Wildcat Creek Outfitters is committed to making sure that our clients are equipped properly for any flyfishing adventure they may be undertaking, whether it's bluegill in a farm pond or sailfish in bluewater. We have chosen our vendors carefully for the quality of their products and the support they offer us and our customers.

A plea for the "little guy"

In the past several years, the sport of fly fishing has grown wildly, and as it grows many retailers are "getting into flyfishing". You have more choices than ever as to what equipment to buy and where to buy it.

There are four primary types of retailers who carry fly fishing equipment these days; the Big Box General Store, the Big Box Sporting Goods Store, The Online Catalog, and the Dedicated Fly Shop.

The Big Box General Store
One-stop shopping for groceries, housewares, office supplies, booze, lawnmowers, furniture and sporting goods. You can also purchase some of the stuff you need for fly fishing at what appears to be a cheaper price. But at the end of the day you bought poor quality gear from someone no has no knowledge of what to do with it or where to use it. In addition, when you buy from one of these stores you are paying twice, because they lobbied your local city council for tax breaks such as no property tax and keeping the sales tax they collect from you to pay for their "investment" in your city.

The Big Box Sporting Goods Store
These stores carry lots of outdoor stuff.... canoes, clothing, tents, sleeping bags, hunting equipment, fishing equipment, etc. They often carry a small assortment of off-brand (or store brand) fly fishing equipment, a few fly tying supplies, flies, budget waders, etc. You might find a staff member who has some limited knowledge of flyfishing and your local waters, but don't wait around for them to show up... they're busy restocking beef jerky. In addition, when you buy from one of these stores you are paying twice, because they lobbied your local city council for tax breaks such as no property tax and keeping the sales tax they collect from you to pay for their "investment" in your city.

Online Catalogs
The online behemoths of outdoor products (and everything else) offer no real value other than convenience... you can shop in your underwear. But you pay for that convenience in shipping costs, the lack of knowlegdeable staff, the lack of any real understanding of your fishing grounds, and no concern for your success. Just retail prices, extra shipping, and an email confirmation.

Dedicated Fly Shop - (the "little guys")
Dedicated Fly Shops such as Wildcat Creek Outfitters sell the best equipment manufactured by fly fishing-specific companies in a variety of price ranges to meet your needs, from beginner to high-end. We skip the low-end consumer-grade stuff because its not good for anyone - you or us. In addition, we provide intimate knowledge of local fisheries and distant waters and the equipment and tactics for fishing both. We spend most of our lives making sure your fishing trips are successful and fun. And if you don't get the service you expect you can yell at the owner... he's in the shop. When you patronize the "little guys" you are putting money back into your local economy and helping one of your neighbors make a living while buying the best equipment available for your lifelong sport.

Many people believe that you can buy the same equipment cheaper at a big box store. The fact is that most flyfishing-specific manufacturers set the prices on their products, so there are no savings to be had... just a lack of knowledge. Buying from a dedicated fly shop ensures that you are buying the right equipment for your fishing, that you know how to use your equipment, and know where you can go to catch fish.

There. I'm finished with my rant. I hope you will consider shopping with WCO for all of your fly fishing needs. We're here for you. Holler if we can help.