Great service, knowledge and a friendly shop! Even made my wife comfortable with me spending too much money :)

I walked in to Fish First in early August to ask what I'd need to get started fly fishing for mountain trout. Four days later, I was catching brook trout in the Desolation Wilderness in the Sierra; two weeks later, the same thing, in the Trinity Alps! The guy I spoke with---whose name I don't remember, tragically---was extremely helpful and patient, never giving me the hard sell (even though I wanted to buy stuff!), showing me some of the basics, and directing me towards the right beginner gear (and a beginner instructional book) to buy. read more

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This is a terrific local resource for fly fishing. Very knowledgeable folks, not pretentious. Tons of gear, flies and a really diverse assortment of fly tying materials too. They support local conservation as well. It's a great stop before heading out to the Sierras. Lots of free advice. Even my vegan, non-angling wife even had a great experience. She came here once to get me some flies for my birthday and the staff somehow convinced her to make some great selections and she had a good time doing it. read more

Leo knows his stuff--not just my opinion, but the considered and time-tested opinion of several members of the Grizzly Peak Fly-Fishing club. In preparing for a first outing to go fly-fishing for striped bass at Bethel Island, Leo steered me to the 3 flies I needed for top water and streamer fishing (my partner and I used both streamers and both caught fish) and gave me the gear guidance I needed to pet prepared for a day on the water, when not being prepared would keep you from getting fish. The shop is small but well-equipped with the range of flies you'll want for the wide diversity of California fly fishing. It has a few books I haven't seen before, and the range of gear that one needs, as well as the gear you may want to try out because you can't resist; but if you *need* to resist, Leo can steer you back to the essentials. There's more I could say about firsthand observations of what Leo can tell you, but I'd advise you to go visit the shop and get that experience yourself! read more

If you are a fly fisherman or need a gift for someone who is--this is the place to go. I don't fish; however, I am in the market for a fishing vest to carry camera stuff in so I am not lopsided. I saw one that might work. Like all fly fish gear it is expensive. I'm not sure I want to spend a lot of money for something I may or may not use. The people who work here are helpful. I will say that the fishing flies are pretty I think if I was a fish I would be tempted to bite these flies. read more

Summary based on a couple of visits: --helpful advice for novices --hard to judge prices, since there's essentially zero local competition (that I know about, anyway) --ok parking Extra star for unique resource. read more

Fish First - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Albany, California

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First time visiting and what a great experience! Just what I was looking for in a local fishing store. Lots of details and advice on top of their great selection. Really helped me make smart choices. It's been 20+ years since I fished but nothing but encouragement here. Actually looking forward to my next visit already. read more

Come here first! This place has the expertise combined with good ole fashion friendly customer service which cannot be beat. Today was my second trip and they switched a reel from left hand retrieve to right hand with respooling and refused any payment. The last time I visited was to spool up a new reel that was hub-less. Rather than turn me away since spoolers aren't designed for a hub-less reel, they figured out a way to do it and I just had a phenomenal fishing trip with it. My wife has also done some birthday shopping here and they were super helpful in assisting her to pick out the perfect gift. It's sometimes daunting to walk into these specialty shops, but not Fish First they are awesome. read more

Fish First - Outfit from Fish First and the Epic hub-less reel spooled by the experts at Fish First - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Albany, California

A first rate fly shop conveniently located in the East Bay. Leo and the rest of the crew are passionate about fishing and create a welcoming atmosphere in the store. They know there stuff and can help everyone from the complete beginner to seasoned angler. I learned to tie flies at this shop by taking the great into class offered by Bob Fabini and Leo has helped me purchase rods, reels, and lots of other tackle to get properly outfitted. I always feel like they have the angler's best interests at heart and want to find a good option for you at a reasonable price point. They will never sell you something they think you don't really need and will make every effort to see you be successful. They also have a modest selection of general purpose outdoor gear and clothes. Please support this amazing local business. read more

I came in here looking for a case for my fly rod for an upcoming trip. I was shown a few options and while that Sage rod case was sweet at $71 it was a little pricey for me. I ended up buying the cheapest one which was still pretty nice. I also wanted to buy some fly tying materials so I grabbed some flies and brought them up to the counter and asked Leo to help me out. He was really cool about it and showed me some options for hooks and materials that would save a few bucks in the long run without sacrificing quality. He was very helpful when he realized that I just wanted to buy a few flies so I could copy them by tying my own on my kitchen table at home. This is a great place without the elitist attitude that you get from some of the other fly shops. read more

I'm not much of a rod caster, but I have enough friends and family that are. As such, Fish First is the place that I stop around Birthday and Holiday Times. Not only have have I "hooked" some great gifts, but the knowledgeable folks have coached me so well, that my grateful recipients actually think that I know what I'm talking about. read more

