Nov 26, 2024
Why Is Fly Fishing Gear Expensive?
Most Americans have felt the effects of inflation in recent years, and fly fishing anglers are no exception. The average cost of a premium fly rod now exceeds $1,000, with many even surpassing $1,200! For some, this might seem like a steep price for a piece of rolled carbon with cork on one end. It’s a common question: What makes fly fishing equipment so expensive?
Let’s break it down by examining the key factors behind product cost.
1. The Basics of Manufacturing Costs
Every fly rod's production cost can be divided into three main components: materials, labor, and product development.
Material Costs: These depend on the quality of components such as the guides, cork, and carbon.
Cork: High-quality cork is a premium material. The difference between average and exceptional cork is noticeable in both price and performance.
Carbon: The price of carbon varies based on advancements in technology. Much of this technology is driven by industries like aerospace, and we benefit from its trickle-down into the fly fishing world.
Guides: These also range in cost depending on the manufacturer and design.
Labor: Producing a high-end rod is a hands-on process, from rolling the carbon to assembling and finishing the rod. Skilled craftsmanship plays a huge role in the final product.
Product Development: Every new rod design requires significant time, effort, and financial investment in research, testing, and prototyping before it hits the market.
2. Breaking Down the Retail Price
To better understand where your money goes, let’s look at the journey of a $1,000 fly rod.
Dealer Margin: A dealer typically takes a margin of 40% to 50% of the retail price. For a $1,000 rod, this means the dealer paid around $600.
Distributor Fees: Many rod manufacturers work with distributors, who charge 10%-20% per sale. After deducting these fees, the manufacturer might receive $500 or less.
Excise Tax: Manufacturers also pay an excise tax. While rods are capped at $10, reels incur a 10% tax on the wholesale price.
Manufacturing Costs: For a premium rod, manufacturing costs (materials and labor) are estimated at $180-$225.
In this example, the rod company earns roughly $300 per rod after all these deductions. However, this margin must also cover marketing, product development, and operational overhead.
3. How Taylor Fly Fishing Keeps Costs Lower
At Taylor Fly Fishing, we take a different approach to offer premium products without premium pricing. Here’s how:
No Distributors: We sell directly to dealers and consumers, eliminating the 10%-20% distributor fee. Instead of pocketing that savings, we reinvest it into our products, ensuring you get the best quality for your money.
Efficient Marketing: You won’t find Taylor ads in magazines or traditional print media. We focus on grassroots efforts and direct engagement with our customers.
Selective Dealers: While we do sell to dealers, we partner only with those who understand our brand and share our commitment to value.
This lean and efficient operation allows us to sell our premium rods for around 70% of the cost of major competitors—without compromising on quality.
4. What Are You Paying For?
When you’re shopping for a fly rod or reel, it’s worth considering: Are you paying for a premium product, or are you covering marketing expenses, dealer networks, and distributor fees?
At Taylor Fly Fishing, we firmly believe in providing the best bang for your buck. While we respect other brands in the industry, our conviction is that premium products should offer premium value—not just a premium price tag.
Thank you for supporting us, and as always, tight lines!
Matthew Taylor
Founder, Taylor Fly Fishing
Nov 13, 2024
The Four Branches of the Fly Fishing Government
The Four Branches of the Fly Fishing Government
It’s election season, so why not have a little fun with the “government” of fly fishing? In my opinion, fly anglers can be grouped into four distinct branches, each with its own priorities, quirks, and passions. Let’s explore these branches—and maybe you’ll find where you belong!
1. Catching
Many assume that catching fish is the ultimate goal for all anglers, but that’s not always the case. However, for this branch of anglers, catching more fish is the goal. These anglers are open to all styles and techniques—streamers, nymphs, euro-style, spey, dry flies—whatever gets the job done! Their motto is simple: whatever works.
Catching anglers thrive on the thrill of netting fish after fish, and they’re willing to experiment endlessly to make it happen. You might even catch (pun intended) one of them throwing conventional gear when the situation calls for it (gasp!).
2. Trophy Hunting
These are the thrill-seekers, the daredevils, and, some might say, the psychopaths of fly fishing (just kidding—mostly). Trophy hunters are on a relentless pursuit for the big one. Picture this: casting thousands of times without a single catch, all in the hopes of hooking the legendary troutzilla.
