FLY SHOP ETIQUETTE - FLY FISHING 

There’s a flyshop in my small town in central Texas. He’s 86 and doesn’t fish much anymore, but traveled in his youth to places of dreams. If he says use it..I will Guarantee it will catch fish. He needed a small amount of electric work finished that he started years before and I’m an electrician so did the hour or so work and said no charge. My next visit he slid me a box and said no charge, it contained top quality fly materials,marabou, hackle, various hair etc. and in the bottom there was a high grade 4wt TFO rod, reel, line and backing. I brought him 2 bags of White bass fillets the next week. We’ve been trading for 2 years now. We are the best of friends. (ps: The very first thing he sold me was Charlie Cravens, Fly Tying Basics book). Really enjoy your videos! Sorry so long😑. Good fishing to you🎣

The shop in Arvada is why I'm such a huge fly fisherman now. The dudes there have been so helpful. I haven't picked up a baitcaster in 2 years.

There should be a “Do’s and Don’ts” how fly shops should treat people. My wife worked at a fly shop for years. If it was not for her, I would have only visited that place once.

Took your advice and went to my local fly shop for the first time with a pack of beers. What a great way to make some new friends! Thanks for making awesome videos

Solid advice...thank you. Once burned, twice cautious...was turned off by a fly shop where I once lived that treated me, the new guy, like the village idiot; then I learned from others that they treated everyone that way. I went there to to buy a new rod and ended going across the state to another shop for the purchase. Why are some shops run by absolute dickheads?

My local Fly shop is K&K's in Overland Park Kansas. Awesome guys, I buy 95% of my gear from them. Rods, reels, lines, tying gear, lures, boxes, clothing, & tying classes. Its so much better than the large sporting goods store that supply machined made flies that fall apart on contact with water...

Good observations about fly shops. But when you have people walking through your door daily to buy bait, it is a bad business plan to send them somewhere else. Most of us caught our first fish on a worm and bobber. WE WANT those people coming through our doors repeatedly! Most eventually become fly fishing anglers. While other shops come and go, we have been at it for 30 years, and we are still growing!

Charlies flybox section taught me how to tie flies. This video is awesome, thanks dudes

Charlie is the best! Went way out of my way to go to his shop in Arvada. His son was super helpful and Charlie took the time to sign a book and take a pic with me. Cannot wait to go back.

Thanks for the video. I went to my local fly shop on Saturday, took their free class on learning to fly fish. I bought some wading boots and flies. They told me what fly to use and a river I can drive to an hour away and got my first trout on a fly without a guide. buying stuff and asking questions works!

Just subscribed! Great video. You’re right that we have to support the local guys because they help support our access to fish!! Pay a little extra for the knowledge you gain.

I’m just getting started in this sport. Your videos are very funny with good information. Looking forward to the next one.

Funniest show I had was artva shop on a Famous Eastern River. Went in and all the bins had Latin names for the bugs they imitate. Not an Adams or a Light Cahill to be found. I got a couple flies and went to check out. The guy behind the counter noted that he had never seen me before. I acknowledged that it was my first time on the river. He immediately announced I would catch nothing. After a little back and forth it was with great satisfaction that I told him I had just caught three fish and was hoping to pick up another one or two of the flies that had turned the trick. When he asked I just said a Wooly Bugger. His grown was audible. My satisfaction was silent but well earned.

Glad to see Charlie included. Haven't been in the new shop yet.

All good advice. Only thing I'd add is, you don't have to settle for the first shop you walk into. If there are multiple shops in a reasonable distance, try them out you may find that you like better, or get better info, or are just more comfortable in one rather than another. I live in the Pacific NW and there are 4 shops within 20 or so miles of me. One I won't go into, and I've found that the other 3 are great and I get better info from each during particular times of the years, so I spend time in each seasonally. Oh, and don't even think about moving here, it rains ALL the time.

