Suggestions For Area Fly Shops

[MaxDrown]

Don's Crawfish and Sneaky Pete flies.

A section dedicated to what is currently working in the surrounding area.

[Greg]

The only way I can think of that I could be served better is in the area of hooks (which Phil already mentioned) and tungsten beads. It just seems like wherever I go I have difficulty finding what I want especially decent hooks at what I consider a good price. Boxes of 100 would also be nice. Tungsten beads - seems like whatever shop I go in is always out of a certain size and it's generally (murphy's law) the one I need.

I shop at the area small shops much more often than I do bass pro or cabela's. But I am guilty of going to both on occasion for 2 reasons. One is the hours. At times I work late and bass pro in Springfield or Branson is my only option (because the fly shops are all closed). I do realize it is just not possible for the shops to stay open like a big box store. The other is that I do really like the Bass pro white river brand hooks. Quality hooks at a fair price in my opinion.

Some quick kudos though: On other forums you read about fly shop nightmares at times. Rude or snooty owners and/or employees and such. I have never experienced that in MO. I frequent BCO more than anywhere else but I've also been to Tim's fly shop, Lilly's, River Run outfitters, and many others. I have always been treated with courtesy and respect and given good advice. And over the years become pretty good friends with several owners and/or fly shop employees.

Greg

[ness]

I wanna see a strike indicator that'll float a heavy nymph and a pair of BBs, won't come off, easy for me to see, invisible to the trout and helps with casting. Also, it needs to be about $0.25 and last forever. You know -- something with German engineering and Chinese labor.

[Flysmallie]

I wanna see a strike indicator that'll float a heavy nymph and a pair of BBs, won't come off, easy for me to see, invisible to the trout and helps with casting. Also, it needs to be about $0.25 and last forever. You know -- something with German engineering and Chinese labor.

Heck Ness, we've had those forever.

[ness]

Goodun Ronnie

[Phil Lilley]

The only way I can think of that I could be served better is in the area of hooks (which Phil already mentioned) and tungsten beads. It just seems like wherever I go I have difficulty finding what I want especially decent hooks at what I consider a good price. Boxes of 100 would also be nice. Tungsten beads - seems like whatever shop I go in is always out of a certain size and it's generally (murphy's law) the one I need.

I shop at the area small shops much more often than I do bass pro or cabela's. But I am guilty of going to both on occasion for 2 reasons. One is the hours. At times I work late and bass pro in Springfield or Branson is my only option (because the fly shops are all closed). I do realize it is just not possible for the shops to stay open like a big box store. The other is that I do really like the Bass pro white river brand hooks. Quality hooks at a fair price in my opinion.

Some quick kudos though: On other forums you read about fly shop nightmares at times. Rude or snooty owners and/or employees and such. I have never experienced that in MO. I frequent BCO more than anywhere else but I've also been to Tim's fly shop, Lilly's, River Run outfitters, and many others. I have always been treated with courtesy and respect and given good advice. And over the years become pretty good friends with several owners and/or fly shop employees.

Greg

T-beads. I have all sizes (Wapsi carries) in gold, nickel, black, brass and copper in the regular beads. I don't carry the hex beads- I think that's what they're called. No one has asked for them that I'm aware of. Besides, I have no room on the rack for another set.

Hooks- Wapsi is coming thru with more TMC 100 packs now so I'm pretty good on hooks.

[Phil Lilley]

Heck Ness, we've had those forever.

We have those. 4 sizes.

[fishncrazy]

That's a pretty tough question,I mean you can cover the Basics sure. But there is far too many (whims)variables out there.

Artic Fox,I agree with that, it's hard to find outside of Mailorder. in all colors.

[mic]

How about tying kits? Detailed instructions for a fly pattern, and supplies to tie a dozen or so.

Phil,

Going to piggyback on this one and the one from the vacationer. When I come in for a vacation and ask what flies are hot...it would be cool to have a "recipe card" for your hot flies and the supplies to make them. That way I can walk out it a couple flies, the card, and the supplies that I need. That would help out your customers who like to tie and fish.

If I were to offer a comment on your current inventory...it was hard to find specific flies from the markings on the outside of your cases. Wasn't a big deal because your staff was very helpful, but if the store is busy, it would be nice to be able to figure it out on my own. The drawers are soon thin, but big I'm not sure how you could do it...maybe a simple catalog in a three ring binder with the case and self number.

Can't wait to see you in October.

[Jack Jones]

The big advantage you guys have is the service. Patience is a huge thing. I'm relatively new at fly fishing when I'm around I have a million questions, I take forever to decide, and I research the hell out of everything before I buy. Being able and willing to answer those questions knowledgeably, especially in relation to the waters you are on is great service.

One thing I would suggest is make sure you have an email address that is functional and checked regularly from your site. Make sure it is prominently displayed.

Tim, I almost missed yours because it's hidden at the bottom of the page in relation to everything else.

In this busy day and age, and given that your shops are often an hour or more away, it is nice to be able to email anytime day/night about what you have, what you don't, and what you can order.

I know when I've been in Phil's shop and Tim's, I've had great experiences.

I've only been to BCO once. It seemed to be closed on the weekends when I went to go there.

I've never been to Readings, but I hear its good. Had a tough time getting info about it because they didn't have a website.

That's my .02 (more like a nickel)