For these anglers, small fish are an inconvenience at best. Their passion is singular—landing that once-in-a-lifetime monster. If you’re patient (and maybe a little obsessive), you might just fit in with this branch.
3. Casting
For these anglers, it’s not about the fish—it’s about the cast. Perfecting the art of the cast is their ultimate pursuit. They delight in the feeling of a perfectly loaded rod, watching tight loops unfurl in the air.
This is the branch I fall into. I love casting so much that I’ll head to the park just to cast on the grass! Experimenting with techniques like the double haul, spey casting, roll casting, or even advanced mending is where these anglers find joy. Catching a fish is a bonus, but a day spent casting is a day well spent.
4. Tying
The homeschoolers of the fly fishing world, these folks are masters of arts and crafts. Fly tying is their passion—spending hours (or even days) at a tying desk, turning feathers and thread into miniature works of art.
Some tiers rarely fish; they tie flies simply for the joy of creating. Fly tying rooms are something to behold—packed with every material imaginable and an endless supply of creative energy. If you’ve ever met a dedicated tier, you know their minds are a unique and wonderful mystery.
The Unicorn
While not an official branch, the unicorn deserves mention. Unicorns are those rare anglers who excel in all four branches—catching, trophy hunting, casting, and tying. These mythical beings often fish solo because fishing partners can’t keep up with their dedication.
If they’re not fishing, they’re tying; if they’re not tying, they’re reading or dreaming about fly fishing. Meeting a unicorn is a special event. Approach cautiously, ask a few questions, and if you’re lucky, you might befriend one. Unicorns are incredibly generous with advice, techniques, and even flies.
So, which branch of the fly fishing government do you belong to? Whether you’re a dedicated caster, a passionate tier, or even a unicorn, every branch plays its part in making fly fishing the wonderful sport it is. Tight lines, friends!
Nov 11, 2024
Why Taylor Fly Fishing Stands for Quality and Value—Not Cheap
When people think of Taylor Fly Fishing, I want them to think “value” — but never “cheap.” Our entry-level products, like the Dynamix rod at $220 and the Element reel at $220, are priced to provide incredible performance without compromising on quality. While these prices may not be considered high-end, they’re also far from "cheap." You can find entry-level kits from other brands around $200 for a rod, reel, and line, but those often fall short in terms of quality and durability.
At Taylor, we’ve found that anything priced below $200 MSRP for rods and reels leads to a steep drop-off in quality. At those lower price points, performance no longer reflects the value we aim to provide. Our goal has always been to create products that give anglers substantial value, and we don’t believe low-quality gear offers any real value. Our rods have premium cork with minimal filler, responsive yet durable blanks, and sleek hardware—none of the stiff, heavy, or unattractive components often found in lower-priced options.
The Dynamix at $220 has been exceptionally well-received, and it’s so popular we often struggle to keep it in stock. For its price, the Dynamix blank outperforms many rods in the $400-$500 range, with cork quality that rivals more expensive models. The look is classic and understated—a perfect match for any angler.
For Beginners: Should You Start with a Cheap Kit or Invest a Little More?
A common question beginners ask is whether they should start with a cheap kit or invest a bit more upfront. We recommend spending slightly more on gear that will grow with you as an angler. The Dynamix and Element are both designed to serve beginners and seasoned anglers alike, offering performance that lasts as you improve.
If you’re just starting out, here’s a solid build to consider:
Dynamix Rod - $220
Element Reel - $220
Scientific Anglers Frequency Line - $60 (If you can invest more in the line, it’s worth it—line quality is crucial!)
This setup totals around $500. If that’s still above your budget, consider saving on the reel initially; a low-cost, cast-metal reel under $50 can hold you over until you’re ready to upgrade. While it might not last long or look as nice, it can get you started without compromising the quality of your rod and line.
The saying “buy once, cry once” holds true—though with Taylor, you won’t need to shed too many tears. We’re dedicated to helping you keep your hard-earned money where it belongs: in your wallet.
Tight Lines,
Matthew Taylor
Nov 4, 2024
Choosing the Perfect Fly Fishing Rod, Reel, and Line: A Complete Guide
So, you're considering a new fly fishing rod and reel. While it might sound straightforward, choosing the perfect setup can be overwhelming for many anglers. How can you know you’re picking the right rod and reel? What line should you buy? And what if you don’t end up liking your choice? Here are a few helpful tips to guide you through selecting the ideal fly fishing rod, reel, and line for your needs.