Thanks for making Monday suck a little less. Keep these vids coming, keep informing, and stay huge.

I always take beer for the fly shop, it's nice to be nice(it's always German beer).

Right on dude. You did not address the issue everyone rolls out about local shops being more expensive. Too which the response should be - not always, so what, too bad, go bowl instead, drink some domestic to save some $. The couple extra bucks to a local shop keeps its lights on, keeps it local, adds to the soul of a community that is being franchised and big boxed to death. Even if you buy online for convenience, buy online from a local shop. They can get you anything you want. A world without the sane refuge of local fly shops is gross. The longer I fish, the more I learn when I go into fly shops.

Spot on Huge!👍 Excellent points and for GAWD sakes people please shop small and your local fly shop!❤

Ben, I wish I could like this more. Thank you again for another great video! I feel like somehow I owe you more than a 6 pack of Blue Ribbon goodness if i ever get to toss some flies out your way. Thank you for what you do for the sport! In a HUGE way!

Good advice. If you find a great fly shop, it’s a true gem & be sure to support. Sadly, my favorite shop, Stoddards in downtown Boston, closed quite a while ago. It was the oldest fly shop in the U.S. & the staff was very knowledgeable. Once they got to know you, you could try out a new rod for a weekend. Try that in a big box store. I bought almost all of my equipment & fly tying material there. Really miss the place!

So much fun! Love these vids. My favorite shop is Beartooth Fly Shop in the middle of nowhere. Not another business within 15 miles. Can't believe the selection and the help is amazing.

Great video, I am always amazed when I talk to people who don’t think fly shops are there to help you , I just look at them and think WTF are you talking about :-) And Charlie’s shop is the best , although we all know where he escaped from .Keep it huge

Great advice! ...and yes the expert (you know...."I've fished here, there, on the moon, saltwater, freshwater" etc etc.) in the fly shop, seen a few of these dudes ....I mean really....why go in if you know everything?? Also...trying before you buy....................online....is just the lowest sort of fly behaviour. Love the videos.

It’s tuff living in Saskatchewan, cuz around where I live there are no local fly shops. Gotta order basically everything for fly fishing :(

I stop in at fly shops whenever I’m in a new area or haven’t been in the area in a while. I’m friendly, polite and low key. Fly fishing for 50 years. If the shop is also friendly I might take part in a conversation. Then pick up some tippet or nippers or such. Maybe some tying materials. If the shop is not friendly, snooty, condescending etc, I’ll poke around then leave quietly. No problem. Maybe they had a bad day. I don’t look for tips or hot spots or hot flies. Not that I know it all, I like finding my own way. It takes time to find those spots and flies on my own. That’s what I’ve always have done. It’s a big part of what fly fishing is for me. I find it more fulfilling and gratifying. But that’s just me. It’s too bad that we even have to discuss etiquette in any situation, from either perspective. Also, Charlie Craven is a legend.

I became a fly fisherman by visiting a fly shop with someone else. However when I went back to that same shop the actual owner was in the store.I won't get into the extremely negative experience I had, but it did not stop me. I found another store which is super far from my house but well worth the trip. Those guys @ Bayou City Anglers in Houston Texas are HUGE! I won't shop anywhere else just because of how these guys take care of me as an novice fly angler but more importantly as an individual.

Thanks for the video this week! Always look forward to it. However, what do I do if the employees/owner at my local fly shop are everything you tell us not to be? They are rude, pompous and never helpful. I am always courteous when I absolutely feel like I have to go there, but the favor is never returned. I always feel like they don't want me there. I live in a small rural state without many options.

When are we gonna get an etiquette video on proper buddy heckling?! Otherwise another great video. Keep up the good work. Cheers.

That shop is awesome! I'm a straight fly shop hippie.... I jump around so much good fly shops always point me in the right direction. I have literaly stopped back and bought rods I didnt need twice then sold them on ebay for a loss. I was touched they pointed me in the right direction after I watched them send multiple customers to tourist locations.....

