Don't Get Your Fly Fishing Info from Social Media, Guys
I spend a ton of time "undoing" what customers believe from things they saw on the internet about fly fishing, primarily from social media. If you want to skip reading this, then the long story short is just trust me I am here to help you. And I do not have time to argue with "but some guy on the internet said" statements. I am trying to make sure you get the right products because A: Referrals from happy customers are most of my business (and therefore my personal income). And B: I want you to have a fun fishing trip and be successful (Return to point A). So I have a direct interest both in terms of my income and also my professionalism to make sure you guys get the right gear and catch fish. Remember: "Some random guy on the internet" has neither of these interests. He just likes to blab his opinions regardless of your outcomes. Think about it.
I am happy to help customers as best I can. My success rate for customers going on fly fishing trips is incredibly high. They all come back very happy with how it went and praise my gear suggestions.
For example, I've used (and taken apart) every major brand of fly reels for years. I know which ones are better, believe me. Hint: It's the ones I prefer to carry because I don't want customers having any problems with them ever.
Fly fishing is different from "regular" fishing, because we don't really have a pro circuit or tours or even many tournaments. You want bass fishing advice? Pick your favorite pros and listen to them. Fly fishing? Tough to find that. Very few TV shows about fly fishing (pretty much zero). No "Pros" really either except a few guys with a bunch of followers on Instagram. So it's tough to know where to get advice on gear and techniques etc.
What's the number one bit of feedback I get from customers when they return from their trips? "Thank you so much for the help Ben! You were exactly right! The guide loved everything you sent me with! Even the flies!" *Those of you who know some guides know that they NEVER like the flies you brought. So that's pretty impressive.
Ok, you want some examples?
Guy who saw it on Facebook and wants to "self-guide," wading in Mexico around Ascension Bay. I tell him saltwater crocodiles. He says that's not real. This one will work itself out I guess. I try not to feed the animals.
Another guy: "What do Tarpon eat?" Well sir, they eat shrimp and baitfish and crabs. "TARPON DON'T EAT CRABS!" - Ok sir. I assure you they do. "YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT" - Ok sir. - "I'M GOING SOMEWHERE ELSE" - Oh no, wait, don't go sir, oh darn. Let me suggest a great place that knows way better than I do (and I naturally proceed to name my least favorite shops).
A customer asked me how to catch a bonefish (on fly) in 30ft of water (spoiler alert: the answer is bait) or how to catch snapper on a fly at deeper reefs (the answer is get yourself a nice jigging setup). This is important: The QUESTIONS are fine, I am not here to insult anyone who genuinely wants answers. But these people are ANGRY when I tell them the answer: "NO! I WANT TO FLY FISH THIS WAY!" Well, I can get you close but the fish will need to go the rest of the way. It's not "impossible" but it's also not likely. Demersal fish species tend to stay near rocks and reefs which, due to gravity, density, and some other factors, tend to be located at the bottom of the sea. What's a demersal fish, you ask? Most of the Snapper-Grouper complex would be a good example.
Ok, different example, from a very popular Facebook group I joined: Common question, what to get for your first setup. I answer this question all the time. I underline what I see as the key factors here for emphasis. So, a kid posted that he's only a college freshman but would like a decent 10wt setup to get started in saltwater fly fishing for Tarpon. People immediately telling him every brand imaginable with prices all over the place, many off brands which are trash, or alternatively telling him to buy a Salt R8 ($1,100 rod) or a Mako reel ($1,700+) so basically just ignoring his actual question. Unhelpful for this kid, and ultimately nobody answered with anything useful. It would take me two seconds to help him if he called here but instead he has to read through everything from suggestions to get a Maxcatch and also to get a Mako reel so how is he supposed to know what is right? He's new.
Another big problem online is how many garbage brands get recommended as though they were on par with serious fly fishing brands. Don't get me started on some of the "direct-to-consumer" (as in "mostly-a-marketing-company") fly fishing brands... "Designed in America" - I am going to vomit. Now for obvious legal reasons I am not going to name which brands are not great but I can steer people in the right direction if they ask me. Again, I am not "the only person who knows the answers" by any means, but seek out people who want to make sure you are getting great quality options at any price point.
I just want people to have a great fishing trip and to have fun, and the decisions I make for what to carry in my own shop will always reflect that goal. Brands that you can count on, the majority of them with lifetime warranties. Don't listen to idiots and don't let them sell you the wrong things.
Need help? Ask any time! Call or email us. We stand by everything we carry 100% and I do not sell anything I wouldn't fish.
