Tys Flies Posted March 7, 2005 Share Posted March 7, 2005 Well I began pondering life today as one is wont to do and lately I find myself in a connundrum as to what Im going to do with my life as far as career choices. At 19 (yes I know Im a young 'un) but I would like to have a good foothold or idea as to what I will be so that when Im 40 I don't have the largest midlife crisis in the world and say "holy f**k time to wake up." Anyways currently Im at the U of A taking a BSc in environmental conservation which in the end means I have a clean piece of paper to wipe my a$$ with or if Im lucky I could be a fisheries biologist which was my intention. However, after struggling through this year and it is almost over (whew) Im questioning whether I want to return to our famous institution. My passions are fly fishing, fly tying, being outdoors, cooking, and writing. So I am thinking of something that could include these. Outdoor Journalism crosses my mind. A dream of mine that has been rolled around my head a few times is opening up a fly shop. Now heres the rub: is there a market for one in Edmonton, will there be a huge customer base or just the faithful few, what does one have to do to get a business open, what are the costs, should I model it after anything, and so and so on? Mostly Im looking for some advice from you edimicated old farts. Any suggestions or inquiries as to what I can persue in Fisheries biology, outdoor journalism, or a flyshop, or all of the above. Should I take a leap of faith and go with the entrepreneurial path of opening a business, should I go take some journalism and creative writing course, should I continue with University and hope in the end all the pain is well worth it, or do I get an Environmental Tech diploma at NAIT. ENLIGHTEN ME PLEASE. PS. RB I love how you hijacked my Captain Obvious lol, you should change your avatar to my pic I made. It suits you, j/k. I wish I could change my title on the hierarchial standing of fly fishers. TIA, TF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scratch Posted March 7, 2005 Share Posted March 7, 2005 PS. RB I love how you hijacked my Captain Obvious lol, you should change your avatar to my pic I made. It suits you, j/k. I wish I could change my title on the hierarchial standing of fly fishers. Ty - RB's advice is solid - follow your heart and your gut. If you wanna do the shop - do it - just prepare for teh work and the costs. It could be very rewarding. As is - you should start working on an NLFT fly book as a start.. since you'll need to do many of the same things... kiss bum to people you don't want to, and suffer repeated visits from Ranger Bob. BTW - you want your title changed - tell us to what... or we'll make something up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DennisS Posted March 7, 2005 Share Posted March 7, 2005 I've also consider this option but unfortunately my working capital is somewhat limited at this time. What would make it work is a tough one You would most diffenetly need to go the full route from tying down to or up to accessories ie pontoon boats to clothing. I don't think a store like Denny's(basically flytying) would make enough any longer. It sure would be nice to have a story more geared to use flyfisherman. Good Luck Tight Lines Always Dennis S. Save a Worm use a Fly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tys Flies Posted March 7, 2005 Author Share Posted March 7, 2005 Thanks for the responses guys. I will see where this year takes me and if I decide to return to school. Perhaps in a few more years and some well thought out planning we may see a flyshop return to edmonton and yes my intentions would be the whole deal not just geared to flytying. Thanks for the career advice guys and if there is more, Im all ears. TF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Dell Posted March 7, 2005 Share Posted March 7, 2005 Ty, We could use another flyshop in Edmonton. The question is whether there are enough of us to support one. To be successful you would have to have stuff that you can't get at the other shops, you would have to be willing to special order our outlandish requests ("Urine stained vixen fur, yes sir, I'll order that immediately."), and the prices would have to be competitive. I spend a lot of money on materials and other stuff. But I go to all 3 Fishin' Hole stores, the Fishing Centre, Wholesale Sports, and the flyshops in Calgary, plus ordering online and through friends. So I spread the money around. When Denny's was here I spent a lot of money there because they had stuff you couldn't find anywhere else, and it was reasonably priced. But I have also reached the point where I have so much material that I don't know what I have. A small square of nutria fur I bought from Denny's for $2 will tie hundreds of flies and I'll