1. Know Where You’ll Be Fishing
Where you fish most often can help narrow down your choices. For example, I live in New Mexico, where most waters are smaller creeks, rivers, and lakes. I fish 99% of the time with a 4wt and a 5wt. Realistically, I could fish nearly anywhere here with just a 4wt. If you live near larger rivers or windy locations, however, a 5wt or even a 6wt might make more sense. Consider your fishing environment and choose a rod size suited to those conditions.
2. Set a Budget
Let’s be honest—fly fishing can be a pricey hobby. The average premium rod now costs over $1,000! Set a realistic budget and allocate wisely. For freshwater fly fishing, I recommend spending around 60-70% of your budget on the rod. While most freshwater reels can get the job done, a quality rod can make a big difference. If you’re on a tight budget, consider our Dynamix rod at $200. It’s not the cheapest on the market, but it offers excellent value. For those considering a premium rod, look into our Z Series (Truth Z, Anomaly Z, and Refine Z), starting at $699—superior to many of the premium rods available today.
3. Choose the Right Action
Rod action can be confusing. While opinions vary, I generally find a medium-fast action suits new anglers better than fast action. If you know the types of flies you’ll be casting, that can help narrow it down too. I prefer fast action rods for dry fly fishing and medium-fast action for nymphing or weighted flies. Fast action helps generate line speed, while medium-fast allows for slightly more open loops, which is great for lobbing techniques.
4. Looks Matter
While aesthetics won’t impact your catch rate, they do matter to many anglers. If you’re investing in a rod and reel, you should enjoy how they look. There are plenty of excellent options out there, so don’t settle for something you don’t find appealing.
5. Consider the Company Behind the Gear
What kind of company do you want to support? Maybe you prefer a large, established brand for peace of mind. Or maybe you want to support a smaller company with top-notch service. At Taylor, we offer a 30-day return policy and a fast, reliable warranty process. Plus, our products are typically priced 20-40% below competitors, helping you keep more in your pocket.
6. Choose the Right Line
Selecting the right line is essential! Most rods are designed to pair with specific line types, and using the wrong line can compromise performance. At Taylor, we provide line recommendations for each of our rods. If you’re unsure, reach out to the manufacturer—they’ll guide you to the best choice.
7. Balance Your Rod and Reel
A balanced rod and reel setup makes a big difference, especially over a long day on the water. Ideally, the weight of the reel should counterbalance the rod tip, preventing it from dipping when you're wading or casting. Here are some general guidelines: for a typical 4wt rod (8’6” or 9’), aim for a reel around 5 oz. For a 5wt, about 5.5 oz, and for a 6wt, roughly 6 oz. These are just ballpark numbers, but they can help achieve a more comfortable setup.
8. Cut Through the Marketing Noise
Every brand claims to make the “best” products. But how can you know what’s real? Here are my tips: be cautious of reviews from retailers—they can be biased. Instead, check out forums like The Fly Fishing Forum for more impartial feedback. Look for details like the quality of cork, guides, and the finish on the rod. In my opinion, external craftsmanship often reflects a brand’s attention to quality internally as well.
I hope that info helps! If you need any other recommendations or just want to chat products, feel free to reach out to our team here at Taylor!
Tight Lines,
Matthew Taylor
Oct 17, 2024
FOUR REASONS TO LOVE WINTER FISHING
Many anglers spend the winter season dreaming of summer days casting dry fly's to foolish fish, while their rod and reel are gathering dust in the garage or closet. Don't get me, I love fishing the warm summer months as much as anyone, but I tend to spend my time daydreaming about those large winter trout more than anything else! Fall and Winter is the time I love being on the water! Right now you are probably thinking "WHY"? Here are four reasons you need to get on the water this winter!
1. Solitary Bliss - In our neck of the woods, there is some great tailwater fishing. My problem with tailgaters is the crowds and fishing pressure! When I fish I want to be alone in the blissful wonder of a solitary day on the water, not fighting for a hole with some random stranger. Winter thins the crowds... dramatically! I have had days alone on a stretch on water in the winter, when the norm is huge crowds during the warmer days. Because the fish have less pressure they are also a more willing to play in the winter. Its a win-win, less people and fish with a bigger appetite.
