At every fly tackle show, there's always something that stands out from
the mountains of products. It's the one thing you thought was a great
idea. It's fun looking at all the stuff, but sometimes it gets a little
repetitious. It seems everyone has a new rod, reel or float tube these
days. You can find dozens of shirts, vests and nets that look the same
at first glance. If you want to see a new wader, you'll have a lot of
chances; everyone has one.
So, what do you pick as the best? I decided
to look for the best value at the show. You know, the most
bang for the buck. I also set my sights on a product or line
of products priced at a level appealing to the novice or
intermediate flyfisher. A product line you could afford on a
modest income. A product line I can afford on my modest income.
I chose the Pacific Fly Group as the
best of the show because they offer a line of excellent
products priced in a very affordable range. You
won't have to sell your car to afford one of their nets,
jackets or vests; but it might look like you spent a
bundle on them.
For instance, how would you like a
long handle net with a wood frame and a cane hoop? Add
catch and release netting and a beautiful finish and
you'd expect to pay anywhere from $65 to $165, but not
if it's a Pacific Fly Group net. Their nets fit the
product description but are priced from $8.95 to $29.95.
If it's a vest you're after, they
have a sweet one that looks identical to one offered by
a major company in New England. The one in New England
sells for about $165, but the Pacific Fly Group vest sells
for $59.95. If you want a nice mesh vest, that one sells
for $49.95. Folks, these are retail prices!
They offer a waterproof, breathable
wading jacket for $99.95 retail. If you want the deluxe
model, it sells for $169.00. Their vent back fishing shirts
have roomy pockets, roll up sleeves, come in five colors and all
the common sizes for $35.00 retail. Not bad, eh?
Their wading shoes are nice looking,
offer good ankle support, are light weight and have thick,
felt soles. The regular version sells for $69.95 and the
studded version sells for $74.95. Again, this boot looks a lot
like the one offered by a famous company in New England for
about twice the Pacific Fly price.
Since this company does a lot of
private label clothing for other companies, I wonder
where that company I mentioned earlier gets their
clothing? I won't lose any sleep thinking about it
though, I've already decided where to buy my next
vest and boots. Hmmm, maybe a few more shirts would
be nice.
Ask the fly shop you deal with if
they carry Pacific Fly Group products. If they don't,
ask why not. If they resist the idea, call
1-800-582-5145 for the dealer nearest you.
~Al Campbell
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