Something has been incredibly encouraging over the past few years. Brands within the fly fishing industry have gone out of their way to emphasize local fly shops. While there have always been “find a dealer” features webpage, direct to consumer sales are much more prominent on most company’s sites. However, recent marketing has sought to …
You should support fly shops. But if for one reason or another you can’t, you should support a shop that is not a fly shop. Again, support fly shops. They have all the gear that you’ll need. Rods, reels, line, and flies. They’ll have breathable waders and a handful of vest options. You’ll undoubtedly have …
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 …
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 …
So I messed up. To my knowledge, I have never deleted an email from a reader or listener. But just today, right before recording, I did. So whoever you are, this week’s podcast starts off with my heartfelt apology and an answer to your question. Along with that little bit of Q&A, I interact with …
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 …
Ideally, we’d all be thoughtful and intentional fly shop patrons out of our own wisdom. Sometimes, we need tales of woe to correct us. And sometimes, we like to be entertained by the ridiculous goings-on that occur at fly shops. Once again, I’m turning back a few chapters in my life to when I spent …
