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A little different column this week. I see that the number,
percentages or whatever of fishing licenses is actually on
the increase. Been a while, 9/11 had an effect on that like
everything else. But, folks are getting into, and back-into,
fishing and fly fishing too. We see it on here every day. New
names on the BB, new guys showing up in the Chat Room and an
increase in our email. Looks like the pendulum has started to
swing in the other direction. "And that's a good thing." We
need all the involvement in it we can get for many reasons.
I want to welcome those of you who have recently found our
website. Glad you have. It is surprising how many of you have
gotten back into fly fishing. It seems almost natural that
many just barely made it into the sport, discovered girls,
got married, raised a family, bought a house, made a life
for yourself and now, here you are again. Back at the 'vice'
so to speak. The nice thing is, it's as good or better than
it ever was and now you have the time and perhaps the money
to make another venture into the, "waters of contentment."
By now you have found there are many websites about fly-fishing
and more are coming on line almost every day. That too is a good
thing. Most are local or at least regional sites with very precise
and current information on water conditions and fishing methods
appropriate for the day. That is not what we wish to provide at
FAOL and so we do not try. Find one in your area and support it
in whatever way you can. If they 'recommend' a local fly shop,
patronize it and let them know why you are doing it. Big box or
not, they need to hear from you so they keep on supporting the
website that is close to you.
We will, of course, continue to bring you new information on
products through our 'Sponsors' page. If you have not taken a
hard look at, try to give the section some attention. Many times
these manufacturers will break information on FAOL first, way
before it appears anywhere else, including your fly shop and
magazines. It is their way of saying thank you to us for bringing
you new and fresh information for nearly ten years now. They also
do it because we ask them to, so you can have it fast and accurate.
You have probably found by now that the 'Product Reviews' we do
are subjective, that is, we do not make comparisons of a product
with several other items, we just try the things out and let you
know what we think. In no way scientific, just plain talk.
We hope you enjoy our website, it's a full time job and we work
very hard to keep it fresh, accurate and clean. You are invited
to sign up on the Bulletin Board if you have not already done that
and take a look at the Guest Book, some remarkable thoughts on
there and pop into the Chat Room too if you like. It is hosted
in the evenings and is like a conversation around a pot-bellied
stove on opening day. The conversation is more like a living room,
not a bedroom, you know what I mean. The host has ways of maintaining
things if ever it would become necessary.
Lastly, remember, it is the dollars from our sponsors that keeps
us on the air. Without their support we would not be here for you.
Try to keep it a two way street when possible. We are welcoming
more all the time and are very grateful for their confidence in
FAOL and their support of fly-fishing in general. If you have
any questions, suggestions or problems, please do not hesitate
to contact us.
Welcome home. ~ JC
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