… Your shop definitely is an unjudgmental refuge for  fishing junkies and fly tying nerds, of which I include myself …

/in , /by

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.
 

… You’ve created a great atmosphere there! It was good for my first visit! 

/in , /by

Hi Ray, You’ve created a great atmosphere there! It was good for my first visit! 

February 20th, 2018.

Just have to say thanks for the excellent service yesterday … Wicked store and anything one can think of! Your store would be my new favourite!

/in , /by

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!

/in , /by

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!

/in , /by

Thanks as always for your expertise and guidance!

November 25th, 2017.

… Looking forward to stopping into your haven again!

/in , /by

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.

… Fantastic service and will look for future opportunities to support this great shop! …

/in , /by

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.

 

… I was very impressed by your service and knowledge. I will definitely pass along my experience to others …

/in , /by

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.

GLX STR1562 Centerpin Float Rod Handle Strip and Reel Seat and Hook Keeoer Addirion BBB

… just unwrapped the GLX , beautiful, love it! You run a great little shop there , wish I had one like this close …

/in , /by

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!

… a huge help and very knowledgable … I will without a doubt be returning to the store …

/in , /by

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.

… While I was impressed with all the products you have in stock I was more impressed with your customer service! …

/in , /by

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 …

/in , /by

It is worth the drive to benefit from your knowledge and professionalism.

Thanks for your help.

September 2nd, 2017.

Sabrina Learn To Fly Fish Lessons Upper Grand River AA

We had an exceptional experience here! … They are so professional and made it so much fun! …

/in , , /by

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.

Zach Largemouth Bass on Baitcaster

… I would recommend you and your shop to any one of my friends who want the best service and experience …

/in , , /by

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.

Natalie Learn To Fly Fish Lessons The Upper Grand River A

… We all had a fantastic time and we will definitely recommend the experience to others …

/in , /by

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.

… 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 …

/in , /by

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.

… 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 …

/in , /by

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,

 

… Very very very knowledgeable and helpful. Hat tip for finding everything a couple foreigners needed and more …

/in , /by

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

… Worth the 4 hour drive! Thanks Ray for all your advise and sharing your knowledge …

/in , /by

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.

… I will refer your shop to friends and colleagues for hard-to-find, and critical fishing gear!

/in , /by

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!

… Instruction was very clear, helpful and fun … I would definitely recommend your course to anyone wanting to learn fly fishing …

/in , , /by

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.

Andrew Miramichi Black Atlantic Salmon April 2017AA

… Thanks first of all for all the amazing service you have helped me with over the last year or so …

/in , /by

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!

… as always it’s been a pleasant and positive experience … your service is friendly, knowledgeable, and top notch!

/in , /by

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.

HLS Wedding Fly Fishing Boutonniere A

… Frigging stunning! Thanks a lot, it’s been a great experience! …

/in , /by

Frigging stunning! Can’t wait to actually see them.

Thanks a lot, it’s been a great experience!

March 19th, 2017.

… Will refer your company to friends and family! Great customer service! …

/in , /by

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.

… Great store fantastic service & perfect attitude …

/in , /by

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.

… Thanks again for the excellent customer service and helping out the Thunder Bay Steelheaders …

/in , /by

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.

Rod Building Classes Completed St Croix Rods BBB

…with the support HLS I know I will be able to continue & grow my skills making my fishing rods!

/in , /by

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 & always send friends to you with confidence that they will be treated fairly with knowledge and super friendly service …

/in , /by

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.

… It has been a pleasure dealing with you. I would not hesitate with a referral!

/in , /by

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

February 9th, 2017.