Hook Line & Sinker, and The First Cast Fly Shop have flourished as a leader in our industry for over 28 years trying to bring each and every one of you from your “First Cast” on each trip to a lasting obsession.
I have been fortunate to turn my avocation into my vocation – my hobby into my livelihood.
Over those years, I was able to eat, sleep, breathe and drink my pastime.
The store is truly a product of you, my customer, your support, and the shared knowledge.
I am very proud to say that each day I tried to build the store’s reputation on the utmost in quality, customer service, attention to detail and professionalism. (… Most days …)
When I wasn’t out fishing, I was doing so “vicariously” through all you, and believe it or not, sharing all the great “catch” stories is what made the days I wasn’t fishing and in the shop ALL worth it.
It is with great sadness, yet at the same time a sense of accomplishment that I announce that I will be retiring May 27th, 2023, and the shop will close its doors permanently.
Without YOUR help, my true love and passion for this sport would not have continued all these years.
I now look back and ask myself:
How many people did I help? – The answer is not enough, but at this stage in my life I think it’s time for me to be selfish and while my wife and I have our health, enjoy the rest of our lives doing ALL the things a small business owner sacrifices.
After all these years I STILL have the love for this sport and will continue to serve the fishing community with volunteering education efforts at schools and perhaps in the College System.
Thank you for all your stories … (There were days that I should have been wearing waders in the shop because of all the sh*t floating around in the store, but THAT’S exactly why we all got together …)
The beauty of our sport is that there is no right or wrong …
Luck is still a major contributor, and even the worst, oldest, ugliest “lure” in the water MAY still work …
Even a beginner with limited skillset, can still be the first to catch, or be the person to catch the “biggest” …
Thank you for all your pictures …
To you, it was just a shop visit, but I learned EVERY day from EVERY customer … You ALL made a difference in my life.
I will truly miss all that contributed and promoted my little shop.
Thank you for supporting my shop …
Thank you for supporting my family…
I will slowly start to wind the business down starting immediately with periodic SALES throughout the upcoming weeks, so please keep an eye on the website.
Again, effective May 27th, 2023, the doors will be closed permanently.
Although I will not have a storefront, I may continue with several different aspects of the business to keep myself busy while not on the water:
- UBNA – We have 200-250 followers to the store website daily and will continue this momentum to turn your old tackle into $$!
- Vintage Reel Repairs – We repair at least one a week and offer a service that is second to NONE in our entire industry!
- Rod Repairs – We repair at least one a week and offer a service that is second to NONE in our entire industry!
- Custom Rod Building – We build at least two a month and offer a service that is second to NONE in our entire industry!
- Learn To Fly Fish Lessons & Guiding – Instead of meeting at the shop, we will meet right on the river!
Details on the logistics, the drop off and pick-up are still being organized for the above, but I will keep you posted.
I wish you ALL, the best in life and hope that at some point I made a difference in your life, as every one of you did mine.
Please feel free to pass this email on to anyone who may have an interest.
Tight Lines ALWAYS,
Ray Collesso – TPPP – The Purveyor of Piscatorial Pursuits … ;-)