never use it all. However, I do go through staples like calf tail and peacock herl at an amazing rate. Plus there's all the "new" materials for the latest flies that I buy even though I could substitute. These are some things to consider. Good luck. Michael Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tys Flies Posted March 7, 2005 Author Share Posted March 7, 2005 My vision: to take away the sales from the fishin' hole, fishing center, and wholesale sports. I think they're selection and the materials that they do have are crap and a lot of it seems old like its been sitting around for awhile. Ive voiced my disgust to the asst manager at the west end hole and he stood there and listend to me Umbridge for a half hour and said your not the first one to say that and agreed with me whole heartedly. My intentions would be to open up an up to date, informative, consumer friendly shop, that would cater both to tying and fishing. It would be modeled after such outfits as the Bowriveroutfitters, Fish Tales, and the one's in Fernie. I want it to carry new products as well as the stand by's. I would also prob. be looking American for supplies as I don't think superfly is anything to call home about. This is the type of shop I like, the one that I can spend hours looking in and get lost in the whole aspect of the sport. I believe I have tons of ideas, its whether I have the money, the time, and the ambition to do so. Perhaps even if I did get it open and Doc was still doing his float tube guiding it would be a place for him to be situated out of, just a thought. Id like it to be as good or better then the one's that you guys love and adore. I would prefer local sales and local ordering over places like Cabellas and Dan-bailey. AH TO DREAM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scratch Posted March 8, 2005 Share Posted March 8, 2005 Uhhh... Nothing like alienating the only sources you currently have for product... huh. ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacres Posted March 8, 2005 Share Posted March 8, 2005 Tyler, customer service would be the biggest advantage you could give. I'd love to see you give the shop thing a go. It would be great to have a dedicated fly tying and gear shop in Edmonton. As others have commented, materials and rods, and reels would be a must to make it in today's market. One thing to note, while speaking with many fly shop owners, I often hear them comment on how they lack the time to fish. You will likely not get alot of time to do any actual fishing, but that would be a sacrifice for doing something your heart is into. Good Luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjtopspin Posted March 8, 2005 Share Posted March 8, 2005 TY, One of my sons finished BSc in Environmental and Conservation Sciences at the Uof A a few years ago and now is employed as a fisheries biologist with the State of Alaska Fish and Game. My daughter- in- law finished the same degree and is currently employed with the Federal Alaska Fish and Game and both of them are quite happy with their jobs. I think you made the right choice for a career, Tyler. I got my son into fly fishing also as of last summer. He loves it. Lots of streams and lakes over there. As for the fly shop, that's a great idea. We will support you. Joe L. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tys Flies Posted March 8, 2005 Author Share Posted March 8, 2005 Uhhh... Nothing like alienating the only sources you currently have for product... huh. ? Scratch care to elaborate? Are you suggesting the comments in regards to Superfly are in essence alienating them? I don't mind superfly I should've rephrased the previous post however when us flytyers walk into a shop such as the Hole, the Center, or Wholesale, who is it that fills the shelves. It is superfly product. I would like a wider range of products. How about Orvis, Rainy's tying foams, more Tiemco hooks to choose from, or even the infamous Gamakatsu. What about other sources of dubbing instead of Hairline. I surf the net dailly looking through tying products and so on and feel that there is a lot more out there that would be desirable then what superfly provides. One thing to note, while speaking with many fly shop owners, I often hear them comment on how they lack the time to fish. You will likely not get alot of time to do any actual fishing, but that would be a sacrifice for doing something your heart is into. Through all of this I am not saying that I am going to go through with the shop I am just feeling it all out b/c as of now I dont know where I am going with my schooling. I am just looking at my dreams and yes, I realize the limited fishing time. That was Denny's statement before he closed down as well. As of right now though I dont get out near as much as I would like to due to other things in my