2. Big Fish - Catching 50 dink trout on the 3wt is fun and everything, but there is nothing like hooking up with Grandaddy trout! Big fish come to play during the colder months. Browns typically in the fall and rainbows in the spring will move out of their deep holding water, looking for a place to spawn or for a warmer stretch of water to take refuge in. The same stretch of water where you only saw little guys in the summer can often hold the big guys in the winter! If you are looking to catch larger fish, winter can present some great opportunities.
3. Water Clarity - I love sight fishing! There is nothing like seeing a trout smash your fly with your own two eyes! The water clarity in the winter can be fantastic (especially across the rockies) and this can make for a really good time. Winter can be the best opportunity to sight fish for large trout!
4. Streamers, streamers, and streamers - Nymphs, drys, midges, etc... are all great, but nothing compares to throwing large meaty fly's! Winter is prime time for chucking meat!I love tying streamers, throwing streamers, I love the take on streamers, I love watching fish chase streamers, and I love the fight on streamers. Big fly's = Big fish! Nothing beats a large aggressive brown trout trying to murder your fly with pure aggression!
Winter is a fantastic time to fish, so stop reading this blog and go string up that rod and reel, because its time to do some winter fishing!
Tight Lines
Jul 27, 2024
WHY CHOOSE TAYLOR FLY FISHING?
When it comes to purchasing fishing gear, it's essential to consider not only the product's performance but also its ethical manufacturing, pricing structure, and commitment to innovation and quality. At Taylor Fly Fishing, we take pride in offering our customers top-notch rods and reels while prioritizing ethical practices and providing maximum value.
Ethical Manufacturing:
At Taylor Fly Fishing, we believe in responsible manufacturing practices. Our partnerships with select manufacturers are purposeful, as they are leaders in innovation, engineering, and product development. What sets them apart is their commitment to paying their employees a competitive living wage and adopting environmentally friendly and renewable manufacturing practices. Additionally, we choose to work with countries that uphold human rights and enjoy democratic freedoms. Our partners are mainly located in South Korea, with additional sources in Germany, Japan, and the USA for specific components.
Pricing Structure:
We understand that traditional distribution chains, excessive marketing campaigns, and overhead costs can inflate the price of fishing gear. At Taylor, we focus on direct-to-dealer or direct-to-consumer sales to keep costs in check. By owning our warehouse outright and avoiding wasteful marketing expenses, we can offer our products at a significantly lower price compared to our competitors. This means our customers benefit from savings of around 25%-30% all year round, eliminating the need to wait for holiday sales.
Innovation and Quality Construction:
Unlike some corporate-owned companies that prioritize cutting costs, our primary goal at Taylor Fly Fishing is to provide our customers with the best possible products. We remain committed to using top-of-the-line materials, advanced construction techniques, and innovative tapers in our rods. Our reels are designed with durability in mind, utilizing stainless steel components in place of cheaper alternatives like aluminum. Through advanced cold forging and deeper anodizing, we maximize reel strength, ensuring they withstand the test of time.
Conclusion:
When choosing fishing gear, it's crucial to consider the values and principles behind the brand. At Taylor Fly Fishing, we prioritize ethical manufacturing, cost efficiency, and unwavering commitment to innovation and quality. By opting for our rods and reels, you can trust that you're making a sound investment in superior products that align with your values as an angler and conscious consumer.
Sep 27, 2018
DISTANCE CASTING /// WHY YOU NEED TO CAST 100 FEET
It was my first paid/guided fly fishing trip in southern Florida. Standing on the bow of the flats boat, all of the sudden my guide points out a moving object about 75 feet away. It was a LARGE PERMIT! I make a quick cast that reaches about 50 feet, still 25 feet short of where I need to be casting. I quickly strip my line in for a second cast only to see that moving object jet away from the boat at full speed... I missed my chance! Uggg if only I made a better cast! That was many years ago, but that moment changed me as an angler. I no longer settled for being an average caster and I began to work diligently on crafting my cast!
You might be thinking "I don't need to be able to cast far to catch fish". 99% of trout are caught in the 15' to 40' range... so why would I ever learn to cast any further? Here are a few good reasons you need to learn to cast 100 feet...