100% . I'm going on a guided wading redfish trip in SC next week ( And yes I watched your low country redfish RU-vid video). Spoke with the guide, he said we'll meet at the fly shop, in case you need something. I said great, I like to shop local. I will bring gear with me as needed to start but additional gear I always buy at the local fly shop,and generally buy more than I really need anyway. He said you're my kind of guy. I have to find out if he drinks beer. Tight lines

Charlie's Flybox is my local fly shop and the place is freaking awesome. It's my go to for all my needs.

Anymore it seems like flyshop employees are entitled trust funds kids that look down on anyone that does not have the fancy gear. Have had this happen at more then one shop and did not return. Oh and yes I spent 3 plus years working and guiding at a fly shop in SW Montana.

Agreed with this video on every level. Support your local fly shop, and buy local. Many times they’ll have the best materials and specific flies for the local waters you’re not going to get online, especially if there’s a local variation fly that works for specific hatches. Get in there and drop $20-30 for the advise you’ll get

I'm so glad I watched this video. I can't wait to visit Charlie's Flybox. Looks like it's about 5 to 10 miles away.

Great video. My favorite secret spot to send annoying customers is where a fly fishing club is have a large group outing.

Stopped at a fly shop in Boulder, CO. Was going to fishing some streams. Told them that. They recommended some patterns, bought a handful of flys. Went out next day and had an epic time fly fishing. Went back the next time I was there same thing, spent more money too. Good time.

I love checking out new areas and the local fly shop. Get some intel a few flies and a t-shirt. Sometimes the conversation shows some commonality and how small this world really is

We have one tackle shop in the city and it's the most claustrophobic place I've ever had the displeasure of being in. Staff is great, incredibly knowledgeable and they have products I can't find elsewhere. But my anxiety immediately starts rising the moment I walk in due to the sheer amount of stuff in such a small enclosed space. I worked in retail for years before going back to school so it's actually painful to see how unshoppable it is.

Dude you were spot on with this here. I dropped a few dollars on some things and got to talking to the owner of the place and he gave me some locations to check out. He also gave me his contact info if I had any questions or wanted to fish! 💯🤘🎣😎

Walla Walla doesnt even have a fly shop so now I have to drive an hour away just to practice your ninja fly shop techniques.

This is an amazing video. People need to learn these things.

Really nice video, very funny and good to know - reminds of my friend who is such a pain in the ass and brakes all the rules! haha

Huge fan from South Korea- thanks for the tips

Hey Huge, where the heck did you get Schaefer beer!!! Grew up on that in New York. I'm in Loveland now.

So I don't fly fish a ton,nor am I any good at it. But I do persue steelhead and salmon in the pacfic northwest as a religion! I recently vacationed in Cody Wyoming. Stopped at a small fly shop in town. Great experience and helpful fun conversation! Also sticker prices in these shops can shock! At least for me. But after some talking he started making sale offers.

As long as it’s not winter park flyfishers. Lmao. I met you when I worked at clear creek outdoors in Idaho springs

Maybe your best video yet! Support your local shop! And yea, they do like beer.

I likes the way you talk! You are the proverbial needle in a haystack! I wish you were around 25 years ago.Thanks for the video and advice!

I often show up to the shop with the ol Simms fish whistle ;)

Killer Music- great videos- and right on the money! Cheers brother! Guy @Kern River Fly Shop

100% correct on the buy more than just the fishing licenses at the shop they make no money on the license.

I love my shop! I get great advice, rods and reels that match my skill set perfectly, and they never try to up sell me. They match my wants to needs perfectly and they're just damn good guys. I'd much rather cover their overhead than send my money to someone that doesn't even know my name.

