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 …
A lot more goes into a good fly shop than some big-name decals on the windows. Sometimes, a good fly shop has faded sign with a cartoon worm underneath the words “live bait.” I’m not kidding. What makes a good fly shop is all about the soul on the inside. You need flies, rods, and …
Of course you know which weight you want for your next fly rod. Or do you? I’m only questioning you because I’ve had to question myself. Sometimes we get stuck thinking about what the marketing, or our fishing buddy, or our biased presuppositions tell us we need in new gear. While there are countless great …
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 …
The first time we fished this creek, it was magical. The fish weren’t especially large, but they were plentiful. They attacked flies with vigor. They fought with ferocity. Above that, finding and accessing the creek was an adventure. That made the fishing better. Generally speaking, our experience was delightfully repetitive. Lots of fish. Fish willing …
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 …
I’m going to keep a good thing going! Last week was all about fly shops on Casting Across. It started with two companion pieces, each listing 25 of the top rated fly shop in each state. That was followed with a podcast episode where I asked, and answered, what makes the good fly shops good? …
Even today, brick and mortar fly shops are an integral part of fly fishing culture. Beyond supplying rods, reels, flies, and tying materials, they offer angling insight and legitimate community. Although there are many factors that lead to fly shops succeeding or failing, there are certain things that most of the truly good shops have …
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 …
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 …
