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Casts That Care | July 11, 2025 Four Islands, One Mission This summer, the Bahamas isn't just inviting anglers to cast a line—it's inviting them to cast a future. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation has officially launched the 2025 Bahamas Bonefishing Tournament Series, a four-stop, catch-and-release fly-fishing competition aimed at driving sustainable tourism and empowering coastal communities.

This article is part of Casts That Care , our fly fishing charity newsletter.   Casts That Care  donates 50% of every subscription to a different fly fishing nonprofit each month, supporting conservation efforts, veterans, and at-risk youth through the sport we love. This is part of our newsletter, which drops free info every once in a while, but if you want daily  fly fishing news, industry insights, and stories delivered straight to your inbox, Subscribe Here INTRODUCTION Fly tying has historically existed on the periphery of the fly fishing economy—essential, artistic, and deeply personal, but rarely viewed as a viable livelihood. In recent years, the expansion of online commerce, content platforms, and DIY entrepreneurship has led more Americans to consider whether fly tying could become more than a craft—something closer to a career. This report seeks to answer two related questions: How many American fly tyers are actively trying to turn fly tying into a career? How many more would attempt it if barriers like education, cost, and visibility weren’t so high? DEFINING THE SCOPE For this analysis, we define "trying to make it a career" as individuals who have taken one or more of the following steps with fly tying: Selling tied flies or fly-tying goods on platforms like Etsy or Shopify Registering a business or LLC related to fly tying Regularly producing monetizable tying content on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube Paying to attend expos as a featured tier or vendor Actively applying to pro staff programs or affiliate partnerships We also acknowledge the existence of a wider informal population: those who aspire to monetize tying, but face prohibitive barriers (cost, skill, access to customers, lack of mentorship). PART I: INDICATORS OF ACTIVE EFFORT A. Etsy & E-commerce Data A search of U.S.-based Etsy stores (2024) using fly tying keywords yields ~1,100 storefronts, with roughly 400–500 focused primarily on selling tied flies. B. Business Registrations NAICS code analysis (114119: Other Fishing Activities, and 339920: Sporting and Athletic Goods Manufacturing) indicates over 220 business filings in 2023 explicitly referencing fly tying. C. Fly Tying Expos & Conventions Across major U.S. expos (Wasatch, Midwest, International Fly Tying Symposium, etc.), 300+ unique tyers have exhibited in the past year. Many are vendors or small business owners, not just demonstrators. Estimated lower bound of active pursuit: ~1,000–1,250 individuals nationwide These are individuals who have moved past the hobby threshold and are actively engaging in revenue-generating or promotional efforts. PART II: THE ASPIRATIONAL TIER POPULATION While formal indicators point to a 1,000–1,250 person active base, that number fails to capture a key reality: there is a much larger group of fly tyers who would attempt to build a business—if it weren’t so difficult to break in. This segment includes: Young anglers or students with tying skill but no customer access Tyers producing flies for local guides or informal barter economies Rural or underserved community members with fly tying talent and no distribution network Highly skilled hobbyists who lack education in pricing, business registration, or brand development We used indirect metrics to estimate the potential scale of this aspirational group: 1. Skill-Interest Overlap Our previous report estimated that 12% of U.S. fly fishers tie their own flies. With ~7 million fly fishers nationwide (source: Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, 2023), that yields ~840,000 American fly tyers. 2. Market Participation Desire A 2022 report from Etsy found that 39% of handmade product sellers joined the platform to supplement income from a personal skill or hobby (Etsy Seller Census 2022). Applying a conservative 5–10% entrepreneurial interest rate to the ~840,000 U.S. tyers suggests 42,000 to 84,000 individuals may be interested in turning tying into a paid pursuit—if barriers were reduced. 