Do they all have Pabst! You frequent? I have never payed for a fly in my lifetime Flyfishing over 55 years!!! Never bought a fly.. I build all my own Rods! Have built many for other people too!😁 I do buy tying materials though!!!👍👍 Never heard of someone being kicked out of a fly shop. Saw someone busted shop lifting at Dan Baylees! 😂 Had friends at Yellowstone fly shop in West Yellowstone! My friends Dave and Dianne live in West!!! Nice fly shop at Silver Creek!!! Nice one near slide inn. Boy I could mention lots of the shops! ✌️👍👍 Oh I forgot of course Orvis in manchester VT. I grew up Flyfishing the Battenkill!!! Was awesome fishing way back then... 👋

Great video man

I’ve bought all my rods and Reels, waders, guided tours for clients, family and myself, boots, name brand gear and clothing all From fly shops. I will Continue to do so but I do always feel like when I walk in to a new shop like a have to throw around $100 bills just for a hello and for a little bit of help. I do end up buying quite a bit and it’s beyond obvious how differently I’m treated once I’ve spent big bucks. I understand to a point, but I get treated better waking in the door at all types of other stores , even convenience stores, or small grocery stores where they run hoping to win your business. I understand the difference, but still frustrating to feel that I have to spend big bucks to earn them as an interested salesman. It feels to me sometimes like they really skeptical I will ask for info, or for one fly, or just look around trying to take products and then go buy online. At some point I do feel like ( if my perception is correct) the Internet / Amazon has taken what it will and will Continue to get more. But I’m in your store, here’s your chance to prevent me ( or another customer) from not Wanting to support the fly shop. I feel Like in almost every fly shop I walk into they r judging me if they think I’ll spend money or Milk them for info. I often feel I shouldn’t go into a fly shop until i for sure have an expensive need, say that right away, let them know I’m buying it, and then when I ask about other products or flies or rivers or shuttles etc etc I’m now in the club. I personally strongly over support the fly shops that are nice and welcoming to all. I feel like for those shop owners that r willing to go all in on really treating each person like they r their big spender even if they r not, they will be the money making survivor of fly shops for that area. Anyhow, I feel better now ha ha

What about ordering most your stuff online from a fly shop that is like 500 miles away? I get a lot of stuff from red's

Perfect! Great video!

I'm a fly shop owner, and just shared this video on facebook. Love it!

I enjoyed working at a fly shop. It was my first job. Getting people set up and then having them come back and tell me about their success was the best satisfaction of the job.... and yes, bribing absolutely gets you better Intel 😂😂😂😂. I still remember "apple dumpling lady." And "guy with all the BBQ."

Thank you for this one

Our fly shop/hangout in London, Ontario is John"s Fly Materials. John's about 84 but still wade fishes and fins a tube . He opens up at weird hours so check. Don't try to contact the shop - there's no phone or internet. Good knowledge shared here. He'll always listen to your stories. Oh, and he probably has what you need too.

I guess it’s a bad thing to ask what hatches are going on? So u can buy flies accordingly?

As a fly shop manager myself, I fully agree with all these points. Except, I would add to please not assume you can only get your information from “the guys” or “the boys.”

I had a feeling I recognized the river from the last video were both from Colorado lol

Great 411, love the background ska music.

Been fishing with a spinner and bait caster my entire life but my problem is no fly shops anywhere neer me here in North Dakota. My local shop had one fly combo rig to sell and that was it, so I will be forced to get my gear in line.

Been in three fly shops in Colo, all were cool, one in particular fixed a reel for us no charge, so I bought a couple pairs of sunglasses and like 10 flies, third shop was run by a much older guy that I kinda felt sorry for at first, didnt seem like he did a lot of business and while it was a good experience he did push pretty hard to guide us, eventually insulting us slightly as being beginners (which we are) and offering to hook us up with a morning of brook trout fishing for $150 each, I mightve taken him up on it but we'd already spent 3 days catching browns by ourselves in the Ark and the Rio Grande with not too much trouble.

Planing a trip to go to Colorado next year to see my wife’s family. And I will need help with trout fly fishing since I’m south East Texas and there are none.

