Free Hats?

The discount and knowledge is nice. But since I don't have a shop with either close by I'll take a dang hat!
I've ordered from a couple of places online that with every order they have thrown in some kind of material for no charge. Heck!, I drove clear across state to a shop to buy a reel and they threw in a free fly and backing for the drive. Spent a good hour just talking. Also get free shipping on any future orders. The local place gives nothing, no knowledge no discount zip, zilch!! That is why I have pretty much sworn them off. Internet gets 90% of my business now.

I should add that the local places are not mom and pops either. And both could more than afford a hat.

[Dry Fly Guy]

Wow, you guys realy make me appreciate my local shop here in east central Pa. I have been given hats, an organizer each year, very good discounts and much more importantly I am treated as a friend. I receive information, am asked questions of conditions on streams I have recently fished etc. Maybe this is reason Ed has been in business successfully for more than 35 years. I will give him a plug. If you are in or near Pottsville Pa. stop in Ed's Fly shop. Tell him Bruce reccommended it.

[wet fly guy]

I am with Dry Fly Guy , working with our local shop is great, he may not have every thing .But he gets most stuff for you. I recomend using his shop. He is 20 min. north of a Cabela's and we all still haunt the place!

Wet

[ohiotuber]

Bruce...When I get around Pottsville (possible this summer) I WILL stop & see Ed.
Wet...Good for you! I drive over 50 miles to shop & visit with the guys at Books and Hooks in Girard, Ohio & I pass some of the larger stores on the way. ANYONE who has a good local shop in their area certainly understands why.
Mike

[analogbob]

I bought a nice Diamondglass 3 pc, 3 wt from one of their local dealers here in NE Pa. and jokingly asked he he could get them to send me a hat. He laughed and said even he couldn't get one from them, but when he called them in my presence to order the rod for me, he asked them to send a hat with it. Of course they did not comply, as we expected.

I am thinking of getting one of Diamondbacks parent company's new "Sylk" lines to use on the rod. Do you think I should also request a hat from them? After all, I will be giving the business to one of their "Certified Pro" dealers! Maybe I should save my money or buy another brand? Any suggestions?

[jaybee]

I concur with Dry fly and Wet fly guys, Ed's Fly Shop in Pottsville. Been dealing with him for years and he's one of the best!
Joe

[LadyFisher]

The price of Cortland's new Sylk is very modest compared to the usual fly lines today.
If you want it, buy it. I would not ever make a decision to purchase anything on the basis of getting a free hat.

------------------
LadyFisher, Publisher of
FAOL

[Ray]

Let me get this correct, you want to buy a fly line for $45ish and expect to get a free $20 hat???

[dleo6446]

I just got a free hat from one of the FAOL sponsors! I ordered a rod blank and after I did I got an email from them telling me they are sending me a free hat. Now how cool is that??