Testimonials

Good afternoon, I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for sharing your advice and local information. I did fish Guelph Lake for a couple of hours but no luck (neither did anyone else even get a nibble). The “island” is closed thru July and they told me that’s where the best fishing happens, instead I needed up fishing from the floating dock. Once again, thank you for your warm welcome. July 27th, 2018.

  Thank you Ray and Peter for such a great experience in fly fishing! Ray, you better not tell that underwear story too much. Lol! We got the pictures and they were great. The sisters will recommend you and Peter to anyone! Have a wonderful day and maybe will be back your way someday. 

July 16th, 2018.

Hi Ray. 

Just a short email to say thank you to yourself and Arron...

Both Don and myself had a wonderful day.  Arron really did get over his points clearly and efficiently.. it was so easy to comprehend.  Thank you for everything.. your attitude towards the sport has been one of the main reasons I took it up.   I'm a relative novice, however, you treat me like a pro.  I look forward to seeing you again soon.. and hopefully Don gets out fishing when he gets back to Alberta...

Have a great weekend.. and a great fathers day. 

Take care.

June 16th, 2018.

 

Hello Stephen.

Thank you for the kind words, but students / customers  like yourself are the reason why I love my “job” daily …

You make all the long hours and stress that comes with owning a small business worthwhile!

Your passion for the sport is clear, and with your attention to detail and ability to absorb the small details, you will clearly do well!

I hope this sport gives you as much satisfaction in your future years as it is giving me daily!

Ray.

Hey Ray...

Hope you're having a great weekend. I look forward to coming up and wasting your time again... You've been awesome to deal with and you've made my journey into fly fishing extremely worthwhile. 

Take care my friend!

June 3rd, 2018.

 

 

 

Ray,

Thanks for the pic of my repaired Hardy reel....looks amazing. I'm excited about getting it back.

Again, my thanks, Ray, for an excellent job.

I'll certainly recommend you to any of my friends who have Hardy Reels in need of repair!

Cheers.

May 30th, 2018.

 

 

Probably one of the best tackle shops I've been to. Wide variety of lures and soft plastics that frankly you cant find a lot of at any other store. Cant believe I never made it there sooner as it's a must to go to place! I'll be back soon. May 29th, 2018. Happy to hear that you enjoyed your visit Jeremy, and if there are products you see or use that we did not inventory, please don’t hesitate to let us know - If you’re looking for something, someone else might be as well. We take pride in staying on top of current industry trends, and with your help and continued support, we will maintain that standard. Tight Lines this summer!  

A buddy and me took a shot at this place the other day, driving 45 min to go to the shop without any prior knowledge. I am fairly new to fly fishing and the level of direction I received was spectacular! Very helpful and apparent that he took interest in teaching to the "new guys". I will definitely be returning whenever passing through the area! Highly recommend! April 25th, 2018.

Hi Ray, the reel showed up on Friday.  I put the fly line on yesterday.  It looks gorgeous with the orange backing!  The sun is finally out and the ice is melting on the lakes, just itching to get out and try this reel! I will definitely  be back to get whatever new toys I would like in the future.  Thanks for the great service and quick delivery! April 22nd, 2013.

Hello Ray it looks perfect!  You guys do awesome work!!😁😁😁 April 22nd, 2018.

Honestly the best place around for all your fishing needs! Ray is very helpful, especially if you’re looking to get fitted for some waders or boots. April 9th, 2018.

I've been a regular customer of The First Cast fly fishing store for several years and my visits to the store have always been a pleasure. If you need anything that is not in stock then Ray is happy to order the item in for you, he goes out of his way to make visiting the store enjoyable, and his willingness to share his vast fishing knowledge helps you to make the correct choices easily. Definitely my favourite fishing store! April 9th, 2018.

The trick you showed me has been the best thing for my wading boots. I’m on the river now and my feet have never been comfier (and warm) ... Thanks for the great sizing and help with the waders for Hailey and I ... with happy feet come great steelhead!

April 9th, 2018.

Hi Ray, Thank you for the help with the rod choice this morning and for generally sharing some of your knowledge, it all helps me significantly. I'm really happy with my choice, I wasn't totally sure that the loomis Dredger was what I needed. See you on Saturday. April 5th, 2018.

I’ll be sure to send along some pictures and spread the word along the river of the great service I’ve received! April 4th, 2018.

Good morning,

Just wanted to let you know I received my package yesterday in the mail.   Thank you VERY much!!   Everything was well packed. Also, thank you for the gifts; the notepad has a new home on my tying desk and the fly will be fished in the Miramichi river in the coming weeks. Thanks again!!   I’ll be sure to refer friends to your shop!

Cheers!

April 4th, 2018.

Hi Ray,

Thank you for your help and information to choose the right waders. This is exactly what I expected from a specialized store - Really appreciated and for sure you have a new customer! Please add my email to your list.

Have a nice day,

PS - I managed to dodge with my wife the question about the cost and didn't have to sleep with the dog...

March 30th, 2018.

