Why does fly fishing face a challenge in attracting young people? At least one reason is the perception that fly fishing is too expensive. For example, I recently corresponded with a guy in the San Francisco area. While he didn’t have any fishing experience, he had a real interest in learning to fish and wanted a fishing rod for an upcoming trip to Yellowstone. So he was asking questions on a college alumni board.
Before I knew he was in San Francisco, I had encouraged him to come to our Festival and/or the classes that the Carolina Fly Fishing Club will be offering this Spring. He was gracious about the offer and told me he was already aware of the San Francisco club and some of the free lesson they offered. So what could be better – learning from world-class instructors at one of the best teaching locations in the world, and then going fly fishing in Yellowstone?
Then the problem reared its head – the perception of gear cost. He was reluctant to try fly fishing, because he didn’t think he could afford to gear up in the sport.
Yes, fly fishing can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Remember the Eagle Claw rod you started with? They still make them and the price is right. Cameron Mortenson of the Fiberglass Manifesto has written about the rod, and is impressed - http://thefiberglassmanifesto.blogspot.com/search?q=eagle+claw
If the Eagle Claw is not the right fit, Zach Matthews has recently written some excellent blogs on the sweet spot for entry gear - http://www.itinerantangler.com/blog/podcasts/2014/03/17/used-fly-rods-v-new/ (New Domestic v. New Imported v. Old Domestic Fly Rods)
I am also impressed with some of the excellent offerings from companies like TFO and enormously grateful for their generous support of the Federation.
Finally, sometimes excellent deals can be found at our Festival. (Keep in mind, however, that auctions are actually our fundraisers, so we also welcome people to bid higher than retail.)
So there are options for getting into fly fishing for around $100, and numerous options for getting a range of excellent rods at price points well below those of the newest industry flagships.
As ambassadors of the sport, we encourage everyone to keep in mind that perceptions of the cost of fly fishing can seem daunting to many. It is easy to get the impression that fly fishing is too expensive for ordinary people. Please make the most of your opportunities to correct the misperception. To finish the story, that perception of cost is keeping the guy I mentioned away from fly fishing, at least in the short term. Knowing his interest in fishing, his friends bought him some conventional fishing equipment and supplies that he will use on his trip. We certainly wish him well. Maybe one day, however, he will stop by the casting club and realize that fly fishing can make time on the water all the more enjoyable.