Evaluating the True Cost of Fly-fishing Products

Evaluating the True Cost of Fly-fishing Products

Have you ever thought about the true cost of a fly-fishing product?

Take waders, for example. How many days on the water should you expect to get out of a pair of waders in order to get your money’s worth? If you spend $400 on waders and only get 20 days of use, you’re basically renting them for $20 a day.

I cannot fall in love with $800 waders in a few days. If I get 400 days of fishing out of those $800 waders, that’s when I’ll say how great they are. But waders are ultimately judged on a pass-fail scale, and the longer they pass, the more valuable they become. You can say they fit like a pair of jeans, but that’s “influencer speak.” The real test for waders is the test of time. We’ll review waders, and talk about their features, initial impressions and all that, but you can’t really talk about value without keeping track of hours on the water.

Fly rods are a bit different. You can pick up a rod, start casting it, and fall for it, almost instantaneously. And once you start creating memories with that rod, it could become even more valuable. Some fly rods that didn’t cost an arm and a leg when I bought them, I now consider priceless, because of the places I’ve taken them, the species I’ve caught and the people they remind me of.

Reels are either the most over-rated, overpriced things you can buy (if you only consider them fly line holders for trout), or the most underrated and undervalued piece of gear (if you’re into design, engineering and/or classic appeal).

It’s been interesting for us to watch the fly-fishing market evolve over the past couple decades. The one thing we’ve found to be consistent is that the companies who focus on margins tend to come and go, but the ones that focus on legitimate (long-term) value are the ones that evolve and last. And the shops that focus on the overall value picture for their customers are also the ones that evolve and last.

One of the key missions of Flylab is to help clarify that value picture, and in doing so, help the shops that sell experiences, in addition to just products, be more successful in that mission.  – Kirk Deeter

Parking Lot Casting

We had a few readers reach out and ask about the value of “parking lot casting” when it comes to testing new fly rods…

There’s some utilitarian value, of course, and this is how 99% of fly shops want you to cast a new fly rod, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But it’s also a fairly controlled environment when it comes to wind, obstacles, moving water and fighting fish. Assume it’s probably pretty challenging to properly evaluate any fly rod without spending the day on the water.

Obviously, if you already have a fairly determined casting stroke and style and are looking to simply add another stick from an existing rod line, you’re way further down the learning curve than the basic consumer doing step-one product discovery. Price should also be a factor in your decision making–the more expensive the product, the more time and effort you should put into the evaluation process.

Fly rods take time, and a few line changes, to dial in the proper casting stroke, and then the angler has to consider if this is the rod design and action they’re comfortable with. End of the day, buying a fly rod isn’t that much different than buying a new car, or pair of skis–you have to try a bunch of different makes and models until you settle on the casting tool that corresponds to your personal fishing style and angling intention. 

A big part of finding the best fly rod (for you) is understanding all the different fishing situations and scenarios you intend to explore.

It often takes a little more time to find what you’re looking for, but the effort is worth it.  

Product Buzz

We review the Orvis Helios 8-foot 5-inch 7-weight fly rod, Umpqua NorthFork Waist Pack and Simms Women’s Freestone Wading Boot. Newport, innovator in electric propulsion for small watercrafts, announces the launch of an Electric Kayak Outboard Motor. Wirecutter writer, Annemarie Conte, explains how social media influencers clog the internet with low-quality products ($). Check out the Wildsam Western Montana field guide: “detailed road trip plans; interviews with poets and journalists, fishermen and innkeepers, a robust guide to fly-fishing tradition and practices.”

Fly-fishing News

Marsh Fest is happening this Saturday, April 27th from 2-9pm at Ink Factory Brewing in Jacksonville Beach, FL (602 Shetter Ave)–great event to raise money for the local saltwater fisheries. Wading safely on the Orvis Podcast, with Ralph Cutter. Filmmaker, photographer and artist, Oliver Sutro, profiled in The Flyfish Journal. Patagonia’s effort to raise wild fish awareness and engagement: Connect Protect (lots of places to get involved). Writer David Coggins on his recent travels to Argentina’s Rio Trafúl and the Estancia Arroyo Verde. American Rivers announces America’s Most Endangered Rivers of 2024.

Recent Press

“I’ve been around the fly-fishing world for nearly 30 years, and I’ve made many long-lasting and meaningful friendships with a handful of very good people. Part of this group have created Flylab, an unfiltered resource for everyday anglers…”  – Captain Conway Bowman

“I love what you folks are doing with Flylab. What can I do to help?” – Andy

Andy, you can definitely help by signing up for Flylab and joining our new community.

We’re always looking for Flylab feedback–send any comments, thoughts, suggestions, and we’d love to hear from you.

Scouting Report

We’re hard at work hunting down the coolest new products, brands and partners you’ve never heard of. 

Montana Drift Rental

Montana Drift Rental is a premium “fishing-specific” boat and gear rental company from Stevensville, MT. With over 19-years of river guiding experience, they specialize in fly-fishing rafts, drift boats, pontoons, skiffs and pack rafts, as well as boating accessories and adventure gear. All of their boats are expertly outfitted with the angler in mind, from fly rod holders, Sawyer oars, YETI coolers and custom trailers.

Flylab discount: 20% off boat and gear rentals.

Partner Spotlight

Musky Fool Fly Fishing Co.

Musky Fool Fly Fishing Co. is a full-service fly shop and e-commerce provider from Madison, WI, specializing in the warmwater fisheries of the upper Midwest. They offer a complete lineup of fly-fishing gear and fly tying materials for musky, bass, trout and other warmwater species. Their musky program is more nuanced than just casting 10,000 times in hopes of a bite. They break down the entire method: flies, casting, gear, as well as learning different tactics by season and water type.

Flylab discount: 10% off all fly shop and website purchases.

If you’re a fly shop, outfitter, fishing lodge or outdoor brand and interested in becoming a new Flylab partner, learn more about our program here. Join the best partner network in fly fishing.