I can well remember back in the 1950s when l began what was to become a life long passion, Fly Fishing. Looking at all the items of tackle that the store had for sale, most of which at that time l was not able to buy. The boxes of flies always held a great fascination for me, and that certainly brought about my interest to learn to tie flies back in those days.

Now l have more fly fishing tackle than l know what to do with, who needs 50 rods! I just find it difficult to part with them as they all hold some memory of days fishing, places around the world l have fished and of course the fish that l caught.

Times have moved on. The fly fisher today has never had it so good. What a massive range of products out there for you to purchase. There is more to a good fly shop than the tackle that they have for sale, it is a meeting place, stories of fish caught and lost and, well, lets be honest some degree of exaggeration in many cases. But saying that a well-stocked fly shop, that carries a wide range of top quality merchandise, has a friendly professional staff to cater for your needs, is what matters in my book. You can be assured of that friendly and professional attention from Steve at The Full Creel Fly shop, they have it all.

- Davy Wotton
- American International School of Fly fishing
- Previous U.S. International Fly Fishing Team Coach
- www.davywotton.com

On Fly Shops ...

Over the years, old fly fishers develop a liking for only a few fly fishing shops ... My favorite has always been Feather-Craft in Missouri. I got to thinking about this a few days ago wondering why one and not another. After all, most offer good service and stock is generally similar most anywhere you go ... What then is the difference?

Reduced to the simplest terms, I believe the difference rests in the humanism of the owner/operators of the business. To bad we don't see that word much anymore; it's a very good word that bespeaks of concern for the interests and values human beings. Said another way, some fly shops strike me as being in business to make money -- make money anyway they can whether it's high shipping costs or trying to dissuade a buyer from a specific product to another that's in stock. I have an idea that most of these shops are operated by MBA's. It is a truism that most fly shops sell what they have, not what they can get.

I like the other kind of fly shop -- the kind that's interested in their customers, the fly fishers. These are the shops that do not try to sell a $700.00 rod or a $500.00 reel to a beginner and then to give them a "really good deal," by throwing in an old 333 fly line "free."

If you are looking for a neat full service fly shop that's run by a humanist, let me commend to you The Full Creel, owned and operated by Steve Robbins. Steve is an avid fly fisher who knows the gentle art inside and out. He is also the Director of Fly Fishing at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas as well as the Site Administrator of The North American Fly Fishing Forum. If I had to describe his ethics in a few words, it would be truth, trust, and loyalty.

- Doug Macnair
- Nationally Syndicated Fly Fishing Author and Fly Casting Instructor
- Fly Fishing Gear Reviewer
- www.douglasmacnair.com

Customer Testimonials Hear what our customers are saying about us… … I got to talk to a reel human in Tejas named Steve at the Full Creel who was most helpful and pleasant. For those of us who do not have fly shops in our communities and therefore are left to order long distance online or over the phone, or left to the dregs of the fly show circuit, or buying rods mid-trip from some 18-year old who says he's a guide and has the mandatory bad facial hair to prove it but only wants to sell me the "cool" rod that can throw across the canyon with no interest in what my stroke actually is capable of, this was a fantastic change of pace. Thank you for your time and input, it is very much appreciated…
- Chris Aldritt
- Bakersfield, California

Hello! I have just received these nice rods. Thanks for your service and fast shipping. I will test the rods in the weekend. I am also looking for the StreamDance GLX 4 wt 9` 4 pc presentation. So I will probably get back to you to purchase another rod. Best regards.
- Lars Bernhoft-Osa
- Rykkinn, Norway

Good price, fast delivery, and well packaged.
- Robert Huson
- Lakeland, FL

G'day Steve. The rod & line arrived today. They are excellent. The rod has a good medium action & the line also looks great, I haven't seen either product here in Aust & if or when they are available they will probably be twice the price I paid you. Thanks also for the fly box & multi tool they will get plenty of use. I look forward to buying more gear from you in the future.
- Warren Rankin
- Liverpool, New South Wales Australia

I am very pleased to tell you that I received in the best condition.... I am very happy.... Honest & pleasurable transaction. A+ in every way! We highly recommend.
- Moises Hoires
- Caracas, Venezuela

Wow Steve you are awesome! As always I received the package quickly! Even with the Holiday! I got it today and it is incredible! The Hip waders fit great and they arrived in plenty of time for my trip coming up! As always, incredible service and great prices! You rock dude!
- Mike Holtum
- Tempe, Arizona

Arrived in good time, as promised. Great price.
- Mandy Dougherty
- Columbia, IL

My first experience with Steve and The Full Creel website was as a first time fly fisher on his forum. Over the past couple of months I’ve talked to Steve both on the forum and over the phone. If you're like me and would rather deal with a person that knows what they’re talking about when it comes to fly fishing then this is the place for you. I’ve asked questions about fly line, flies, and rod and reel combos and have gotten good advice and polite and courteous service. He just doesn't work at the fly shop, but fly fishes himself, which makes him a great person to answer questions.
- Jerry Freet
- Knox, Indiana

…I went ahead and bought the G.Loomis Cross Current 8wt, Synchrotech fly reel and the Cortland 444 Tropics Plus fly line. I got it from The Full Creel. I took your advice Doug and twisted his arm real hard and he gave me the line and backing. This is a sweet outfit!
- Thomas Bailey
- Houston, Texas
Pro seller, Great transaction, Fast ship and honest. Thanks.
- John Tomlinson
- Seattle, Washington

First class product from a five star seller. Many thanks!
- Phil Maurer
- Latham, ACT Australia