The "fly-fishing community," if there really were such a thing, could pretty easily be divided into two stereotypical camps.
The former, Catherwood "Mump" Wadpacker, the Third. CEO of the world's third largest widget manufacturer, he winters in Jupiter Island, summers at their little place on The Vineyard, and in between casts his grandfather's split-cane with Dick Cheney and Sandy O'Connor at the ranch in Montana. Has Grey's Sporting Journal in one hand, his executive secretary's left buttcheek in the other. Stops into Chagrin Outfitters for a seven-weight set-up for his upcoming week with Chouinard in Patagonia. Still can't cast to save his life; guides know this and pre-hook a big one to hand over to him. Anything for that big tip.
The latter, Jarrod "Dickface" McNulty, the First. Last job was selling used farm equipment; he made it into the second pay cycle before the guys called. Hex hatch was on, Dickface, unemployed. Has The Drake in one hand, the other rooting around behind the truck's seat for that last Foster's he thought he left there. Waders are more duct tape than breathable, rod that was once nine feet is now about eight-ten or so, but the boy can set a #24 Hendrickson on a trout snout from sixty feet, in a twenty-knot wind. Never hired a guide, but has been offered that gig in a few states.
The Chagrin River Outfitters, while catering to the former, both appreciates and understands the latter. Under those fancy, high-tech outdoor clothes might just beat the heart of a dirtbag. Beer for breakfast. Bum steer for a fellow angler who looks like a snagger. Willing to perhaps stop at a brothel to, you know, "ask directions."
In my half-dozen trips to the shop, I've only been skunked once. My philosophy is that if you can even find a brick-and-mortar fly shop in this world, leave some money there. I'm glad they're still fighting the good fight, probably even patient when some tool walks in, spends two hours trying out fly rods then goes on-line and buys the one he likes. Support these guys. They know their stuff, they have some great gear, and they might even offer you some tips. And not just about brothels.
"Excuse me, I said. I thought you were a trout stream.
I'm not, she said."
Richard Brautigan, Trout Fishing in America read more