Re: finding the good deals
I recommend going to your local Trout Unlimited or Federation of Fly Fishers chapter meeting and ask what flies the members use. After trying and tying lots of different patterns I now find that I do the majority of my fishing with just a few patterns (I live in VA):
Shenandoah Mountain Streams, Native Brook Trout: #16 - #12 Mr. Rapidan Parachute in the spring, yellow sulfur pattern (Lt. Cahill) or caddis pattern if any are present, various ant patterns and #14 foam beetles in the summer and fall. Mr. Rapidan Nymph/Emerger or small black nymph (stonefly?).
Stocked streams: a small woolie bugger, caddis dry flies, Griffith Gnat, Bead Head Red Squirrel Tail with Legs. I try streamers if nothing else is working.
I am in the camp that thinks presentation is more important than exact matching of the hatch; just get something that is about the right size and shape, then color, although sometimes like the White Fly Hatch on PA streams you really need a White Fly pattern.
Good luck if pursuit of this obsession,
John ----#***) <*)\\\>{
Re: finding the good deals
Fisherman John ...I do alot of hiking up in those Mountians and yes my future plan include a few nights in the back country or in some of the cabins I rent and do alot of hiking and fishing!
Re: finding the good deals
Quote:
Originally Posted by mdram
actually the shop closest to him is pretty good, i use it also. the owner seems to only sell you what you want or will need. hes even told me that i dont need that but if i want it he would sell it to me. real nice guy
A example of that is when I purchased my first rod he said youve spent enough , now go fish a then come back . Heck I purchased a tying kit today and asked him what materials do I need . He said your not gonna buy any tonight . Then he proceeded to open the book the kit had and said try this one first and proceeded to give me the materials for free and said come back with 12 of them no matter how bad and we will go from there.
Re: finding the good deals
Quote:
Originally Posted by dudley
Not New Hampshire... Manchester Vermont
And they have an close-out outlet just for fly fishing stuff
It's in the old bamboo rod manufacturing shop
Not a real lot of stuff, but worth the stop if you're in the area
Oh yeah.. welcome to the fun
Don't listen to the guy who tells all the new folks that they need to wipe their feet.
I wear my waders in here all the time 8)
I beleive it is the location of their rod manufacturing plant, even today. They have 2 ponds to test cast to and every rod they make to test. If you can make it, do. I have been their more times than I can count and still havent made it to the museum less than 100 yards downsteam from them. It is a little white building just before them while traveling north. You can also buy a lisence and fish the world famous battenkill after your visit to the shop. It'll be tought to find a more finicky bunch of browns in the area, but the tiny brookies always keep you on your toes.
Yes, Orvis can have some nice sales, but all companies do. I love their rods, but some things I find are over priced. Most important thing to remember is always keep an eye out for good deals anywhere you go. Oh, and Welcome, you won't be disappointed.