pcray1231 wrote:
gfen, you've outlined my observations very well. I too fit many different demographics and may be part of the "trend".
I grew up a blue collar guy fishing the mountains of PA...
And your story presents an entirely different mindset, which is pretty fascinating actually.
Your description of the new breed of fly anglers is spot on, as well. Its just interesting, to me, to witness the way the things seemingly have progressed 'til I jumped in, and the way its gone since then.
It would appear that the marketing which drives the sales of fly fishing equipment has definatly chosen not just a youth orientated bent, but one where a sort of homogenized punk rock yippy lifestyle is celebrated.
Things like Trout Bum Diaries just illustrate it to me, and it seems like there's a race to capture exactly what that puts forth, trying to romanticize things like Gierach's writing into a visual sense, for people who identify with Monster Energy Drink and the Subaru WRX over guys who drink Chockfull of Nuts and drove Travelalls.
Scripted Reality for the blog generation.
pcray1231 wrote:
My own personal trend somewhat mirrors that of the industry. I think the blue collar demographic has essentially died, it's not specific to the FF industry. Nonetheless, I still identify more with the old mountain hermit than the edgy yuppy, even if I have to admit I'm an edgy yuppie.
Has it died, or is it quietly fishing in the background, doing what's always been done.. Using the most effective equipment to do what they want to do, whether it means fishing bait on a fly rod or chucking spinners. I think those guys' numbers have decreased as they get caught up and "pick sides" in a battle no one wins, but overall I bet there's as many now as then, they just hide better because they're forced to buy the same sort of high end gear, or are priced out of the market and stick with spinning.
Also, I don't think the fact that you left the sticks, got a fancy degree and smrts and run around bustin' superscience makes you fall into the fauxpunk yippy crowd, just means you used the head you were given for something besides holding up a crash helmet.