Category: Industry News and Rumors
Fly Shop Rant: The Challenge of Small Retail
Spawn Fly Fish is a small retail fly shop in Ilwaco, Washington (Ilwaco is in far southwest Washington near Cape Disappointment and the Columbia River). Josh, the founder of Spawn Fly Fish, talks about the challenges of wholesale pricing and…
Yvon Chouinard Donates Patagonia to the Planet
Yvon Chouinard, founder and owner (along with his wife) of Patagonia, the outdoor clothing company, has announced he will transfer the company (value approximately $3 billion) to a set of trusts. The goal is to preserve the company’s independence beyond…
Puget Sound Fly Company – Announces Closing
There are a number of fly shops around Puget Sound – somewhat fewer than one might expect given the population of the area – but losing one is always a time of sadness. Today, Anil Srivastava, the owner of Puget…
1% for the Planet – 20th Anniversary Interview
1% for the Planet was founded in 2002 by Craig Matthews (former owner of Blue Ribbon Flies) and Yvon Chouinard (founder of Patagonia). They have been friends and fishing buddies since the 1980s when Yvon walked into Blue Ribbon Flies…
Lefty Kreh, Tight Lines and Fair Winds
I read that Lefty Kreh died today, March 14th, 2018 at the age of 93. Lefty lived a remarkable life – from combat veteran of the Battle of the Bulge, to tropical saltwater fly fisherman, to an innovative instructor who…
Industry News: Tom Morgan Rodsmiths, Simms
A few interesting news items from the business side of fly fishing. Tom Morgan Rodsmiths is opening a shop in Bozeman Montana. The new owners, who bought the company from Tom and Gerri Morgan before his death in June 2017,…
No More Fly Fishing Barbie Dolls
The New York Times has an article on how women are the fastest-growing demographic in fly fishing. And like most other things in our society the growth of women participating in fly fishing will be good for everyone. Manufacturers such…
An Open Letter from Lefty
I found this posted on The FlyFishing Forum. Lefty Kreh updates us on his health. While he says he might be around for a few more years, and I certainly hope so, it certainly feels as if this is the…
Orvis 50/50 Campaign
Women make up only 30% of fly fishers according to the 2017 Special Report on Fishing published by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and the Outdoor Foundation. Orvis has set out to change that. Its new 50/50 campaign has…
Visiting Your Fly Shop – What You Should Expect
I came across a post from Vail Valley Anglers on what one should expect when visiting a fly shop. I think it’s good to be reminded of what shopping used to be like when most retail business was conducted person…
