I’ll go on record as saying that I think “Pro Deals” and “Pro Staff” are totally fine.
But just like anything else in fly fishing (or in the rest of the world), abuse can ruin a good thing. Kirk Deeter’s recent Angling Trade piece articulated some of the real problems that exist with this system. It is clear why “Pro Staffers” give this legitimate marketing tactic a bad name, and it makes sense why some are agitated by the whole institution.
In this episode I talk about a few different perspectives, specifically mine: someone who writes about fly fishing for fun.
Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.
Episode Recommendation: Brainstorming on the “Pro Deal” Conundrum
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I always take reviews with a grain of salt. Especially if the source is someone who benefits from a positive take on a product or service. I feel it is up to me to research the products. I live in west Texas which not exactly the fly fishing capital of the world. Recently I had reason to be in Austin Texas which is about 250 miles away. I had researched on line what I was interested in and felt my best choice was the Orvis store. I found many good comments about that store and the people. Obviously it is not a mom and pop store but the people were extremely helpful and friendly. I had also considered one of the rods you talk about but felt it was better to get a little hands-on feel for what I was buying. After I have more experience I plan on following your lead on a rod. I appreciate your opinion as I feel you are pretty up front with your audience. Thanks for taking the time to educate us. Especially those of us who do not have much experience or local resources. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the comments, Dick. Yours sounds like a pretty measured approach – listen and observe, but take a “show me” approach to stuff. That’s a good way to do it!
Sounds like sour grapes to me. Oh btw Joe Ceremele did this same exact rant on his Hookshots Podcast two weeks ago.
Wow… an hour and a half rant. I don’t have that in me! Thanks – If I get a chance I’ll give that podcast a listen.