This is a good article I found on anglingtrade.com which compares bowhunting to flyfishing in terms of market share. I think it's interesting how bowhunting has grown in popularity while most other outdoor pursuits dropped in participation. As the article suggest, maybe the fly fishing industry should knock down some of their own barriers to expand the trade.

http://www.anglingtrade.com/wp-content/themes/anglingtrade/pdf/AnglingTr...

The article is near the bottom of the link.

Hey, That anglingtrade.com site is pretty good...

I agree that fly fishing needs to get in the mix with the rest of the fishers. Look at what other fishing icons there are out there that can lend a hand and throw fly fishing a bone.

http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/where-fish/2009/05/fishing-flyconell...

And throw Conway Bowman in the mix, that dude gets it done in the warmwater fish better than some of the warmwater guys do with their spinning and casting gear. Get in line and see if you can get in the crossover.

I've got ice fishing friends who don't fly fish, but tie flies only for use ice fishing, and they are the same scud patterns I throw on the softwater. Likewise, from the fly fishing side and fly tying, I've expaned and learned from some friends how to dip tube jigs. Incorporating some of the sythetic flash materials into that has yielded some pretty cool results.

Fly fishing needs the fishing industry as a whole. It's a shame it took economics to bring them together.

I think in the long run the industry (fly and conventional) will be stronger in terms of conservation and legislation.

I'm in the industry, so I have a slightly differnt perspective. I agree whole heartedly that a closer connection to the general fishing industry is what the fly fishing industry needs. The more accessible the sport is to those coming into it from general tackle the better for everyone involved. Likewise ties to the general outdoor industry (paddling, hiking, climbing, etc.) can only help. New fly fishermen come from both directions, and are often our best customers. I've always been mystified that some in the industry want it to be an elite sport accessible to only a few and not contaminated by contact with spinning rods or lifestyle products, like trail running shoes. The best fishermen use all kinds of tackle and we all wear clothes. Fly fishing is fun and just another way to catch fish. Fishing for catfish with circle hooks and cut bait is fun too. One is not better than another.

My opinion is easy,90% (or even more)of we bloggers in Fly Talk,are in to another outdoor activity;from hike to photograph or hunt and atv rides. Then the mix of outdoors activity may help us in a trade show.
All We remember with respect the Fly fishing parents and love the history from the Catskills and beyond. We never call ourselves "purists",evolution is the key; from the bamboo rod and iron reel spooled with cat intestines, to the feather ligths combos designed for cast all day long. The combinated trade show will be great,finally we are Fly Talkers.

Buckhunter.....as I've stated previously, I don't use them. And I figured I'd throw it out there. But just 2 weekends ago, I was fishing with some relative newbs and their indicators looked like something like a 70's hairdo, and about the size of a tennis ball, butted right up against the fly line/leader joint. Since I've thought about it, it may help me help them knowing this info.

Also, I think what hurts the fly fishing industry(yes woodstock, development, R&D, production all goes into fly fishing)is the price point. New fly fishers are lead to believe that they need to spend a grip to get into it. An ugly stick combo and some terminal tackle to toss powerbait and catch trout is only about $35, the same beginner setup for fly fishing is $75 at the local wal-mart, and the learning curve can be intimidating for some. I'm sure you're new book will address that, though, ;)

I use strike indicators for steelhead when the fish are stacked in a hole. The vertical presentation reduces flossing or snagging. I guess there is one good use.