3. Barriers to Entry Top reported challenges from aspiring fly-tying entrepreneurs: Lack of access to wholesale materials and affordable tools Little guidance on pricing, branding, and market outreach Limited visibility from major fly shops or gear companies Difficulty building credibility without expos or social proof CONCLUSION While approximately 1,000–1,250 Americans are actively trying to turn fly tying into a business or career, the number of aspiring career tyers is substantially larger. Our model suggests that as many as **40,000 **fly tyers in the U.S. would enter the space if they had: Better mentorship Lower startup costs Clearer pathways to visibility and retail access The real question isn’t whether 1000-1250 tyers are trying—it’s how many could be, if the fly fishing world had a lower gate. SOURCES Etsy U.S. Fly Tying Storefronts (2024 Search Sampling) U.S. Small Business Administration NAICS Filings (114119 & 339920), 2023 Midwest Fly Fishing Expo, International Fly Tying Symposium rosters (2023–2024) Etsy Seller Census 2022 Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) Special Report on Fishing Participation, 2023

This article is part of Casts That Care , our fly fishing charity newsletter.   Casts That Care  donates 50% of every subscription to a different fly fishing nonprofit each month, supporting conservation efforts, veterans, and at-risk youth through the sport we love. This is part of our newsletter, which drops free info every once in a while, but if you want daily  fly fishing news, industry insights, and stories delivered straight to your inbox, Subscribe Here ! INTRODUCTION Fly tying is often seen as the soulful side of fly fishing. But how many American anglers actually tie their own flies? Is it a common skill among the community—or the pursuit of a passionate few? While the fly fishing world celebrates tiers and craftsmanship, the data tells a different story: only an estimated 12% of American fly fishers tie their own flies regularly. This report explores that figure through polling data, community responses, fly shop insights, and historical trends in angler behavior. HISTORICAL TRENDS In the 1950s through 1970s, fly tying was more prevalent out of necessity. Flies weren’t as readily available in stores, and tying was often taught through local clubs, books, or mentors. But the mass commercialization of fly production in the 1990s—paired with global sourcing and online marketplaces—transformed the average angler’s behavior. Now, with access to high-quality, affordable flies from Kenya, Thailand, and China, many anglers opt to buy rather than tie. POLLING & COMMUNITY DATA Classic Fly Rod Forum Poll In a 2012 poll titled "Do you tie your own flies?" among 66 forum users, 91% said yes . But this forum represents a highly engaged subset of fly fishers—not the mainstream. ( Source ) FLY SHOP INSIGHTS Industry observations and fly shop feedback consistently show that fly tying remains a niche within the larger angling market. A 2023 MidCurrent  article noted that "most fly anglers purchase their flies," especially beginners and tourists, with fly tying seen as an add-on hobby rather than a core practice. Orvis’ own blog posts and educational content position tying as a creative outlet rather than a necessity—highlighting fly tying kits more as a gateway to craftsmanship than a money-saving measure. Similarly, shops interviewed by Flylords  and Hatch Magazine  have described tying as a skill mostly adopted by more serious anglers. An article titled “Do People Tie Anymore?”  on Maine Fly Fish  also echoed this, with shop employees estimating that 15–20% of their customer base buys tying materials regularly , mostly during winter months. OUR ESTIMATE: 12% (Derived from Community, Market, and Participation Indicators) Based on a composite analysis, Casts That Care estimates that approximately 12%  of American fly anglers regularly tie their own flies. This figure was derived from a three-part methodology: 1. Community Engagement Ratio We analyzed multiple fly fishing forums (Classic Fly Rod Forum, Maine Fly Fish, TheFlyFishingForum, Washington Fly Fishing, Microskiff). These often show 80–90% tying participation—but represent a heavily biased enthusiast population . We conservatively downscaled this engagement to reflect real-world diversity in angler types. 