Wapsi's Schmuecker: "We've Had a Good Year"

Buried in this article about the impact of flooding and recession on fly shops and gear manufacturers is a comment by Wapsi Fly Company owner Tom Schmuecker, who sees no slowdown in the purchase of low-end merchandise. He notes steady growth in fly tying materials since 1979. “‘You can buy a package of our chenille (a shiny element in many fly baits) for less than a dollar,’ said Schmuecker. ‘We’ve had a good year.’ Schmuecker said the more affordable products are reportedly selling well, according to reports from his customers. He said the industry may trend toward the more affordable products for awhile.” Frank Wallis in the Baxter Bulletin.