Your Questions About Fly Fishing Gear

Joy answers:

I’ve bought quite a lot of fly fishing stuff online, but I’ve never really bought something “blind.” That is, I’ve never researched a major purchase online and bought it unless I’ve at least looked at it and handled it in a store. I’ve always picked what I wanted (a rod or reel or whatever) by trying it out first at a store or by borrowing a friend’s, then purchasing online. Online sellers can often offer bigger selections and better prices than brick-and-mortar shops. While I try to support my local retailers, sometimes you’ve got to go online to get what you want at the best price.

I think I’ve looked at classicflyfishing.com a time or two but have never bought anything there. I’ve heard praise for those Hardy reels but they’re a little out of my price range — I’m not sure I’ve ever even seen one. So far I’ve had no trouble catching fish on reels in the $100 price range, but if that’s what your dad wants and you’re going to get him one, all I can say is — you’re a very good son. Heh.