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 show that all demographics desire the tangible and the personal after years of virtual.
So, if you are a committed fly fisher: do you have a fly shop?
If not, I’ve got you covered. Here are three things you ought to do when looking for your fly shop.
Start with the most comprehensive directory online.
It just so happens to be here on Casting Across! The first step to finding a fly shop is actually finding out where they are.
Trust other anglers.
Fly shops have reputations. More often than not, those reputations were earned for a reason. And fly fishers are never quiet about sharing their opinions and the reasons behind them.
I used to live in a town with two fly shops in close proximity with one another. Generally speaking, one catered to seasoned anglers and the other was a bigger hit to those who were weekend-warrior types. It wasn’t hard and fast, but it was clearly the case. The grizzled old guys liked shop A, the newer crowd liked shop B. I liked both, but leaned toward B because I felt that information was more forthcoming and there was a wider variety of products in my price range.
That is the kind of analysis you can probably glean in the stream parking lot, on the message board, or at the TU meeting. It will help you figure out where to go, especially if you don’t have two shops in the same town.
Spend time and money.
“The owner wasn’t friendly to me.” I’ve heard this countless times. Sometimes I believe it without qualification. Sometimes I assume, based upon the person making the complaint, that they waltzed in and expected to get the hottest secret fishing tips and a cup of coffee.
As in any industry, some shop owners and employees will be jerks. Similarly, customers will be entitled jerks.
I’m not advocating a tit-for-tat economy, but usually people selling things like spending their time working with people who – you know – buy things. Establish yourself as a committed customer. Attend events. Read the room: don’t strike up a conversation while they’re taking inventory or are looking frazzled.
As the links below demonstrate, I’m an advocate of supporting your local shop. If you don’t have one, there’s probably one nearby that is worth your time, money, and becoming part of your fly fishing world.