I just returned from the rodbuilding/flyfishing show in Charlotte. I had to walk through the flyfishing area to get to the builders area, and noticed a display from one of the upscale suppliers (I’m not going to name the specific brand). They had a mannequin all dressed up with the company’s waders, vest, boxes, rod, reel, hat, etc. You get the idea. There was a sign stuck to the front of the mannequin that read “If you want to be the man, you have to buy the man.” I really wish that I would have taken a picture. As a flyfisherman, I really found that particular attitude offensive. I’m pretty sure I’m not the man, but if I was, it wouldn’t be because I bought equipment with the right label. I know this particular attitude exists, but I’ve never seen it quite this blatantly demonstrated. Is this something you have dealt with often or is it just a poor marketing decision?
I’m not trying to start an argument here, between factions, but personally that is the sort of advertising that will turn me off of a company and I’m curious to see how you would view this approach. I know the non-flyfishermen I was with basically responded with “That’s why I don’t flyfish”. My own personal gut-instinct tells me that anyone who would fall for such advertising tactics would probably be better served with lessons.
[This message has been edited by ol’ blue (edited 27 February 2006).]
Oh it exists EVERYWHERE! … I don’t know why. Maybe it was the FIlm, … maybe it’s marketing.
Maybe it’s today’s “society” that thinks you can BUY knowledge/competency.
Sure I have guide weight breathable waders and a gortex jacket. … They WORK. Did I buy them to get my picture taken, … no!
I just hope that newcomers to the sport aren’t taken in by the hype. I mean, … I’d rather teach 10 kids to fly fish on my “Black arrow” loaner rods, than one would be magazine cover model who was more interested in makin a fashion statement than really learning about stream habitat.
Perhaps it ought to have read, “We are looking for some pompous chumps with cash to burn.” Not to imply at all that wearing that gear makes one a pompous ass. Not at all.
But implying that one has to wear that gear to be a “man” is the point of pomposity.
Yes, it would put me off as well.
When I was a kid, fly fishermen such as my grandfather wore a battered fadora hat, a buffalo check wool jacket, wool trousers, and hip boots. They carried a cane rod and a woven willow creel.
When I dress like that I feel like a true fly fisherman…no really
fishing will do a lot for a man, but it won’t make him truthful
Ol’ Blue
The young seem to believe that You have to dress for the occasion…and If flyfishing is the occasion you must dress the part.
Clothes and expensive rods, reels, and supporting equipment along with a big SUV signifies a great fisher in their eyes, and in some cases they’re correct. But what you are referring to I think, is the guy who dresses the part but hasn’t reached a skill level to match!
Sorta like the Olympics wanna-be who buys jumping skis before he’s ever hit the beginners trail.
Just my $0.02 worth, but they are in the business to sale and it sounds like they were displaying their best. Can’t blame them for that. It’s like that every where. You don’t walk into a car showroom and see there most reliable/cheapest car. You see the Cadillac’s (so to speak) and maybe that is what the shop was trying to do. FWIW
Here are my thoughts on the matter.
Flyfishing is not a religion. You can
make up your own rules as you go. If the
company in question has found a market for
their gear, kewl, that is after all the
American way.
If their gear does not suit your fancy,
that’s kewl too! Go with what does. To me
it’s like the difference between a top of
the line Gatti or Sage rod. It’s a great
tool. But if it’s not the way you choose
to go, there are other tools available over
a broad price range. Basically, I’m saying
that there is something for everyone and I
don’t begrudge others whose choices are
different than mine.G Warm regards, Jim
While I’m a bit on the young side to remember how lfyfishing was before “The Film” I did grow up with, and was strongly influenced by, fly fishers who hardly fit the mold you see in catalogues. I think fly fishing is often portrayed as being for the upper class, and I think that a lot of companies try to appeal to the nouveau rich out there. I recently saw an ad on tv for an investment company who showed their investors who had made their money through the company fly fishing. I think it can also be blamed on us as an instant gratification society. Like JC says, “How long does it take to learn fly fishing? Who knows.” I think people think that if they spend $800 on a rod and $500 on waders that fish are going to throw themselves at theit fly. Whew…sorry, but I had to get that off my chest. Just my two cents…
[This message has been edited by buckeyetier (edited 27 February 2006).]
I hope that I don’t fit in the class you are all discusted with, but I do enjoy the finer/quality items. I wear the Pro Guides, Simms Aqua Stealth, WJ chest pack & Bamboo net, Tailwaters Wet Jacket, Wool under jacket,CFO reel, Battenkill 3pc Bamboo rod, etc. I don’t wear it to be a snob, or even how I look. I bought it cause of the features and I am to the point where I can afford and like them. As far as the upper end rods, I still believe that more time is spent on perfecting the blanks, hardware and cork and you can feel it. Waders, I have brushed against some pretty sharp stuff and my waders still look great, shoes…they fit and feel good.