1. Distance casters are accurate casters - If you can cast an entire line chances are you accurately hit a target at 20', 30', 40', 60', etc... Distance casting requires excellent technique which translates into an accurate short cast.
2. Salt-water fly fishing requires distance - If you live in trout country and only fish creeks, distance probably doesn't matter much to you, but once you get into salt-water everything changes. Salt-water often requires a quick, accurate, and long distance cast to get the fly where you need it. There is nothing more frustrating than paying top dollar for an exotic guided flats trip only to miss fish after fish because of an underdeveloped cast.
3. Distance is the answer on windy days - Being able to generate high line speeds and tight loops pays off in windy conditions. The techniques you use to cast far are very useful when the wind becomes a challenge.
4. It's fun! - Let's be honest, fly fisherman are a slightly different breed of people. We tend to be passionate and even slightly obsessive about our sport, our waters, and our fishing! Distance fly casting is fun for us passionate anglers! Some of the many joys of being a fly angler are feeling the line load the rod, seeing that tight loop, and making a perfect cast.
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR CASTING DISTANCE
I have a short list of things to learn and practice in order to learn how to cast 100 feet with a single hand fly rod. I can consistently cast 100' with a 9' 4wt fly rod and a standard fly line. It's not as hard as you might think. This isn't an exhaustive list but a great place to start. If you can learn all these techniques you will be casting 100' in no time! This list isn't in any particular order. Youtube also has some great videos on distance casting!
1. Learn to form tight loops - Tight loops look like a long sideways U shapes. There are plenty of books and videos on forming quality loops. TIGHT LOOPS ARE NOT OPTIONAL WHEN IT COMES TO ACHIEVING DISTANCE!
2. Practice on a lawn - One of the best ways to improve your cast is to just go to a park and practice, practice, practice. I often find a park a better place to practice than even a body of water; you just have to ignore the ignorant, I mean innocent by-standards who make comments like "you catching anything"....
3. Straight rod path - Essentially this means your rod tip needs to make a straight line as it travels back and forth while casting. A straight rod path is a requirement to creating tight loops. If you find your loops tailing or being overly open... check your rod tip path.
4. Learn the double haul - Again youtube is a great resource here. The double haul often feels strange when you first learn it, but eventually it will become second nature.
5. Learn to carry line in the air - The more line you can carry in the air the further you can reach. To hit 100' I like to carry about 60'-70' in the air and shoot about 40 feet. If you can carry 60' with a good double haul 100' is easily reachable.
6. Forget the 10-2 thing - When you are first learning how to cast the 10-2 principle can help, but as you learn to cast further, your casting motion needs to change. You have to extend your reach in order to generate fast line speed.
7. Creep is bad... creep is good - Creep typically means your hand drifts forward too early and takes away from the power of your cast. That's bad... What you want to do is allow your hand to slowly creep (after a hard stop) towards your line creating more power in your cast. This often looks like a slight rocking motion with distance casters.
8. Create a hard stop at the end of your cast - A hard stop allows the bend in the rod to release creating forward trajectory. A firm grip will help you to create a hard stop as you are casting.
We hope some of that info helps! Now get to the park and practice, practice, practice!
Aug 5, 2018
REVOLUTION + TRUTH ON KICKSTARTER
The Revolution Z and Truth fly rod will be available for pre-order on kickstarter.com on August 31st at 7:00PM MT. Kickstarter is the best place to order the new rod and reel and here is why...
1. The first 25 rod and reels that are ordered will be 20-25% off retail!
2. Anyone who orders in the first 24 hours will be entered into a drawing to get both the Truth rod and Revolution Z for FREE!
3. All rods and reels will be a minimum of 15% off during the entire 30 day campaign!
4. All RevolutionZ/Truth combos will be 20% off
5. Our popular Ultra Violet color will be available as a kickstarter only special
To maximize your value on Kickstarter we suggest you try and be one of the first to order. Here are a few tips to successfully order on Kickstarter...
1. Create a kickstarter account ahead of time for a quick checkout
2. At 7:00PM MT go directly to kickstarter.com and search Revolution Z in the search bar. The Early-bird specials will sell out extremely fast so be quick to checkout!
