Women Who Wade
Beginner guide

How to walk into a fly shop (and what to say)

By Tineessa, founder and fellow beginner · 5 minute read

A woman walking up to the open door of a fly shop with rods and flies in the windows

I will be honest with you. For a long time, the hardest part of fly fishing for me was not casting or knots. It was walking through the door of a fly shop. I did not know the words for anything, I did not know what to ask, and I was worried I would be the only person in the room who did not belong there.

If that sounds familiar, this guide is for you. It is what I wish someone had told me before my first visit. I am still learning too, so think of this as one beginner passing notes to another.

1. Remember that you belong there

Every person behind that counter was a beginner once. A good shop wants new people to walk in, because new people become regulars. You are not interrupting anything. You are exactly who the shop needs.

It is also fine if the first shop you visit is not the right one. Not every shop is welcoming, and that is not a reflection on you. That is the whole reason we are building the First-Timer Friendly badge.

2. Go at a quiet time

A weekday morning or early afternoon is usually calmer than a Saturday morning in season. When the shop is quiet, the staff have time to answer your questions properly, and you will feel less rushed. You can also call ahead and ask when a good time to come in would be.

3. Open with one sentence

You do not need to explain yourself or pretend to know more than you do. Saying you are new up front actually makes the conversation easier, because the person helping you knows where to start. Here is the sentence I use:

“Hi, I'm brand new to fly fishing and I'm not sure where to start. Would you be able to help me?”

4. Questions worth asking

Pick one or two of these. You do not need to ask them all in one visit.

  • Do you offer beginner classes or casting lessons?
  • Can I rent or borrow a rod, reel or waders before I buy anything?
  • Where is a good place nearby for a beginner to practice?
  • What do I actually need for my first time out?
  • Is there a women's clinic or group you would recommend?

If they offer a class or a lesson, that is a great sign. A shop that teaches beginners is usually a shop that is happy to see them.

5. You do not need to buy a full setup today

It is easy to feel like you should leave with a bag full of gear. You do not have to. Many shops and lessons will lend or rent a rod, reel and waders, so you can find out whether you love it before you spend real money. Ask what they recommend for a first season, and take your time deciding.

RENT

The one thing you will need before you fish in California is a fishing license if you are 16 or older. The shop can usually point you to where to get one, and many people buy it online through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

6. If it does not feel right, it is okay to leave

If someone is dismissive, talks down to you, or assumes you are shopping for someone else, you can say thank you and walk out. There are shops, clubs and instructors who genuinely want to help women get started, and you deserve to learn somewhere that makes you feel welcome.

Where to start

We have gathered beginner lessons, women's clinics and free casting classes across California, each with the price, the dates and whether gear is included. Several are free.

See women's programs See free lessons

Have a shop that made you feel welcome? Email hello@womenwhowade.com and tell me about it. Recommendations from women who have been there are how places earn the First-Timer Friendly badge.