Hi Ray, Here are a few pictures of the reels with the great handles that you made for them.  They turned out great and I am very pleased with both your personal service and the custom product. Thanks, March 26th, 2018.

Hi Ray:

Back in NS and have fly lines and gear scattered all over the living room in preparation for re-spooling.  The rest of the family has grown accustomed to this springtime domestic activity...but still can't help but comment on the clutter.

 

Glad we were able to finally visit you and your comprehensive shop (your home away from home).  Way too much to see there, really, in one visit.  I never know where to start in most fly fishing shops, there's just so much stuff in little packets pasted all over the walls, like 3-D wallpaper.  And the First Cast shop was as densely stocked as the best of them !!

 

Felt doubly lucky that we also serendipitously arrived just in time to take in Larry's fly tying session -- that was a real pleasure and I picked up a LOT of tying and fishing tips from his session.  Your shop definitely is an unjudgmental refuge for  fishing junkies and fly tying nerds, of which I include myself.  Only people of a particular temperment can remain in that shop for more than 10 minutes without becoming confused and/or disinterested; conversely, the fanatics never want to leave.. 

 

Hope to get back to the shop again in the future during the fishing season and also wet a line in some of the rivers in the nearby vicinity.

 

Keep smiling,

 

March 19th, 2018.

 

Hi Ray, You’ve created a great atmosphere there! It was good for my first visit!  February 20th, 2018.

Hello Ray, Just have to say thanks for the excellent service yesterday - you took the time to explain much as possible in between dealing with myself and other customers. Wicked store every and anything one can think of! Your store would be my new favourite!  Thanks again! December 10th, 2017.

Excellent store, staff knows lots and there is an immense selection of fly fishing and spin fishing gear. Definitely worth checking it out! December 9th, 2017. Hello and thank you for the kind words Mark! We are very happy that we made a good impression and it is with your help and continued support that we can maintain and expand our level of innovative product selection. I hope Santa Claus is good to you!  

Thanks as always for your expertise and guidance! November 25th, 2017.

Hello Ray. It was good to meet you today. As I mentioned today, I recently was introduced to fly fishing in July and have immediately fallen in love with it! I have a lot to learn and am trying to absorb as much as possible. Looking forward to stopping into your haven again. Sincerely, November 25th, 2017.

I always wanted a vintage Hardy reel for the salmon and grilse fishing I do in the Atlantic. Finally found a reel that sounded and looked fine upon first inspection. However when I attempted to use, it became clear there was an issue. I brought it to my local fly shop in Halifax who recommended Hook Line Sinker and The First Cast Flyshop as a possible repair solution. After some quick and friendly email exchanges I sent the reel to Guelph. Within a week a missing integral retainer ring was machined and installed. Fantastic service and will look for future opportunities to support this great shop! October 20th, 2017.  

Hi Ray. I was very impressed by your service and knowledge. I will definitely pass along my experience to others ... I should of picked up some gloves and one of your cool hats ... Thx again and good luck on the river . September 28th, 2017.

Hey Ray it's Gord , just unwrapped the GLX , beautiful, love it !! PS you run a great little shop there , wish I had one like this close. Mucho gracias!

Ray was a huge help and very knowledgable. Big thanks for moving things around to accommodate us for our guide... I love my new 4wt echo ! This guy will be able to answer all your questions . I will without a doubt be returning to the store to see ya next year! September 14th, 2017.

Hi Ray, I was in your shop on the weekend to buy some simms waders. While I was impressed with all the products you have in stock I was more impressed with your customer service! You mentioned I could join a mailing list for your shop for events and guest speakers? Thanks for the wafer fitting. Glad I went with the simms, they felt great on the water September6th, 2017.

It is worth the drive to benefit from your knowledge and professionalism. Thanks for your help. September 2nd, 2017.

We had an exceptional experience here! You have to try the Fly Fishing lesson. They are so professional and made it so much fun!! Would highly recommend the store for any of your fishing needs. August 30th, 2017.

Hello Ray. My name is Zack I was in to purchase a rod and reel baitcaster from you yesterday . I stopped in at the small lake beside Pushlinch lake today and very successful! Thank you very much for the help and techniques to allow me to start using a bait caster properly again. You are the only person that took the time out their busy day to go over everything about the new rod and reel! For that I thank you! I would recommend you and your shop to any one of my friends who want the best service and experience. That baby was caught on a number four hook and those rage tail worms I purchased also. First fish on the new rod and reel . Casts great ! August 21st, 2017.

Hi Ray! Thanks so much for sharing the info below and the photos from last weekend. We all had a fantastic time and appreciated Arron's wise advice and tough love! :) We will definitely recommend the experience to others and look forward to getting out again soon! Have a fantastic weekend and hope to see you soon! August 21st, 2017.

That’s awesome Ray - Beyond what I expected - You guys do incredible work - I'm so glad I found out about your abilities and the skills of your machinist. August 15th, 2017.

