committed fly fisher to answer “no.” Fly shops were one got gear, got information, and got community. Today, the internet can and does provide all of those things. But we all know that it isn’t the same. Statistics …
Last week I rolled out the Casting Across Fly Shop Box. This online resource is intended to be a growing, dynamic, comprehensive list of all the fly shops in the lower 48. Even after scouring the internet, I’m aware that there are shops that I’ve missed. The call was put out to readers of Casting …
Fly shops are a vital part of the culture of fly fishing. Beyond a business providing flies and rods, they often function as hubs for education and community. While online “fly shops” have their place and provide gear to anglers, real brick and mortar stores provide soul. The Casting Across Fly Shop Box is an …
Anyone who has spent significant time in a great fly shop knows that a lot more happens in these eclectic small businesses than buying and selling. Fishing tips are given. Cups of coffee are shared. Friends are made. But obviously, the transactions are what keep things humming along. I continue to champion the value of …
Fly fishing is treasured by so many because it is a multifaceted activity. On one hand, it is a solitary pursuit. Yet it always takes place within some sort of community. Today’s contemporaries follow old paths walked by countless anglers that have come and fished before. Some were remarkable because of their contributions in conservation, …
In a time when “non-essential” businesses have to close, fly shops certainly make the cut. And while fly shops aren’t essential for our daily lives, we are absolutely essential for the lives of those who own or work in fly shops. A good fly shop will sell you a rod, some tying thread, or a …
ATTENTION FLY FISHERS: PASS THIS ARTICLE TO YOUR SPOUSE, CHILDREN, OR NOT-SO-SECRET SANTA Need a last minute fly fishing gift? Even if you don’t know the first thing about fly fishing, getting a great gift can be pretty easy. That’s because there are people spread across this country who are literally sitting and waiting to …
A few weeks ago I compiled a list of the top rated fly shops in each state. The list was just that: top rated, not best. So what makes a fly shop the best? Maybe even better than another that is highly rated online? Admittedly, it is very subjective. Your preference might be dictated solely …
What is the best fly shop in your state? This is a very subjective question. But in a day and age when online reviews actually have an impact on the success or failure of a business, we have something close to objective data to work with. I’ve looked at a few review aggregations, and compiled …
