Autumn of 2022, the Flylords team embarked on an extensive month-long journey through five American Western states: Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. Their mission was clear – to emphasize the significance of fly shops within the fly-fishing culture.

While the idea of the Fly Shop Tour appeared straightforward, the Flylords crew quickly discovered the immense effort required to bring this concept to fruition. They covered a staggering 2,500 miles on the road, visited a total of 13 fly shops, accumulated 50 hours of footage, and raised over $15,000 for five conservation groups through in-person events. Yet, their journey was far from over.

Whether it was meticulously planning each venue, collaborating closely with the fly shops, or launching the five-part YouTube series, the project demanded seven months of relentless dedication from start to finish. Throughout the challenges they encountered, a common theme emerged – a successful project is built on a good idea, but an exceptional project thrives when everyone involved shares a deep belief in that idea.

As soon as rubber hit the road, something magical started to happen. Every fly shop, conservation partner, and brand expressed a strong desire to contribute. An abundance of ideas and energy flowed from everyone involved. Not because they sought personal or brand recognition, but because each individual involved in the tour had their own story of how a fly shop had played a pivotal role in advancing their passion for fly fishing.

The fishing community thrives on the principles of sharing knowledge and experiences. This is precisely why fly shops have remained the cornerstone of the sport. No matter where you look you can find examples. It's why when you scroll through Instagram and peruse the profile of the average fish bum, you'll discover a treasure trove of grip and grins. We all have stories to tell, and we relish the opportunity to share them. It's the same reason you might willingly pass on an entire fly box to a kid on the side of the river. We all want to expand our fishing knowledge, share our experiences, and pay it forward. Regardless of your fishing preference, we all believe in fly shops, the people who work there, and the impact that they have on the future of the sport. 

Let's be honest. You can certainly purchase gear online, but nothing can replace the relationships, wisdom, or the genuine experience you gain from getting to know the folks at your local fly shop. They are sanctuaries for the dirtbags as much as they are libraries for the experienced retiree.  Regardless of where you fit on the spectrum, there’s a story to be found every time you step into a shop. Click HERE to support local shops and locate a Simms retailer near you!

As you gear up for this season, don't hesitate to revisit Season 1 of The Fly Shop Tour episodes HERE. Last fall, the Flylords team hit the road once again for the second time, embarking on a month-long tour of the Southeast, covering four states: Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Stay tuned for updates on their events and anticipate an early March release of next season's Fly Shop Tour.