life anyways, if I get out 10 times in a season I would say im lucky. One of my sons finished BSc in Environmental and Conservation Sciences at the Uof A a few years ago and now is employed as a fisheries biologist with the State of Alaska Fish and Game. My daughter- in- law finished the same degree and is currently employed with the Federal Alaska Fish and Game and both of them are quite happy with their jobs. I think you made the right choice for a career, Tyler. JJ, I know the program I picked was the right decision as far as something that I would enjoy in the future and related to what I currently like to do: FISH. However, after being part of the University thing for a year now I am contemplating whether or not it is for me and if year 2 will be better then year 1. I am by no means a stupid kid (indication is my attendance at the U of A and finishing highschool with an 85% average and acing some of my writtend diplomas); however, it takes a certain breed to succeed here I feel. Could you ask your kids if they have any advice for me? If it gets better as you continue? Are they honestly happy with their careers? What kind of renumeration they are getting (wage, location, benefits)? Alaska seems intriguing but dont know as though I would want to live and work there. TF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave robinson Posted March 8, 2005 Share Posted March 8, 2005 Ty: I have done quite a bit of mentoring and career discussion with student and aspiring professional engineers. Some observations for you. Only 2/3 the way into year 2? You're about where most U students find themselves at that point. Year 1 is a big transition from High School. Adjustment is the big deal. Year 2 you know the ropes better, but wonder if you're getting anywhere. Going into year 3 is where you make the big decision. That's not whether or not you want to get the degree, (you're 1/2 way there, and job wise a degree these days is a must) but what to focus on while doing it. The trick is to look at what you've been studying so far and decide, out of all that stuff, what really turns your crank. Then go pick what excites you now and pursue it. Select courses and options that fit with your interests, and achievement and marks will take care of themselves. One thing to remember, is that for most U graduates, a working life will consist of a minimum of 3 different careers. It's very seldom that a career ends up where it started out. That's part of life, change and growth as an individual. So don't view today's decisions and dreams as the final product or as being irreversible. It's all a process, not an end. Plan your studies to keep options open, not close them down. Keep your eyes and plans open to opportunities. Maybe a fisheries job or a fly shop is in your future or maybe while trying to get there, you'll discover something else that you love but leads in another direction. Go for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tys Flies Posted March 8, 2005 Author Share Posted March 8, 2005 QUOTE (Tys Flies @ Mar 6 2005, 10:22 PM) ENLIGHTEN ME PLEASE. Ty, didn't you know Pacres works for SuperFly? I think they make terrific stuff.... especially the Stillwater Solutions stuff. Premo! http://www.springcreekprams.com/stillwater_solutions.htm I wasn't aware of that actually. Maybe it is just me than (young and ignorant), the materials I've used from there general line I haven't been to happy about; bad luck I guess. Stillwater Solutions on the other hand I think is a very good line and would stock it. I know for myself that I have used products from other companies that I personally like better. Alot of the shops Ive been in carry a wide scope of products rather than what our shops here carry (which is what I keep reiterating) it is like Superfly has got the monopoly and I don't see much variablity but of course correct me if I am wrong. I am not totally bashing the company if it comes across that way, I do use their products b/c there isnt much selection and it suffices but I like what I see on the American side of things. Having said all this if the flyshop did go through it would be designed for what the consumer wants not my own personal preferences as I do need to make a profit. Perhaps when Im done this semester I will begin to set up a platform and see if it is feasible and I will run it by the club. I already have a name picked out and everything. It's funny this all started a fire in me after having a convo. with my parents about what I am going to do with my life and what I want to do. TF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tys Flies Posted March 8, 2005 Author Share Posted March 8, 2005 Only 2/3 the way into year 2? Actually DR, I am just finishing up my first year To say the least I feel kind of embarassed to be complaining this bad and trying to set myself a concrete path this early in my life. Thanks for the advice and I have heard it countless times, but it doesn't seem to register. Even my Dr. told me to stick with it and he said "take it from a guy who put in 12 years, its worth it." I'll go discuss things with some councillors on campus after I get through my exams in april. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scratch Posted March 9, 2005 Share Posted March 9, 2005 First and foremost - I appreciate your desire to do this - and I also respect that you have an opinion - and you are absolutely entitled to voice it. However... Nothing like alienating the only sources you currently have for product... huh? Scratch care to elaborate? I'd love to. My vision: to take away the sales from the fishin' hole, fishing center, and wholesale sports. For ANY business to be successful - you need to have a market - and yes - perhaps 'taking away the sales from the fishin' hole, fishing center, and wholesale sports' is a way to do that - but for the moment - your 'vision' and 'mission' might be confused. Your 'Vision' is probably more along the lines of creating a community supported - successful full service fly shop - the new Denny's - and have the support of the local community. Your mission - should you choose to accept it - is to successfully compete with the established shops. Have a business before you make your mission statement public. It's better business acumen. I think they're selection and the materials that they do have are crap and a lot of it seems old like its been sitting around for awhile. The materials they have are crap? Wapsi, UTC, Stillwater, UNI, Metz, Hoffman, etc. etc. etc. - they're crap? Perhaps they aren't what you want - but that doesn't make them 'crap'. Not on the shelf? Pay your money - and they will order it. Product that is sitting around for a while... This should tell you something. NO retailer wants stock that 'sticks around forever'. If it's there - it's either material that isn't desirable in a particular market - or there are better sources. Perfect example - how much foam goes through fishin hole? Much less since we discovered Michaels and the dollar store. How bout shlappen? There aren't a whole lot of tyers using it - so why order 30 packages in 10 colors? Ive voiced my disgust to the asst manager at the west end hole and he stood there and listend to me Umbridge for a half hour and said your not the first one to say that and agreed with me whole heartedly. Yep. You're right. Money talks and bullshit walks. Having spoken to Bob a number of times - he'll make more on an ice fishing tent than he might make on fly-tying materials in a week. You can't run a business on bitching. If the materials don't move - you're sitting on money. It sucks - but unless you can recognize revenue for product - it's wasted shelf. The manager (as Mike from the club - oh - doesn't he work at FH west end?) would likely attest - there isn't a lot of choice - because they have to sell what they order - and if they can't - its wasted cash and shelf space. Often - that is why there is always 'staple' material - herl, thread etc... and less of the more 'interesting' material. I would also prob. be looking American for supplies as I don't think superfly is anything to call home about. And that is a distinct option. However - having shopped Orvis and LLBean in the states - they don't have what Superfly has - in fact - much less. Just tailored for their market. As for whether or not to write home about it? Save the money for the stamp - because the material Superfly provides is often 4 or 5 stamps a package cheaper than your 'American' product once you work in your import costs. (Yes - as a shop owner - that plays a bigger part to things than you might realize.) I'll just let the altruistic "I'll let Doc hang out at my shop" bit hang right where it is - because while the suggestion made me giggle a bit - it's a great concept. I would prefer local sales and local ordering over places like Cabellas and Dan-bailey. Never limit your market. Remote and mail order sales could keep you alive. Nuf said. Now. With respect to alienating your sources - you managed in 1 very long paragraph to 'dis' Lorne (club member and supporter, and booth space provider at the sportsmans show), The crew at the fishin' hole (also members and supporters, and providers of space at the fishing show), Superfly (also members and supporters - and people that you would want on your side the day you opened.) Interestingly - you said: I think they're selection and the materials that they do have are crap and a lot of it seems old like its been sitting around for awhile. and I would also prob. be looking American for supplies as I don't think superfly is anything to call home about. but then you say... I don't mind superfly