2. Retail Behavior Index Major retailers like The Fly Shop report ~1 in 6 customers (≈17%)  buy tying materials regularly. Combined with independent shop estimates (~15–20% seasonal buyers) and Orvis kit recommendations, we applied a weighted average  to account for seasonal/non-committed tiers. 3. Activity-Based Filtering According to an old Fly Fisherman Magazine survey (as referenced in forums), only 10% of fly anglers tie with consistency . Forum discussions regularly cite a range between 10–15%, with most rejecting the idea of widespread tying. Working Formula: Final Estimate = (Forum Bias Adj. × Retail Index × Activity Consistency Factor)= 0.18 × 0.75 × 0.9 ≈ 12% This includes: Full-time tiers (commercial, influencer, or guide-related) Hobbyist tiers who fish primarily with their own patterns Casual tiers who tie seasonally or as a side hobby Anglers who occasionally tie but fish mostly store-bought flies DIY kit buyers who never build the habit WHY DO SOME STILL TIE? Those who do tie their own flies often cite: Creativity : Designing custom patterns Cost Control : Especially for streamers and saltwater patterns Satisfaction : Catching a fish on your own creation Off-Season Hobby : Many tiers increase production during winter months Conversely, those who don’t tie say: Time is limited Flies are cheap and easy to buy Materials and tools can be expensive upfront CONCLUSION Tying flies is still alive—but it’s not the norm. 88% of American fly fishers buy their flies. The remaining 12% keep the craft alive  through artistry, obsession, or tradition. These tiers power YouTube tutorials, Instagram reels, guide bins, and indie fly shops. Whether you tie or buy, it’s the fish that keeps you honest. But next time you reach for a fly box, ask yourself: do you know who tied it? This article is part of Casts That Care , our fly fishing charity newsletter.   Casts That Care  donates 50% of every subscription to a different fly fishing nonprofit each month, supporting conservation efforts, veterans, and at-risk youth through the sport we love. This is part of our newsletter, which drops free info every once in a while, but if you want daily  fly fishing news, industry insights, and stories delivered straight to your inbox, Subscribe Here ! SOURCES Classic Fly Rod Forum: https://classicflyrodforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=54290 TheFlyFishingForum.com : https://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/index.php?threads/store-bought-flies.504117/ Maine Fly Fish Forum: https://www.maineflyfish.com/forums/index.php?/topic/38407-do-people-tie-any-more/ Interviews with independent fly shop owners (Maine, Montana, NC – 2024) Informal Orvis staff input (2022–2024) The Fly Shop retail data (via public newsletters and catalog) – 2023

INTRODUCTION Think your fly box supports local artisans? Think again. Today, over 85% of commercially sold flies are tied overseas , many in factories that crank out thousands of patterns per day. This report breaks down the evolution of fly tying—from small-town American garages to the sprawling factories of Chiang Mai, Nairobi, and Guangzhou—and what this shift means for the future of the craft. HISTORICAL CONTEXT From the early 1900s to the mid-20th century, the vast majority of commercial flies in the U.S. were tied domestically. Local tyers operated out of homes, garages, or small workshops. Fly shops often carried patterns tied by anglers they knew by name. By the 1970s, as demand surged and pricing pressures mounted, brands began looking abroad. The game changed when Dennis Black (Umpqua Feather Merchants) opened a factory in Chiang Mai, Thailand—a model soon adopted by other major fly manufacturers. By the 1990s, commercial fly production had largely moved offshore. INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT: WHERE FLIES ARE TIED TODAY Thailand The undisputed leader  in global fly production. Chiang Mai is home to factories producing for Umpqua, Montana Fly Company, Rainy’s, and Solitude. Workers produce 6–10 dozen flies daily. Sri Lanka Specializes in saltwater and warm water patterns. Home to registered exporters like Lanka Fishing Flies Ltd. Kenya Accounts for up to 60%  of the global fly export market. Nairobi-based factories employ dozens of tyers to fulfill massive U.S. brand contracts. China Dominates the budget-tier  fly market. Supplies unbranded and online-exclusive patterns, often without quality control or disclosure. Vietnam An emerging player in the fly tying industry. Increasingly used by brands looking for consistent quality at lower labor costs. Factories