Right on! Shoutout to Jimmy’s All-Season Angler in Idaho Falls, where the guy spent like 45 minutes helping me pick the right hackle when I said I was interested in tying some Green Drakes. That’s what you don’t get online

Wow, haters even here. Charlies has always been a wonderful shop with great people to answer any questions you might have. They always have the gear and materials you need. I especially liked the fly tying seminars on Saturdays with coffee and donuts. I need to see the new shop and do some shopping soon. I'm sure it's nice having more square footage and more parking than the old place!

Great info and a lot of laughs

There’s a cool shop in Oregon called ‘Fin and Fire’ it’s great, flys, expertise, and beer

Fly shops are beautiful stores, tackle industry could learn a lot from a good fly shop.

Just ordered a new fly rod from my local fly shop during the pandemic. Support you local shop buy ordering gear, flys, clothing or gift cards!!

Was hoping you would mention beer goes a long way, works in a lotta specialty places. Drinks and treats work.

What's a pro deal? I have never heard this term in Australia. Cheers..

Great tips -- but anyone who has purchased anything in a fly shop knows that the mark-ups are, at times, extreme. I've heard they markup their flies almost 300%. And dont even get me started on their gear prices --- I get it, they are retailers and experts...and do, indeed, deserve a return for their assistance,so yes, buy something every time you go in. One other common annoyance at our local expert shops (Sacramento, CA) are the trip sale, one shop, in particular, often posts inaccurate fish reports in order to sell guide trips (talk about unethical) -- and they dont pay a lot of mind to those who dont buy their trips --- you know who you are (ehem: highway 50)!

I want to buy my first rod, but how do I do that if all the shops are closed at the moment? I have a Ross Animas feel on the way, but that’s all I have.

My local shop has turned me off from fly fishing. The guys are very aloof.

Shop local, shop small. Most of my buys are woollies of various colors sizes so I'm always looking to upgrade my fishing IQ. The limestone creeks here, central Pennsylvania, are pounded so hard it's good to branch out into smallies or whatevers. Throwing woolly buggers I've caught trout, small mouth, large mouth, walleye, blue cats, crappie, warmouth, and all sorts of pan fish. I just want a quiet place with very few people, and clean water.

best spots around Boulder area?

I always take 2 bottles of homemade wine to my fly shop(California Merlot 14.7% ABV)

A fly shop is not a god damn charity. Other people are not obligated to "prop it up as much as we can." If you want your shop to be successful, RUN A GOOD SHOP

Man my local fly shop was closing down last time I visited it …

Will stop by Charlie's!

How do you feel about people calling or going into fly shops for the sole purpose of getting connected to independent guides or guide service?

Great content & fun video.

Work with what you got if all you have is a cabelas or bass pro go there. I work at one and I always say you can start here but when you’re ready to set it up go to the local fly shops.If you live in the middle of no where go online but first choice should always be local fly shops they are much more knowledgeable and they will have a ton of better gear.

Thank you for making this video

I can promise you one thing. You can’t find the selection or quality of flys on amazon as you can in the back of the drawers of my fly shop. I always find something new and different that I haven’t fished that some hippie tied. THATS what it’s about.

Great advice

The man does speak the truth. These shops have no substitute.

I thought those were just basic courtesy anyway.

Most the shops I’ve been in are stuck up rich snobs. And if your not buying a 500$ rod they don’t want to talk to o you.

Not sure you put enough info in this video. Nice & tight lines!

If I go into a fly shop, I buy something. If I ask advice on the fishing or where to fish, I buy more stuff. I also like following them online, the good ones have great local fish reports. If you read their reports from home and go there to fish, drop in and buy some stuff and tell them you read their reports. Fly shop owners provide a service first and foremost. They do not make a killing so help them out whenever you can. The good ones are like good bookstores, you can spend hours in them.

Excellent video.

Should bring some of this etiquette out to salmon river ny area, just saying

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