3. There will be three early bird specials... one for the Revolution Z, one for the Truth, and one for a combo (you can only order one per-account)
4. Even if you miss the early-bird specials, we suggest you still order in the first 24 hours for a chance to win the free Revolution Z/ Truth combo (winner will be announced at the end of the campaign)
If you have questions, drop us an email.
Tight Lines,
Oct 27, 2017
THE SMALL THINGS: HOW TO CATCH MORE FISH ON THE FLY
This year I have taken many trips with both beginner and intermediate fly casters. The one question I am often left with at the end of a trip is why one person catches more fish than another? Is it the cast, the mend, the fly, the drift, or just pure luck? Throughout the year I have made a small list of things that can dramatically improve your chances of catching fish. This isn't a list of major things like longer casts, matching the hatch, or even how lucky you are. This is a list of six subtle techniques that will improve your fish count.
1. Set the hook by pulling down stream from the fish - It's common knowledge that fish normally feed facing upstream into the current. Many fly fisherman make the mistake of setting the hook by lifting the rod straight up in the air when they get a bite. The problem with this is that you will frequently pull the fly out of the fishes mouth by setting the hook this way. One of the best ways to set hook is by pulling the rod down stream towards the fishes tail. You do this by pulling the rod in a diagonal motion away form the fishes mouth. This allows your fly to set right in the corner of a fishes jaw, instead of running the risk of pulling the fly out of the mouth. The direction you set the hook can dramatically improve your hook up percentage. Give it a try!
2. Stealth Matters - Trout are spooky little fellas. They see, hear, and sense danger in order to protect themselves from predators. When fishing for spooky trout (or other fish) it's important to do all you can to avoid spooking fish. Her are some things I do to stay sneaky. 1. keep a low profile - I like to hide behind grass, boulders, trees, etc. I often cast from a crouched position when hunting spooky trout. 2. Wear colors that blend into your surroundings. 3. Avoid a false cast if you can - Fish can see and sense your line in the air. 70% of my casting on freestone streams is a roll cast of some type. Learn to master the long roll cast. It can save the day in a tight space.
3. Get your fly at the right depth - While trout will of out of their way to feed, they mostly like to eat what is placed right in front of them. Most people think making a good cast is enough, but big fish commonly feed deep. You can place the fly directly in front of a feeding trout only to get the snub, because the fly isn't deep enough. Tungsten bead head fly's, split shots, fluorocarbon tippet can be lifesavers when it comes to sinking flies quickly. Next time a fish gives you the snub, try going deeper!
4. Keep your line wet - On slow fishing days people get frustrated. Common signs of frustration are changing flies numerous times, getting stuck on trees and branches (more than normal), wind knots, tangles, and too much time sitting on the bank. The best thing you can do to catch more fish is to keep your line in the water as much as possible. Keep casting, moving, and trying. Sometimes the fly isn't the problem, it's just slow. The more time you spend fishing, the more fish you will catch. I know this seem obvious and overly simple but too many fellas are stuck on the bank when they should be catching fish!
5. Go small - Small flies work. If I have the right fly but it's simply not producing I will often go the next size down. I do this with streamer's, nymph's, midge's, and dry's. Small flies work
6. Keep moving - Don't get stuck fishing the same hole all day. When I fish I like to move. I have no problem fishing miles of water in one day. Don't get me wrong I will stop and spend time targeting a particular fish, but coving more water is one of the best ways to catch more fish. The more water you can set foot in, the more fish you will come in contact with.
I hope some of those small tips help!
Tight Lines,
Matthew Taylor
Jul 13, 2017
NEW PRODUCTS AT IFTD AND ICAST SHOW 2017
This year at the IFTD show we introduced three new products with high praise. Our new T1 reel, Anthem rod, and Truth rod were received with high praise. The T1 is a throwback in design to our original TYPE1 reel with a modern updated edge. It features a sealed drag system, is light weight, and comes at a very affordable price of $240-$260 USD. Our new Anthem rod received a generous amount of praise with its beautiful golden olive, lightly sanded blank and flawless performance. It's our new medium-fast action rod with an MSRP in the low $200s. Our new Truth rod is our flagship fast action model featuring the highest modulus graphite, titanium components, beautiful high quality cork, and a stealth look. Keep an eye out for these new products at our retailers and online later this year!