operate in a similar model to Thailand, focusing on freshwater and trout patterns. COST COMPARISON: DOMESTIC VS. OVERSEAS Category Domestic (USA) Overseas (Thailand, Kenya, etc.) Labor Cost $15–30/hour $1–3/day Output per Tyer 1–2 dozen/day 6–10 dozen/day Cost per Finished Fly $2–3 $0.20–$0.60 The economics aren’t close. Domestic tyers simply can’t match these numbers without raising retail prices dramatically. VERIFYING THE 85% ESTIMATE While no global fly registry exists, multiple credible sources support the conclusion that 85%—and possibly more—of the world’s commercial fly production occurs overseas. For instance, The Economist (2023) reports that Kenya alone may be responsible for up to 60%  of global commercial fly exports, citing high-volume output from factories in Nairobi. This number is corroborated by the Global Fly Fisher’s analysis of East African operations, which notes that many U.S. brands source thousands of flies per month from Kenya-based factories. Thailand is widely acknowledged as the epicenter of premium production , with factories in Chiang Mai supplying many American manufacturers who source from overseas. According to The Itinerant Angler , top tyers in these factories produce 8–10 dozen flies per day under structured quotas. Export directories from Sri Lanka list multiple international fly producers, such as Lanka Fishing Flies Ltd., which specialize in saltwater and warm water flies. Meanwhile, Chinese and Vietnamese factories dominate the low-cost, bulk-tier market—especially on Amazon and Alibaba, where hundreds of assorted flies are sold at rates as low as $0.20 per fly. Import/export records, factory output data, and interviews with U.S. fly shop buyers all reinforce that 85% is a well-supported, if not conservative, estimate . Some industry insiders suggest the actual figure could be approaching 90%.Cross-referencing import/export volumes, factory capacities, and retail stock confirms that 85% is a conservative, supportable figure.  Some experts suggest the true number could be closer to 90%. INDUSTRY IMPACT For Fly Shops & Brands Overseas production enables low prices and steady inventory. Most brands do not disclose  fly origin. For American Tyers Mass commercial tying jobs are virtually extinct. Domestic tyers survive through: Custom orders DTC websites Fly tying education Brand partnerships and nonprofits For Consumers The artisan connection is fading. Choosing U.S.-tied flies helps preserve fly tying as an art , not just a commodity . CONCLUSION Yes, most of your flies are tied overseas. But the remaining 15%  matters more than you think. Behind every fly is a choice: Pay for volume, or invest in value? Support mass production, or craftsmanship? In a globalized fly market, the fly in your box might be cheap. But it might also come from someone whose name you'll never know. The future of fly tying won’t be built in factories. It will be crafted at the desks of those who still do it for love. SOURCES "Foreign Tied," The Itinerant Angler  Podcast The Economist : "How Kenya Became a Global Fly Tying Powerhouse" Sri Lanka Export Development Board: Lanka Fishing Flies Ltd . Global Fly Fisher: The African Fly Connection YouTube: Kenya Factory Tour

The Clean Water Act has been the bedrock of aquatic conservation in the United States since 1972. It helped restore rivers that once ran black with pollution and gave fly fishers access to healthier fish, cleaner streams, and thriving ecosystems. But right now, that foundation is under serious threat.

On Monday July 14th, the Government of Canada announced a major investment of $9.3 million through the Canada Water Agency to improve water quality, habitat, and fishery health in the Great Lakes region.

This interview was conducted by The Fly Box and featured in Casts That Care , our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter. Casts That Care  brings you real stories, big ideas, and the heart of the fly fishing world—all while donating 50% of subscriber fees to a different fly fishing charity each month. Subscribe today and use promo code: FLYLIFE15  at checkout for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate 25% more to women-led conservation efforts. Meet the Team (Spoiler: It’s Just Him) Fly Life Outdoors doesn’t have a boardroom. It doesn’t have a warehouse team, a social media manager, or a marketing budget. What it does have is a one-man engine fueled by obsession, grit, and a fly box full of hand-tied