I should've rephrased the previous post however when us flytyers walk into a shop such as the Hole, the Center, or Wholesale, who is it that fills the shelves. It is superfly product. So - the product they sell to the local shops is crap, and nothing to write home about - but you don't mind it - you're just tired of their stuff cause you've seen it all... (does that sum it up?) If you had NEVER seen the line - and saw it for the first time - would you be impressed by the general quality, price, and variety? I still am. It's not all specialty stuff - there are companies that do ONLY specialty stuff - Superfly is about quality product - at good prices, with consistent quality and a reasonable variety (Pacres - if I'm off on that one - please let me know). My point here is that in a small market - you have to accept the limitiations of the suppliers, retailers, and if you want something special - you can find it. I'd love dedicated fly-fishing shop - I'd love it enough to have my own chair there. And I'd buy my material there - and assuming that there are 500 others like me - who will spend 500 bucks in material a year - for 250k in revenue - maybe it's possible. But keep in mind - you'll be selling the same product as Fishin Hole, Fishing Centre, and Wholesale - a bunch of crap you wouldn't write home about. Peppered with a few expensive items from the US, Europe, and the east/west coast that might not sell so well to a province / city of a million people who predominantly baitfish for walleye and pike. So. I've elaborated. You gotta love opinions - everybody has one. You in for the KISS swap Ty? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tys Flies Posted March 9, 2005 Author Share Posted March 9, 2005 LMAO, I love you Scratch. Ya I love opinions having voiced mine apparently. The start of this thread was in no intention to be a dis towards the club members who work and own the other shops. You are right it is more of me being tired of superfly than actually hating their product. And with Wholesale sports, the Fishing Center, and the Fishin' hole, I got caught up in my anger b/c everytime I go into one they don't have what I want or need yet they have ice augers, ice tents, spin casting reels, jigs, and spoons. You are right you need to establish a competitive market, hell ive taken two Economics courses this year. I would just rather have a one stop flyshop then bouncing from those other three and perhaps sway the people that do buy their flyfishing and tying stuff there to my shop. The name products Superfly carriers are not crap I guess I should've thought that statement out better, I don't like their bulk materials ie) the patches of furs, etc. I will admit that I do like the american stuff but yes your right again costs come into play I'll just let the altruistic "I'll let Doc hang out at my shop" bit hang right where it is - because while the suggestion made me giggle a bit - it's a great concept. I wasn't asking Doc to hang out at my shop. I was just comparing it to places in Calgary where they run a guide service out of their shop. I thought it was a good idea to have a local guide and educated man to advertise his services. With the mail orders, what I meant was having people come to me to make orders rather than persue it on their own. To close: I thank you for the enlightenment Scratch thats what I wanted, you sound like you have quite a swagger for business. Once again excuse the young ignorance and the ambition within. Apologies go out to anyone Ive offended: Darren, Lorne, Michael at the 'Hole. Yes I am in the KISS swap if they allow people with "Foot In Mouth Disease" TF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DennisS Posted March 9, 2005 Share Posted March 9, 2005 Ty I congradulate you at admitting that there my have been some flaws in what you were saying. It take a good person to be able to admit he wrong at times. I hope I've got the ability. Scratch some very good points. Just to elaborate a bit. You must remember that SuperFly is only the supplier and are dictated by what is order so if stores have crap in them then the stores ordered it not SuperFly. SuperFly most like has what ever you want in the new materials as they are in business to make a profit and there will be stores like you want to open up wanting these new things. (Darren weres my samples) We somehow need to educate our flyshops but again as scratch said a icefishing tent make more money in a week than flytying material or equipment. As for Stillwater Solutions I'm not sure if SuperFly is the Supplier it may go through Phil. This could be all wrong I've none to be wrong at times that I can admit to. Ty keep up the good work see you tonight. Good Luck on the Store its needed. Maybe someday we will be compatition. Tight Lines Always Dennis S. Save a Worm use a