It's a small business focused mainly on Fly Fishing. They've got a ton of different gear in their store as well as books to help you find the right fishing holes or help you get started on learning how to Fly fish. I came in here one day looking for a Christmas present for the boyfriend - he's been interested in fly fishing and wanted to try it out so I thought I'd browse around to see how much fishing poles cost. Me, not having a whole lot of fishing experience, didn't know where to even start on shopping for gear. Luckily, these guys don't mind me asking a bunch of questions and they also had a lot of good advice to give me - one most important was fly fishing isn't an easy skill to learn on your own so it would be best to check out a class before going and spending money on a bunch of gear. They actually offer a beginning fly fishing class but the hours are a bit hard to work with - every first Tuesday evenings every month. They also have clinics but they're a bit more expensive. They don't sell fishing licenses here though. read more

This is a top notch fly fishing outfitter. This means things are really expensive. But if you are serious about fly fishing, this is the way to go. They have all the goods to support this infatuation. They know the fly fishing scene locally and beyond. I'm surprised to learn they offer fishing destination packages worldwide and locally. On their website they even offer reports periodically. Plus the staff is courteous, helpful, and friendly. I learned to fly fish here. The beginner class was helpful and probably a good idea if you want to get started. Then I got my first rod line and reel here too. Out of all my conventional fishing gear, this "starter" set was the most expensive. But it does the trick. They also have carp gear, saltwater fishing gear, shad gear, striper gear, etc. Probably they are not the best at fly fishing the surf but not many people do that. read more

Leo is knowledgeable and friendly... gives incredibly helpful advice for novices. It's hard to judge prices, since there's essentially zero local competition (that I know about, anyway) I found them more than reasonable. Easy parking along Solano. Good recommendations on where it's okay to skimp or where you can cross some lines to get the best value. Also, places to fish and a nice book selection I didn't see in two other stores I visited throughout the Bay. read more

Great locally-owned fly shop. Very knowledgeable staff. Reasonable prices. Pick up your fishing license here before heading out of town. Updated fishing report on the wall. Very good selection of flies, rods, waders, accessories. read more

Super helpful. I am a beginner fly-fisherman and they were good at giving suggestions and explaining.

This is a wonderful establishment. The team is knowledgeable, well connected to the local fly-fishing community, and carries quality equipment. From novice to expert, Fish First is the way to go. Plus, the store is clean, well organized, and parking in relatively easy. Highly recommended! read more

Fish First is a great place to shop for all your local fly-fishing needs. They have a great selection and are glad to help with tips, tricks, and advice. I've only met Leo though, so I cant speak for the other staff. read more

Your typical well-run small fly shop. Leo, Marc, and the rest of the staff are pleasant, approachable, no-attitude and a great resource for beginners to experten. Sure, they'll up-sell you to that $750 Z-Axis if they know that in your heart you want it (and you'll be glad they did), but they'll steer you right too if you're a beginner on a budget, tell you what you really need and what you don't. No fuss or muss with special orders or warranty returns. Good fly selection and a respectable beginners lesson program. read more

Best fly shop in the area for sure! Leo is very knowledgeable AND a great guy!

This place is great. It's clearly the place to be if you are a serious fisherman. I am a backpacker, and wanted to get into fly fishing as something to do in the wilderness. So I went in Fish First with no knowledge, and Leo set me up with an excellent setup. He told me were to skimp and buy cheap, and where to spend my money. 3 seasons and a bunch of trout later, I wouldn't done anything different. read more

Hands down best in the Bay! Great service, awesome equipment and best of all experienced advice tailored to what you need and want. From a reviewer, fly fishing since 1986. read more

Well stocked fly shop. What I especially like is their selection of fly tying materials. They always have what I need there on the shelf which keeps my dollars local without having to order online. read more

I stop by here a lot. I love the small town feel and I always feel like I learn something but I am going to nock off two stars because one of the guys keeps cussing like it is a biker bar. Sorry man I love you guys but sometimes I walk passed when he is there just because I don't want to here it. read more

These guys are solid, knowledgeable, friendly and fair. They keep a local fishing report for NorCal waters. Have a good selection of bugs. I find them to know their stuff and not try to oversell you on stuff. Solid shop! read more

I went in wanting to purchase a couple of feet of fishing line to fix a necklace that had tore. They gave me two feet of fishing line for free. It was really nice of them. I don't fish, or do anything of the sorts. But if they're nice of enough to give me a little bit of fishing line for free, they deserve to have successful business. read more

First of all they have a great selection of gear considering the size of the store! I bought a great little fishpond chest pack that I love here. They have everything you NEED there and have a good selection of flies. Above all else Ive never walked out feeling like I was treated poorly, they treat you with respect even if your new to fly-fishing. Leo has taught me alot and knows his stuff. Sometimes you walk into fly shops and theres a snooty vibe in the air, but not here. These guys are cool. read more

I have to give a BIG thank you to Leo and the crew for helping me find some amazing waders! Leo has been so helpful, and has gone out of the way for me! Everyone is SO helpful and willing to give info and helpful tips. I will be going back for all my gear. Thank you!! read more