"The Fly Shop" in Redding, California just sent out their catalog for the 45th year.

The Fly Shop is one of the largest single, stand-alone fly shop operations.


They offer just about everything you can imagine:


Walk-in Retail

Online Store

Catalog Sales

International Travel

Private Water

Guide Service

Fly Fishing Schools at their Antelope Creek Ranch


Mike Mercer has been with the shop almost since the beginning.

He is my pick for the Number One Person in this wonderful industry.


When the founders, Mike Michalak and Brad Jackson, were getting started I actually let Mike go through my 4 drawer file at my fly shop in Sacramento to copy down all the vendors that I bought from "back in the day."


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I think my favorite Fly Shop catalog cover photo was from back in the 90's. It showed a guy posing with a large rainbow that flopped loose just as he was posing for the photo. The cameraman caught the moment with the fish free in the air and the gentleman grimacing at paradise lost. (I just hope the fish didn't hit the deck.)

It's always a pleasure to pour through the pages of the latest catalog when it arrives. Perusing the shop while in Redding is even more fun.

As for Mike Mercer, I couldn't agree more, except to say that you guys are probably tied.

It's a great shop - that provides great products and advice.

I third the Mike Mercer nod for the best - great man, great tyer and fly-fisher a better friend!!!