I also appreciate all the small, independent fly shops across the country just like The Contented Angler. Joe is a master of fly tying & can guide anglers of any level through any aspect of fly fishing. Hey, these folks aren't getting rich doing this. No, their motivations are elsewhere, like the people they meet, the friends they make, & the folks they can help out. Maybe that's why they help the fly fishing community out all the time by giving to those in need & not charging for their fly tying classes. Go ahead & ask a catalog for the best rod or waders or fly line to suit your needs.....then ask Joe. He'll give you the service that someone answering the phone halfway around the world just can't give you.
Joe, Amy, & all the folks who work in small independent fly shops care about your enjoyment & success in fly fishing. Unlike a big box store or catalog company where the bottom line is king, fly shops like The Contented Angler derive their success from the relationship they build with you. As a result, they have a much more serious interest in you than anyone else. That's why I encourage you to shop at fly shops like The Contented Angler.