Fly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacres Posted March 9, 2005 Share Posted March 9, 2005 Ty, didn't you know Pacres works for SuperFly? I think they make terrific stuff.... especially the Stillwater Solutions stuff. Premo! http://www.springcreekprams.com/stillwater_solutions.htm Thanks. Stillwaters Solutions is made by superfly. Alot of thought and care goes into ALL Superfly products. I'm not saying this because I work for Superfly. I used and loved Superfly products long before I started working here. Superfly jhas over 7000 DIFFERENT products, and to stock it all in one shop would be insane. If you are looking for something a shop doesn't carry, put in a special order, and you will get it. If there is a demand for any products, the shops will bring it in. Seriously can't wait to see some 'tri-lobal' trickle into the stores... cool stuff that be. Most of the shops in Edmonton carry it right now in the full range. It's seriously cool stuff. If you had NEVER seen the line - and saw it for the first time - would you be impressed by the general quality, price, and variety? I still am. It's not all specialty stuff - there are companies that do ONLY specialty stuff - Superfly is about quality product - at good prices, with consistent quality and a reasonable variety (Pacres - if I'm off on that one - please let me know). Dead On. As for Stillwater Solutions I'm not sure if SuperFly is the Supplier it may go through Phil. This could be all wrong I've none to be wrong at times that I can admit to. Yes Superfly does produce stillwater. It's done with the same care and attention that all of our products are created with. Not to sound like a commercial, but Superfly has great fly tying materials. You guys have a great resource with me working at Superfly. One of the best parts of my job is that I get to play with materials. Are you looking for new colours? Materials? Tools? Ask me. Show me the colours your looking for. If you have a suggestion for a new product, let me know. We may be able to work with it. It would be great to see a shop that is dedicated to fly fishing, with friendly staff who don't mind sharing information, and expertise, have a great selection of Rods like Scott, Sage and G&L. reels like Islander, Hardy and Okuma. As well as a great selection of materials not only from Superfly, but also other great products from suppliers like Hairline and Wapsi. My 2 cents.... See you guys at the club. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tys Flies Posted March 9, 2005 Author Share Posted March 9, 2005 Ty keep up the good work see you tonight. Good Luck on the Store its needed. Maybe someday we will be compatition. Dont know if Ill be out tonight Dennis, plan on staying home and finishing my KISS flies. Also, the girlfriend is coming over and she wants me to teach her how to tie, that could be an adventure in itself, lol. And actually boys I got an awesome swap idea for when were done the KISS one, and Darren gets his magic tool wrapped up, and you guys are done the stage one put on by SH. Ill announce it in the next couple weeks and I will give everyone ample time to tie b/c I probably wont get to tie mine until after exams. Cheers,TF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Alberta Al Posted March 18, 2005 Share Posted March 18, 2005 Hello Guys, I'll join in on the materials issue. Been a tyer for 38 years, tyed huge volume for better than 10 years and still do contract and flybox orders. Mike, Scratch, and others have all made good points. As a general rule, Superfly materials are second to none in quality. Dyed colors are always good. The reason why all the shops in Canada (my experience is from Ontario to B.C.), is that they have consistent supply and the materials are good. If you want consistently good polar bear, seal, bucktails, and several other products - they have it. The outfit in B.C. (the name escapes me right now - Dragon - something maybe) also has good polar bear. Feather-wise they have it. I know much of the Superfly staff personally, and they are a great bunch. Mike makes the point about be willing to make special orders. Denny's was in a class of their own on this subject. Maybe the best of all time in finding obscure materials. I miss their shop. Good folks too. But Denny's waw a Mom and Pop flyshop what could bring in the obscure stuff. It makes no sense for Superfly to do the same. The scale of business is totally different. Some materials are not in great demand. Some that aren't in Western Canada are obscure including some Tiemco and Partridge hooks, showshoe hare (but Superfly has started to carry this), Snipe, European Woodcock, Pearshalls thread and floss, and several salmon fly materials. All fly shops have several sources of supply. Superfly, Hareline, Uni-thread, Orvis, and local taxidermists