If you are old, like I am, you might remember a once-a-year event. That event was when the “Wish Book” would appear in your mailbox or on your doorstep. The “Wish Book” was also known as the Sears and Roebuck Catalog. Besides shopping, the catalog had other uses. It was so large you could use it as a doorstop or booster seat for small children.
There were so many items in the catalog that, at one time, the saying, “Sears has everything” was common. You could even buy a prefabricated house from the catalog.
I was reminded of this catalog extravaganza by the arrival of a fly fishing catalog the other day. The catalog was from Feather Craft and only had 119 pages, not the thousand-plus pages in the “Wish Book.” While it could not be used as a doorstop or booster seat, it had a tremendous number of shopping options for anyone who fly fishes or wants to. The number of items and wide range of prices for similar items could be daunting, even to a seasoned fly fisher.
Fly rods were the first items in the catalog and they had a price range from $250 to $1,100. To go with a new fly rod, one needs a reel. The prices for reels went from $150 to $1,300.
Lines, leaders, tippets and backing were too numerous in manufacturers and prices to begin to mention. Flies to tie onto the end of your tippet for every species of fish known took up 13 pages. I have to say, the flies in the 13 pages are really the tip of the iceberg for the variety of flies you can buy.
To hold those flies, a fly box is needed. As I looked at all the different fly boxes that will fit into a vest, I found one that had slots for 1,150 flies. That boggles my imagination. I use three sizes and colors of five different flies. To use all the above you will want to have waders costing between $350 and $1,000. Wading boots seemed to stay around $300.00. Add in some clothes and other extras and the price range to start fly fishing can be overwhelming.
Now, if you think a fly fishing wish book has an endless number of items to buy, I invite you to step into a fly fishing retail store. A fly fishing retail store is heaven on earth to anyone new to the sport or to an old fly fishing curmudgeon.
So, where would you begin if you want to start fly fishing? I have written about this before, but I think this is a good time to revisit that subject.
First, set a budget for your initial investment. If your only research is to read this column you can see the big differences in prices for just the basic equipment. I suggest you obtain a retail catalog to get an idea of what you believe you need to start enjoying this great sport.
Now, take that catalog and go to a fly fishing retail store. Find a knowledgeable employee who looks as if they have some time to invest in you and start your quest.
Ask the professional about the various items you see in the catalog and what this person thinks about the different manufacturers and their prices. A good professional will ask you about your wants and desires for fly fishing. Be honest with your answers. If saltwater is where you will be fly fishing, he will not waste your time with 3-weight rods.
A good retail fly shop wants to build trust and keep you as a customer. Seldom, if ever, have I seen a professional sell a customer something they just will not ever use.
So, look at a wish book, go to a fly shop, then say hi to me as we boot and suit in the parking lot, getting ready for a great day of fly fishing.
Reach Don Oliver at durango.fishing@gmail.com.
