A marketing campaign, or disaster, does not really bother me that much any more. I used to get really ticked off at that kind of elitist marketing though. When I was a kid anyone with a rod by that company was percieved in a certain way. To my friends and I way back then, the big “O” stuff seemed to be owned by the best of the best. But, I was a kid then, not even a teenager. When this company tried to market a Jeep in their colors and logos on it, that was going over the top for me. Having said that, I do own and fish a couple of their rods and a couple reels too.
The Movie has had an impact on fly fishing though. I have fly fished long before the Movie, and it still has an influence. I am a guide in Montana, I see it all the time first hand. So now you have gear retailers marketing to a narrow niche, people with the money to spend on an image. Nothing new here. When I think of all that gear being bought by people to go on a trip with the buddies and then never being used again it is sad. But, all that gear being sold keeps all the fly fishing companies in business. And, many of the people buying that stuff spend a couple days in my boat. They get some toys, go on a distant trip, have some fun and help keep those of us in the business in business. If a few of them find a new sport to love, so much the better.
I have some nice gear now, but not any $600 rods or $400 reels. A couple times each season I grab an old Fenwich fiber glass rod that I made when I was twelve and we go fishing again. That rod taught me to fish and it is priceless to me. It makes me feel like the man.
I can’t believe so many of you got your feathers ruffled by a mannequin…that most of you didn’t even see.
Everything from beer and soda to automobiles is sold the same way.
My New Year’s resolution is to have more fun…even if YOU don’t.
Some folks in the thread said Flyfishing is NOT a religion. They are confused…do not listen to them … they are the Devil.
I believe that Thin Air has hit the nail on the head. Folks argue fly fishing and its variations just like folks will argue religion…and with the same results!
RRhyne56
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IM = robinrhyne@hotmail.com
Seems like when ever I walk into a fly shop or Bass pro or Cabela’s or Wall Mart or Dicks or Sportmans Warehouse or the bait store they are all promoting the best they have.umh must be a marketing ploy.The shack nasties are infectious.
Mike
Well Well Well it sounds like the fly fishing world is gettiing its fair share of ga ga hollywoods also. We in the world of harleys have been dealing with this for some time now. It is discusting but what the hey componies have to make money amd they are going to appeal to the ones that have no sense and a heavy wallet. Everyone has their own choice in equipment and those in this sport with the knowledge will buy what the find fitts their needs. Any company does not rely on the original sale to make it they want new bussiness that will be repeat bussiness and in the process will forget those that made them who they are today. I wouldn’t take offense to something of what you saw at the show I would see it for what it is GA GA HOLLYWOOD!!! and then carry on with my agenda. I sure hope I haven’t offended anyone but that is just my thoughts
The more I visit b-boards I do wonder sometimes,if the “bad rep” of flyfishers has shifted dramatically. Where once it was of the rich, the elite, the snobs, the all show and no-go, to today’s alterego who revels in his Gierach-look, who’s quick to jump the bones of any guy who even condiders paying $300 for a reel, who’s low price or heirloom gear “outperforms” all else. No real point here, just seems some have a quick trigger to damn.
Wow, a lot of folks here worried about presentation. Presentation of the fly fisher and not the fly. Who cares what the world thinks of fly fishermen(women)? I don’t. I could care less of what most anyone thinks when I am fishing. That is why I fish. I don’t care what they think of my rod, my waders, my boots, etc. I don’t care if they don’t like the fact I run a river sled. I don’t care if they think I am a spey rod snob. I just don’t care. All I do care about is if my fly is in the strike zone. I care about the fish being in the middle river or have they made it to the upper river. Are they hitting red or is black the color. Anything other then what the fish think doesn’t matter and I don’t think they care about anything other then getting up river and spawning.
Real men use two hands.
I want to hear more about the “reelgirls”…
To each their own I say.
Reminds me of a fellow I ran into on the river my first season fly fishing. One evening on the St Regis River I ran into two gentlemen from Syracuse, on vacation up north for some fly fishing. One was clearly a seasoned fly rodder, and his technique and success showed it. The other was a friendly fellow outfitted by Orvis from tip top to felt soles. Mister Orvis and I struck up a conversation on the bank, and I admit to feeling a little inadequate in my Wally World rubber waders, and Bass Pro Pflueger rod and reel. Then we waded out into the water and began fishing along side one another. I caught 3 nice browns and so did he. We both had fun, and I’m sure felt we had the right equipment for the job.