to name a few. You would be hard pressed to rely on the others to make-up what Superfly can currently supply you with at this moment. Even as a contract tyer, I still order from Superfly (heavily), 2 places in England, 1 in Scotland, 2 shops in Maine, 1 in Iowa, 1 in Washington, 1 in New Jersey, 1 in Ontario, and used to order from 1 in Pennslyvania. I've ordered from lots of shops and wholesalers over the years, and Superfly is as good as they get. My .02 cents Canadian, Alberta Al Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon Troller Posted March 18, 2005 Share Posted March 18, 2005 OK I have some good insight in this regard. First for those that don't know I am the youngest son of Bernice and Reg Denny. Second Denny's started as a fly tying only store in my family's basement. It then moved to a store on 127ave and 118th st (not sure of the street. At that time it was still a fly tying specialty store but started to carry more fly fishing related goods. It was then expanded to a larger shop on 129ave and 108th st. By this time it was still very strong in fly tying but also carried quite a bit of fly fishing and rod building equipment. The shop was run mostly by my mother with a strong presence from my father as well. Approximately 4 years before Denny's closed the shop was sold to my brother and his wife. Ian and Debbie ran the shop for another 4 years or so and were very close to having full Internet shopping available. My Brother closed the shop due to one reason. That reason was that it took alot of time to run and weekends were spent in the shop rather than on the lake fishing. Weekends were often very busy at the shop so it was rare that it would be closed due to a fishing trip. The shop never lost money, It never made a ton of money but it always made a proffit. Denny's was in operation for close to 30 years. Thoughout its life mail order was a significant part of the business. Denny's prided itself in customer service and the feeling that if we didn't carry something we would get it. We had a lot of very loyal customers. (Continued on next post) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon Troller Posted March 18, 2005 Share Posted March 18, 2005 The fact that my father was also a fly tying instructor didn't hurt either. My advise is two fold. 1. Running your own business is a lot of work but also has rewards. 2. If there was a shop catering to fly fishing in Edmonton that also had an internet presence and was customer service oriented I think it would do well, I don't think anyone would become rich from it at least not finacially rich. I can tell you this, I wish I had learned more from my father in the fly tying realm. I consider myself a rookie tyer at best who never really had an interest in tying in my younger days. Fly fishing was always high on the list however. It get sick to my stomach every time I have to walk into the another fishing shop. The service is just not up to the standard I was so used to. I think I am gonna have to start raiding my brother and father's basements for materials. My 2 Cents Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Alberta Al Posted March 18, 2005 Share Posted March 18, 2005 Hey Dragon Troller, A Denny, eh. I always liked the shop. Where else could you get size 17 hooks, snipe wings, golden plover, Engish silk floss, wolf fur, and that old time fly shop aura. Your MOM was a great dyer of fur and feather. I liked her colors. I tied some flies for the shop in its last years. Nymphs mostly. Do you ever fish your brother's dragon pattern made with the toothpicks? One of my favorite dragon patterns. Cheers, Alberta Al Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon Troller Posted March 18, 2005 Share Posted March 18, 2005 Your MOM was a great dyer of fur and feather. I liked her colors. I tied some flies for the shop in its last years. Nymphs mostly. Do you ever fish your brother's dragon pattern made with the toothpicks? One of my favorite dragon patterns. Ahh the smell of dying deer hair Oh yes Ian's infamos Sulpher Dragon. Caugt quite a few trout on that the last time I was at the lake it was named for. Gonna have to get him to ty me a few or at least teach me how to do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave robinson Posted March 18, 2005 Share Posted March 18, 2005 I have a much better idea Dragon. Why don't you convnce Ian to come out to a club meeting a demo the fly for all of us. There's lots of us that would love to see him again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon Troller Posted March 18, 2005 Share Posted March 18, 2005 Well I can't guarentee what Ian will do but I think that I will be joining the club and attending the meetings regularily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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