Okay, I'm stuck in San Francisco for a week of computer geek
conference. What do I do? I google up "San Francisco" and "fly
fishing" and come up with Leland Fly Fishing Outfitters at 463 Bush
St. http://www.flyfishingoutfitters.com/
Okay, its just outside the entrance to China Town and I'm staying in
Union Square so I'll wander over.
Hmm, pretty nice shop. Lotta Simms and Fishpond. Good set of books
too. I ended up buying a fly fishing mystery novel called "The
Snowfly" by Joseph Heywood.
I'm talking to the owner, swaping stories and the place is getting
better and more crowded. These guys LOVE to fish, they love the
industry and they're expanding (which is contrary to the downsizing of
the industry norm, i.e. going out of business). Seems that they pride
themselves on their customer service. It really shows. Wow, what a
concept. I believe that's why they're so successful.
Ian, their on-line guru took me on a tour of the shop. They've
recently taken over the ground floor of their building, as they were
previously in the basement. I mention fly tying and they show me the
back room and basement with racks of fly tying materials. Hmm,
what's this? A professional photo studio? Well, that's for their
"Upgrade Program." http://www.flyfishingoutfitters.com/p/p.aspx?mlid=2360
I'm intrigued.
Ian explains the program. You send them some old equipment (rods,
reels, vises....). They'll even send you a shipping label and pay for
the shipping. They research the item, write it up, take at least 5
pictures and sell it for you on Ebay. I glanced at some of their Ebay
items and they have some great write ups. They deduct the Ebay and
Paypal fees from the final sale price and send you a store credit.
Its good for two reasons, you don't have to worry about all the Ebay
wheeling and dealing (and possible ripoffs), Paypal payoffs, write ups
and photos. They get your business from the store credit. Yeh, you
can roll your own, but this takes care of it in one fell swoop. This
is also a great idea if your club gets a bunch of donated stuff.
Leland sells it for you and you can raffle off the store coupon (or
just say "you've won a set of Simms waders. Here's the number to
call, just tell them your size). I like it.
Finally, the owner donated a Ross Flywater 2 reel and line to my
club's Spring Fling. They didn't know me from Adam, I didn't ask, but
they like working with clubs.
There are so few fly shops left and this one seems to be doing all the
right stuff. They are knowledgeble, helpful, they're doing some
unique marketing and sales and they have a great location. Check 'em
out online or drop by an visit when you're in town. Also. looks like
they have some great trips to book.
Standard disclaimer, I've no fiscal interest in this shop and have
only been there once.
Frank Reid