As others have said, retailers want their best to standout, I have no problems with that. It seems to me the slogan used is the thing that mostly would turn me away at that booth. I may even have some equipment from the manufacturer; if I do it is because it works well for me. Me being the operative word. My judgement, my taste, my senses, and my enjoyment. That said I fish with some of the better rods and some of the moderately priced rods, even a low end rod or two. It depends on what I am after and where I am at as to which I use. I have a vest, fanny pack, a laynard and a chest pack. I have hip boots, waist high and chest high breathables. All of that is moderately priced. I like having choices. I like my toys. I am sorry if you don’t like my toys; but if you and I were to go fishing and you wanted to fish with one of my toys, by all means you will be more than welcome too. So go ahead and pass me your XYZ rod.
Jerry
Dream the Life, Live the Dream
Laugh at yourself first and all else falls into place
Board of Directors, Valley Forge Trout Unlimited
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it isn’t just the younger generation that thinks this way, 15 or so years ago I first dipped my toes into the fly fishing waters. I quickly gave up soon after when I went fishing at my local club water and found that a high percentage of the members there wouldn’t give you the time of day unless your were using the “right” rod, reel clothing etc. Luckily 4 or so years ago I went to fish another local water and found that the majority of the guys there were down to earth honest people. I still get a bit angry when I think how many years I lost from flyfishing when I let those pompus sods push me away from the sport I so love nowadays.
Born to fish, forced to work.
I really don’t think we need to be so sensitive to advertising or sexism. There are a lot more important things to really be mad about. If you saw the rest of the advertisements around the world, the one you mention is really tame by comparison! -Migs
Yea, I got some Simms and Orvis and Sage stuff (mostly gifts from well meaning non-fishers) but Ya know whats really a lot of fun for me? To take my 30 yr old Fenwick glass rod with the broken tip and Medalist reel with old cheap line and $15 rubber hip boots and go stand next to one of these fashion models, act like the rube and then procede to outfish them. They generally are encouraging at first, then start changing flies and casting harder, then wish you luck and leave.
The only things I won’t skimp on are leaders and flies. The best hooks and leader designs, to me, are where the action is.
This reminds me of a little story I once heard.
In a salmon river somewhere a wealthy fisherman was trying his luck. He had the best equipment money can buy, and clothed in this years colors and cut. Fully automatic and motorised reel, and the most expensive (handmade) rod ever made.
He did not catch anything.
A little further down the river was a local boy. He had a bamboo stick with a hook and worm.
He did not catch anything either.
The morale I leave as selfstudy assignment
Hey Ingar
A story to bring that point into focus. A dozen or so years ago I was at my cabin on the Ausable in MI. Had two young (4,5 year old) nephews with me. Now its Opening weekend, late April, the waters cold and high. Tough to FF except in a boat with a nymph. So, we are bank fishing with bait (legal in that part of the stream) and doing rather well. The little boys had caught several nice trout and a dozen or so suckers and whitefish. Along comes a guide in a driftboat with two dudes. They are “orvised up” and throwing dry fly into 45 degree water. Now I hadn’t seen anything hatch that day. But they’re beating the water to a froth. Just as they get about 100 yds above us the 4 year old gets a bite. He hooks and plays to the net a 20" brown. On a Snoopy pole… The guide immediately tells us we should throw the fish back but the little guys wants to keep it. The dudes ask the guide why they can’t catch them like that. He says its because “real trout fisherman wouldn’t use bait”.
The four year old quickly pipes up, “No, its because you don’t have a Snoopy pole.” They shoved off—cursing no doubt—and we kept and ate the fish.
It’s all about being a part of something.
Don’t ever let someone’s riverside dress code tell you the story, The Cover mighten tell the tale at all, . Best way to get a feel for someone is to get interactive, it’s the attitude, not the clothing or gear that tells the real story. Who knows maybe it’s the guy dressed very common like that is carrying the ego stick and the rich guy with the great buys is the nicest kind of fella.
A person’s character was there long before he or she hit the river.
I just buy what I want, need, can afford, etc. When the fishin’ is good by golly I could be naken pool side and I don’t think I’d notice, 
.
later
Mike
It was the Yuppies that gave our blessed sport the bad rap. Now they are off riding around on Harleys and golf carts and we’re left to clean up they mess they left behind.
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Sorry guys, My friend who tied at the show and then went on to the Texas show just got backed and called and I asked him about it. He did not see the sign at Charlotte. U sure you aren’t putting us on ol’Blue just to stir it up? I’ll be fishing with Furimsky April 1 (the show promoter) I’ll ask him about it.
It’s easy to ignore but I am just curious who would be so tacky, Of course Blue, U can email me who it was…B
flyfishmt wrote:
“It was the Yuppies that gave our blessed sport the bad rap. Now they are off riding around on Harleys and golf carts and we’re left to clean up they mess they left behind.”
Let’s just be thankful they left!
Bob
Do you think the fly shops that have gone out of business are glad the “Yuppies” left?
Keith