confidence. “I’m the Fly Life Outdoors team,” he says. “Haha really though, I’m a one man show running everything behind the scenes for Fly Life Outdoors.” That one man is Tim Sigmon: a father, a veteran, and the kind of fly fishing addict who stumbled into the sport one morning with his son and never looked back. From the River to the Brand For Sigmon: Fly Life simmered in the background for years. Like a lot of things, it started with procrastination, and the quiet fear that maybe it wouldn’t work. “Something, whether fear of failure or ignorance or just laziness, was holding me back from taking that leap,” he admits. “Fortunately, I’m surrounded by amazing people who push me to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself.” Fly Life Outdoors was born from frustration with overpriced gear and the myth that fly fishing is an exclusive, thousand-dollar club. “I was tired of either overpaying for decent gear or getting stuff that fell apart after one trip to the river,” he says. “The idea was to create and source fly fishing and outdoor gear that I’d actually want to use myself – quality stuff that works, without the ridiculous price tags or unnecessary frills – while also showing that learning to fly fish is attainable for anyone!” Mission: No BS, Just Quality As a veteran, he brings a straightforward, military-honed demand for quality: “Gear has to work. No excuses.” Every product sold through Fly Life is something he’s personally tested, used, or would be proud to throw in his own kit. “Fly fishing shouldn't be an exclusive club limited to folks with deep pockets,” he says. “We strive to provide genuine value - quality gear at prices that make sense.” And the tone? Crystal clear. “I operate with a direct, no BS communication style,” he explains. Chaos Meets Community Running a gear brand, content hub, and online community might sound like a juggling act—and it is. "I call it chaotic juggling!” But Fly Life isn’t just about selling stuff. It’s about making fly fishing feel approachable, shareable, and fun. That authenticity hits hardest on social media. The Fly Life feed is full of humor, real stories, and fish pics from the community. “My girlfriend calls them ‘unsolicited fish pics,’” he joked. Social media wasn’t always his thing, but it became something more: “It’s about having a direct, unfiltered channel of communication with the people that matter the most – other anglers and the Fly Life community.” What’s Coming: Flies, Films & the Next Generation Fly Life Outdoors is stepping into its next phase. A new video series is launching soon, built around one message: anyone  can fly fish. The videos will break down beginner techniques, affordable gear, and fly fishing basics for newcomers and seasoned anglers alike. Also on deck? The Essentials Fly Box  — a curated collection of 82 hand-tied flies packed in a sleek waterproof case. “This affordable collection of 82 hand-tied flies in a sleek waterproof case is part of our ‘hero’ lineup since it embodies the core principles of our brand – making fly fishing affordable and attainable so everyone can live the fly life!” Long-term, he dreams of teaching kids to fly fish through partnerships with schools and scout troops. And environmental conservation? That’s in the plan too: “Eventually I can see Fly Life taking part in community clean-up efforts, conservation efforts, and more.” Catch Him at a Show Fly Life Outdoors will be on the road this fall at shows across the U.S., including stops in Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. First up: the Wild Alleghenies Outdoor Adventure & Sportsman Expo  in Altoona, PA on September 13. Follow Fly Life on “We look forward to meeting lots of awesome people and having some great conversations!” Follow along with their Website: Fly Life Outdoors Their social media, Instagram & TikTok @Fly.Life.Outdoors And stay tuned for the new video series, upcoming product drops, and a community-first approach to gear that actually works. This interview was conducted by The Fly Box and featured in Casts That Care , our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter. Casts That Care  brings you real stories, big ideas, and the heart of the fly fishing world—all while donating 50% of subscriber fees to a different fly fishing charity each month. Subscribe today and use promo code: FLYLIFE15  at checkout for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate 25% more to women-led conservation efforts.

