Trout season is already here for some people, and for others, it’s getting close. Here in the Upstate of South Carolina, November 1 is a date I look forward to: the start of delayed harvest on designated trout waters.
That means it’s time to look through the fly box, figure out what’s missing, and get ready to spend more time on the water. But before you fill an online shopping cart, I want to encourage you to do something: go into your local fly shop.
Getting Ready Starts Close to Home
For me, that means stopping into Dodson Fishing Company in Travelers Rest. Recently, when I’ve been in, they’ve had a selection of one-dollar flies. If you’ve bought flies before, you know how quickly filling a box can empty your wallet. Finding a deal like that is a pretty great reason to stop in.
I also recently picked up a Redington RUN 5/6 reel for 40 percent off. Those are deals I found on recent visits, so check with the shop about current pricing and availability. My point is that shopping locally doesn’t automatically mean missing out on a good price.
You don’t always need the newest thing to get out and fish. Before replacing everything, take a look at what you already have and ask someone at the shop to help you figure out what you actually need.
The Best Part Isn’t on the Shelf
Really, what matters to me even more than the gear is the community.
You can order gear online. But a fly shop gives you a place to meet the owners, the people working there, and other anglers walking through the door. Ask about fly-tying classes or opportunities to get together. Talk about fishing. Talk about life. Get to know the people who enjoy the same things you do.
Don’t be afraid to ask for advice. You don’t have to walk in knowing everything. That’s part of how you learn and grow, whether you’re buying your first handful of flies or getting ready for another season.
Get Your Gear—and Your Plan—Together
A little preparation now can make that first trip feel a lot less rushed. Look through your flies, check your leaders and tippet, and give your rod, reel, line, and waders a once-over. Make a short list before you head to the shop.
Then ask questions. What flies would they recommend for the water you plan to fish? What conditions should you pay attention to? Is there something in your setup you should check before heading out?
In South Carolina, designated delayed-harvest waters have catch-and-release restrictions from November 1 through May 14, with single-hook artificial lures required. That isn’t a statewide opening day for all trout fishing. Check the current South Carolina trout regulations for the exact stretch you plan to visit, along with licensing requirements and access information.
Make the Shop Part of Your Season
I understand buying online because you found the cheapest option. In this economy, that’s understandable. I’ve done it plenty of times myself.
But more and more, I’m trying to buy from my local fly shop because I want it to stay in business. I want that place to be there—not just for the next reel or a few flies, but for the conversations, the advice, and the people.
So as you get ready for trout season, make a stop at your local shop. Pick up what you need, ask a question, and introduce yourself. Getting ready for the water is a good reason to walk in. The community is a good reason to keep coming back.
Wear Your Love for Trout
If you’re looking for something to wear your love for trout on your sleeve—or your back—take a look at our trout-themed cotton tees and performance shirts. From rainbow and brown trout to brook trout, there’s a design for your favorite fish. Here are our current styles, with the back design of each shirt shown below.
Cotton Tees
Rainbow Trout Long Sleeve Tee
Shop Rainbow Trout Long Sleeve Tee
Trout Rainbow Short Sleeve Tee
Shop Trout Rainbow Short Sleeve Tee
Trout Brown Short Sleeve Tee
Shop Trout Brown Short Sleeve Tee
Trout Brook Short Sleeve Tee
Shop Trout Brook Short Sleeve Tee
Performance Shirts
Trout Rainbow Long Sleeve Performance Shirt
Shop Trout Rainbow Long Sleeve Performance Shirt
Trout Brown Long Sleeve Performance Shirt
Shop Trout Brown Long Sleeve Performance Shirt
Trout Brook Long Sleeve Performance Shirt
Shop Trout Brook Long Sleeve Performance Shirt
For the Saltwater Trout Fans
Chasing speckled trout along the coast? Our Speckled Sheepshead design pairs spotted seatrout with sheepshead and comes in cotton and performance styles.
Speckled Sheepshead Short Sleeve Tee
Shop Speckled Sheepshead Short Sleeve Tee
Speckled Sheepshead Long Sleeve Performance Shirt