Again, just me.
Not unlike JC, I confess to some curiousity about who this was, but can probably guess. However, whoever it was, it only takes one bonehead to do something like that. I’m just hoping that isn’t the person who runs the company.
You know what?
If reading that sign, buying those duds and labels, and lugging expensive equipment out to a stream makes someone with low esteem feel better about themselves, who am I to judge.
It only bothers me when they wade in front of me through a run I have been quietly casting, to loudly ask, "Seen any fish? " And it bothers me when I come upon a “Dude” standing bent over in a Redd trying to lip hook a pair of spawning Rainbows.
I try never to judge people by their clothes or equipment. That Orvis clad “Dude” may be a seasoned fly fisher whose old vest of thirty years has just been replaced.
Which brings me to another point; Fly Fishers are generally a frugal bunch and hold onto equipment for years. The manufactures have to market the goods to new demographics, if the quantities manufactured go up, the prices should go down, everyone should benefit.
A Mannequin eh?..to Be THAT Man…wouldn’t you have to be full of hot Air?
Cheers
DuFf
Some days it’s just not worth chewing through the restraints…
I don’t really have anything against the company in general. I think they make some decent equipment. But certainly not necessarily the best and definitely not the most expensive. I’ve considered buying their products in the past and will again in the future. And to be clear, it wasn’t the supplier themselves, it was one of their retailers.
I really do wish I had taken a picture. I’d be surprised if Orvis (OOPS! Did I say that out loud?) would have approved that particular advertising technique.
I guess my faded Wranglers, Justin Ropers and Woolrich Mackinaw don’t go with my Hardy and nice cane rod?
“The true angler is generally a modest man…”
Thaddeus Norris “The American Anglers Book”
(1864)
The quote of course can relate to women as well as men fishers…Jonezee
I learn more about the world while talking to myself when fishing alone
I don’t think anyone’s saying that buying the best is all about being a snob. What I believe is that companies should not be perpetuating the myth of FF’ers being snobs or rich, etc. I think the best marketing would be for a company to show a young professional in the latest namebrand gear fishing alongside his/her father and grandfather in gear that looks appropriate for their generations, and also carry that same name brand. That would, IMHO, portray the durability of the gear which is what can be used to justify the higher costs. They can even do a comedy commercial where the grandfather has brand X that looks to be 30 years old, dad has brand Y that is very ill fitting and he spends most of his time getting into the ill fitting gear, while the son/daughter has new brand X gear and is fishing alongside grandpa while they shake their heads at dad. But then, I’m not a marketer so these are probably horrendous suggestions.
I suppose I’m on the young side of things and I would have to agree that the ideas expressed by the afforementioned mannequin kind of irk me too. I got into flyfishing fairly young and I still wouldnt count myself as remotely able to afford glamourous things. Flyfishing in general maintains an image to the public that is one of big bucks. It’s unfortunate because the people on this site are evidence to the fact that you can enjoy your time with as little expense as possible, or as much. In a way, I take comfort in knowing that. I still save my spare change to buy new gear (a nice new reel this weekend in fact!), I don’t think a fly-in trip is in my near future. And flyfishing is STILL the best way to catch fish I’ve found.
[This message has been edited by Broadwing (edited 27 February 2006).]
Jonezee, Your look works for me, but I can’t help but think that is not the message they are trying to convay. Just new stuff and new gizmose. I don’t think they expect you to buy into the whole thing, but maybe the vest, waders, boots, even that zinger with the built in tape measure. (I haven’t seen the display so this is just examples) Just new stuff for those interested. The sign was a little bold, but again marketing.
I was at the same show and saw the same mannequin. I have always had an aversion to this type of advertising. There are plenty of people who like to outfit themselves with top of the line gear. They have the resources and are simply putting their resources into something that gives them alot of fulfillment. I think that’s great, and I fish with a few guys who have “the best”. However, these same guys are as down to earth as anyone could be. What I mean is they don’t have a snooty, ahsty-fahtsy demeanor going on.
I guess I’ve never bought into the whole concept “You are what you wear”. It’s taken me almost 5 years to get outfitted with rods and reels, waders, rain gear, and everything else that goes along with flyfishing. I love this sport. I try my best to love everybody. I’m grateful for the gear I have. And no one can make me feel inferior without my permission. To be honest, I feel pretty good about my lower end waders and wading boots, regular 'ol gortex rain coat, and floppy hat.
I may have some cause for concern … I got a Tilley hat and a pair of Columbia zip off pants and a Columbia shirt for Christmas. I wonder if I’m gonna’ change who I am by what I wear. Nope, you can take the boy out of the country but you can’t take the butterfat out of the boy.
Hope no one is offended … that’s not my intent.
Cheers everyone.