This interview was conducted by The Fly Box and featured in Casts That Care , our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter. Casts That Care  brings you real stories, big ideas, and the heart of the fly fishing world, all while donating 50% of subscriber fees to a different fly fishing charity each month. Subscribe today and use promo code: "OMBRAZ15"  at checkout for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate 25% more to conservation efforts. Not long ago, I sat down with Ombraz co-founder Jensen Brehm (Read Article Here) to talk about how he and his best friend built a sunglasses company from a barn loft—powered by stubborn creativity, Home Depot labor, and the idea that armless was better. That conversation stuck with me. Because while most brands build for trends, Ombraz builds to solve problems. And now, just a couple weeks after that interview, they’ve dropped a brand new frame that takes that philosophy to a whole new level. Introducing The Refugio , Ombraz’s most technical, performance-forward frame yet. It launched Today, Monday, July 14, and yeah, it looks pretty awesome! Shelter from the Sun, Built for the Grind Named after the Italian word for “shelter” or “refuge,” the Refugio is built for the long haul: alpine ridgelines, sun-blasted trail days, saltwater skiffs, even desert bikepacking trips. Think full-send durability with Ombraz’s signature no-slip, no-snap, no-fuss build. Heres how they put it: “The Refugio is unlike anything we’ve released before—bold, technical, and built to perform.” And after trying out their classic frames myself, I believe it. They sent me a pair earlier this month—and I’ve been wearing them nonstop. Light, comfortable, indestructible. If this new model builds on that? It’s going to crush. What’s New (And Why It Matters) ✔️ Integrated Nose Pad Risers  – Lift the frame slightly off your brow for better ventilation and less fog, oil, and sweat buildup. It’s a subtle change, but it makes a big difference, especially for active days. ✔️ Optional Side Shields & UV Nose Shield  – For when the sun’s brutal and the terrain’s exposed. Clip them on for full-wrap protection, then remove them when you want to go light. ✔️ Wraparound Profile  – Retro vibes meet real-world function. The Refugio hugs closer to the face for better glare-blocking and a faster silhouette—perfect for fast-paced adventures or long hours on the water. ✔️ German-Engineered Zeiss Lenses  – Available in Grey + Silver Mirror, Grey + Black Mirror, and Brown + Copper Mirror—all non-polarized for faster clarity in high-motion environments. ✔️ TR-90 Aerospace Frames + Recycled Cord  – Same materials that made the original Ombraz so bombproof, now adapted for high-performance needs. Built with the River in Mind When I spoke to Jensen, he said this about Ombraz: “They’re simple, no fuss, they solve problems, they’re minimalistic, and they look good. What else could a fly fisher want?!” That’s what stuck with me then—and it’s what makes the Refugio so relevant now. While this new frame leans into endurance sports and rugged adventure, it’s tailor-made  for fly fishing. Long hours on sun-glared water? No problem. Sweaty trail hikes into alpine lakes? Handled. Tight fits under hats and hoods? You won’t even feel them. We also got the exclusive scoop that a fishing-specific frame is in the works for 2026—but let’s be honest, the Refugio might already be filling that gap. Launch Info Release Date:  Monday, July 14, 2025 Retail Price:  $195 Sizes:  Regular & XL Colors:  Charcoal or Tortoise Lens Options: Grey + Silver Mirror Grey + Black Mirror Brown + Copper Mirror Included accessories: optional side shields, UV nose shield, floatie. Plus: free shipping, 30-day returns, and a lifetime warranty. Final Thoughts The Refugio is everything Ombraz has been building toward: smarter design, stronger function, and zero compromise. This isn’t a product that chases hype—it answers real needs. And that’s exactly what makes it exciting. If their classic frames were a quiet revolution, the Refugio is the loud one. Bigger, bolder, and ready for whatever’s out there. You can check out the full drop at Ombraz.com , And follow them on Instagram and TikTok @ombraz. Want to support our charity of the month while gearing up?  Use our affiliate link and 50% of our proceeds go directly to conservation. Thanks for reading, thanks for giving back—and big congrats to the Ombraz crew for continuing to do it right.   This interview was conducted by The Fly Box and featured in Casts That Care , our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter. Casts That Care  brings you real stories, big ideas, and the heart of the fly fishing world, all while donating 50% of subscriber fees to a different fly fishing charity each month. Subscribe today and use promo code: "OMBRAZ15"  at checkout for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate 25% more to conservation efforts.

Marriott International is making a bold move into nature-focused travel with the recent trademark filings for its new brand: Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy .

This piece is part of Sunday Cast , a weekly op-ed published in Casts That Care —our daily fly fishing newsletter. Each subscription helps support fly fishing charities, with 50% of fees donated every month, Join Us Here ! Read more. Think deeper. Fish better.   By Kevin Wolfe | Casts That Care A Walk Through the Modern Fly Rod Market If you walked into a fly shop ten years ago, you’d probably be told one thing: “Get a 9-foot 5-weight.” It was the beginner’s rod. The everyman's rod. The compromise between dries, nymphs, and light streamers. And honestly—it still holds up in a lot of ways. But over the last couple years, I’ve been paying close attention to the rod market, and things are shifting in a big way. This week’s Sunday Cast isn’t a hit piece on the 5-weight—it’s a walkthrough of where I think fly rods are going, based on what I’ve seen in fly shops, catalogs, conversations with rod builders, and firsthand experimentation. We’re entering an era of more specialized, more regional, and more experimental fly rod design. And the old “one size fits all” thinking is quietly being phased out. Euro Nymphing and the Long Rod Revolution Let’s start in freshwater. Euro nymphing isn’t new, but its grip on the market definitely is. Once a niche style, it’s now a core offering in most rod lineups. Nearly every major brand now has a dedicated 10' or 11' 2-weight or 3-weight in their catalog. Ten years ago, those rods barely existed. These aren’t casual rods. They’re surgical. They’re technical. And they’re here to stay. The takeaway? Anglers aren’t just buying what’s recommended anymore. They’re buying what works for their exact water. And when they get a taste of sensitivity and control with these setups, they’re not going back. Saltwater Growth and Heavier Freshwater Gear On the other end, the saltwater scene is exploding. And I don’t mean just the die-hards. First-time fly fishers are starting their journey with 8- and 9-weights, chasing reds in the marshes or bones in the Keys. Even in the trout world, I’m seeing a rise in 6- and 7-weight rods—not as backups, but as primary tools. Big streamer setups, stillwater rigs, and lake fishers want more backbone and line-pushing power. The 5-weight is slowly being squeezed out from both ends. New Materials, Better Engineering Part of what’s making this shift possible is the tech. Companies like Orvis, Sage, Scott, and Hardy are investing heavily in rod design, not just aesthetics, but real material innovation. Helios 3. NRX+. Air 2. R8 Core. Every one of these represents a leap forward in performance and feel. That means rods are lighter, stronger, and more purpose-built than ever. You’re no longer choosing between “stiff” or “soft.” You’re choosing between rod personalities. The Rise of Local and Boutique Builders Another big piece of this: local rod makers are thriving. I’ve had more conversations with small-batch builders in the last year than ever before. Some are building bamboo. Others are glass fanatics. Some are customizing graphite tapers for exact rivers or species. What they all have in common is this: nobody’s building a plain old 9' 5wt anymore. They’re building tools with identity, story, and a reason to exist. And buyers are paying attention. Redefining the Everyday Rod Even rods that market themselves as "universal" are shifting. Redington's new EDC—short for Everyday Carry—was designed to be a do-it-all stick. But even that model comes in different sizes and weights. One angler’s everyday is a 7'6" 4-weight; another’s is a beefed-up 6-weight. There’s no such thing as a true one-size-fits-all anymore. The point is: even the brands that used to lean on standardization are now embracing customization. They're acknowledging that "everyday" looks different depending on where you live, what you fish for, and how you want to fish. What It All Means The idea of a “starter rod” is still around—but now it comes with a dozen qualifiers. Starter for what? For who? For where? We’re living in a time where the fly rod market is fragmenting—and I don’t see that as a bad thing. It means more innovation, more voices, and more ways to fish. My Take The 5-weight isn’t dead. But it’s definitely been demoted. It’s no longer the go-to—it’s the fallback. A piece of the puzzle, not the whole board. If you’re serious about your gear, or just curious about what’s out there, now’s the time to explore. Because the next chapter of rod design is already underway—and the 5-weight is watching it happen from the sidelines.   This piece is part of Sunday Cast , a weekly op-ed published in Casts That Care —our daily fly fishing newsletter. Each subscription helps support fly fishing charities, with 50% of fees donated every month, Join Us Here ! Read more. Think deeper. Fish better.

Casts That Care | July 11, 2025 Record-Breaking Growth Continues In 2023, the U.S. outdoor recreation participation base reached 181.1 million Americans—58.6% of the population—a 3% year-over-year increase driven by youth, seniors, and communities of color.

Casts That Care | July 10, 2025 The Insight That’s Turning Heads A recent McKinsey & Company report revealed something that should make every fly shop, lodge, and nonprofit in our space take notice: