Fly Fishing Outfitters

August 6th, 2008 by admin

Fly fishing outfitters are the source for all your fly fishing needs. Walk into a decent-sized store and you’ll be mesmerized by all the bits and pieces guaranteed to enhance your fishing experience.

The lure of fly fishing outfitters

Now, we fisher folk are an interesting bunch. We wear pants and shirts originally destined for the local tip, our hats are the subject of many a rude comment, and we wear “eau de la fish” like some women wear Christian Dior. But take us to a fly fishing outfitter and we let loose with the credit cards like there’s no tomorrow.

License for phpBay Pro is invalid.

Names like Tackle ‘Em, Fisherman’s Heaven, Fish n Hole bring the same look on our faces that an ice cream addict gets on a date with Ben and Jerry. Smart better-halves know to never make us choose between them and the outfitters – the odds of them winning are not great.

Services offered by outfitters

Tackle is not the only offering available at a fly fishing outfitter. Some of the larger places provide both guiding services and classes for all abilities. Good outfitters will have competent and knowledgeable staff who can advise you on how to get the best from your equipment. They should also have a sound understanding of what is happening on local waters. For this reason I prefer to visit outfitters who specialize in fishing. Although it is possible to find what you are looking for in general sports stores, specialized shops are more focused on your needs.

Some outfitters offer fishing trips, nationally or internationally. I like to know if these are organized and run by the store offering the trip or if they are acting as an agent for another group. What you see might not be what you get.

Purchasing from Internet fly fishing outfitters

Most of the larger outfitters have web sites where you can check out their stock. You can purchase right from the web if you are sure about what you are getting. If not then find a dealer who stocks what you are looking for and go have a look before you buy.

Before you buy from the Internet outfitter, look at their return policies and make sure they have a secure site for credit card purchases. You should also be familiar with warranties which may or may not include shipping and handling costs.

Where to find fly fishing outfitters

If you wander close to a major river you will be hard pressed not to come across several fly fishing outfitters. These are the places to haunt if you are in new territory as the staff will know what is happening on their local waters.

If you have left your rod and reel at home, some of these larger outfitters will have rental equipment. You’ll be able to get everything you need for a day on the river, from a license to a boat if you want one.

Fly fishing outfitters are located everywhere that fly fishing is popular. Well, maybe not out in the back country, although you can occasionally come across a remote store with a few fishing odds and ends.

If you are planning to travel to new water it's always a good idea to locate some of the local outfitters and make contact before you head out. A good fly fishing outfitter will offer all kinds of valuable information such as hatches and hot spots and access points. a few minutes talking to a good outfitter will help you be prepared and will help make your time on the water more fun and productive.