Hardy Marquis Fly Reel Repair: Hi Ray Received the Repaired Hardy Fly Reel today and I was impressed with your work on my reel. I will recommend your craftsmanship to my fishing friends and let them know about you and your company. It has been a pleasure dealing with you. Best regards,  

Great selection and the owner was very very very knowledgeable and helpful. Hat tip for finding everything a couple foreigners needed and more!

Hook Line and Sinker & The First Cast is worth the 4 hour drive!! Thanks Ray for all your advise and sharing your knowledge with me! Enjoy the summer! June 9th, 2017.

Hi Ray, I received my package today, and the item exceeded my expectations. I know it will work well for the type of fishing I do. I know that I was not the easiest first-time customer, but I will certainly be a returning one. And I will refer your shop to friends and colleagues for hard-to-find, and critical fishing gear. April 27th, 2017. I knew it would Kenny! No worries at all - when spending any $$ its always best to ask any and all questions. On-line sales represent a small portion of my business and during the day I find it hard to leave the in-store customers for the phone - finding that "balance" is always difficult but certainly manageable with your continued help. Have a great summer fishing and thank you for the support!

Hey Ray, Thanks for the extremely comprehensive email. It'll really help me hone my casting techniques and practice the different types of presentations. Also thanks again to Aaron and Peter. Their instruction was very clear, helpful and fun and I left with a lot to keep in mind when I get back out on the river this weekend. Hope to stop by again soon. April 24th, 2017.

Hey Ray - just wanted to say thanks first of all for all the amazing service you have helped me with over the last year or so. Here is one of many salmon we got last weekend. Caught released! Black Atlantic salmon. Miramichi NB. THANKS AGAIN!  April 24th, 2017. Awesome fish Andrew! I sincerely appreciate the continued support, as I know that there are several other shops across the country you could call. I’ll get the pic up on the site later today and please keep the great pictures coming!

Hi Ray, Today was my third or fourth visit to your store, and as always it’s been a pleasant and positive experience. I suspect I’ll be a fairly regular customer in the future; your service is friendly, knowledgeable, and top notch. Best regards, March 22nd, 2017.

Frigging stunning! Can't wait to actually see them. Thanks a lot, it's been a great experience! March 19th, 2017.

Thanks for the fly line Ray! Just arrived, can't wait to chuck it out there! Will refer your company to friends and family! Great customer service! March 11th, 2017.

Thanks for the tips and advice yesterday when I bought the fly rod/reel package from you. Great store fantastic service & perfect attitude. Hope to come back soon. Regards. March 1st, 2017.

Hi Ray: Got my order of scarfs and magic eggs plus the glow beads you generously send for the NSSA dinner auction. Thanks again for the excellent customer service and helping out the Thunder Bay Steelheaders. Hope you can get some time to steelhead fish this spring. All the best. February 21st, 2017.

HLS Rod building Class: Building a Fishing Rod is something I have always been interested in. Looking at websites did not give me confidence to try this on my own. This class allowed me to learn some of the fundamentals of rod building and gave me some ideas for rods I would like to build for myself. Our instructor Mike Rumig was able to work with us and show some of the basic techniques to rod building. Mike is a very knowledgeable instructor and has alot of patience to teach newcomers to the art of rod building. The hands on environment worked out really well for me as I was able to learn some of the techniques with my own hands. While we were building Mike was able to watch and teach us the correct techniques. Mike was always inspecting while we were building, giving us instruction along the way. Mike was concerned to make sure we were successful, we were able to build something that was going to look professional and perform once it would be put to the test. There is alot to know and learn here and this course certainly only scratches the surface but its enough to make you feel you can build rods that you will be proud to take out on your next fishing adventure. Taking this course ( with the support from Ray at HLS and Mike ) I know I will be able to continue and grow my skills making my fishing rods. February 18th, 2017.

I really like your store and always send friends to you with confidence that they will be treated fairly with expert knowledge and super friendly service ...Kennith and I were discussing just that yesterday when we were in Lake Simcoe fishing for whitefish . Thanks you again for your help in my fly fishing pursuits!  February 11th, 2017.

Thank you. It has been a pleasure dealing with you. I would not hesitate with a referral! Regards, February 9th, 2017.

Ray, I will travel to your shop again before i go anywhere else! I hope you have a great christmas and i will hopefully put the new reel to work this week. You will be the first to see the pics! December 25th, 2016.

Thank you for your out-of-the-ballpark customer service. Your shop was a delight to attend and your instructor was a perfect professional - courteous, and unmistakable expertise of this pretty complex content delivered in a reassuring manner. It was altogether a lovely, memorable experience. I have recommended your service to a couple of other people who have expressed interest in learning about fly fishing ... November 17th, 2016.

Hi Ray: Thanks for taking the time to chat about the Pridex reel last evening. I am impressed by the quality of the used equipment that moves through your shop. However, for someone like me who enjoys fishing a variety of species across a broad diversity of habitats/ situations (e.g. lakes, freshwater rivers, brooks, marine coastal, tidal rivers), it is a bit of a curse to know of your shop - Keep smiling, my friend, December 2nd, 2016.