Getting into fly fishing can feel overwhelming: thousands of patterns, endless boxes of gear, and no idea what to buy first. In this Where Are They Now episode, Peter Long, owner of Freestone Fly Fishing, returns to the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast to explain how a monthly fly membership solves that problem and how his young business grew.
How a fly membership works
Freestone selects a set of patterns, plus a few extras, and sends them to members each month. The assortment changes, so you build a varied box over time without guessing. At the time of this conversation, options had expanded from a trout box to include salmon and steelhead, a warm-water box for bass and panfish, and a saltwater option shaped by feedback from anglers in places like the Everglades. Peter describes researching what works with experienced anglers before choosing patterns.
Why it suits beginners (and veterans)
A curated selection removes decision fatigue. You learn which patterns matter for your water because you actually fish them. Peter notes that many members are experienced anglers who simply like the surprise and the convenience. The company also added a higher-tier box with products from partner brands such as Loon and Rio, so members get useful tools alongside flies.
Teaching, not just selling
A big theme is giving back. Freestone publishes tying tutorial videos with recipe sheets, free on its site and YouTube, plus blog posts, so anyone can tie the pattern whether or not they subscribe. Peter says that welcoming approach, rather than hard selling, has landed well with the community. Social media grew alongside it, helped by a group of ambassadors, with a goal of doubling its Instagram following.
The tying starter kit
The newest step was a basic fly tying starter kit with a vise, bobbin and the very basics, paired with materials kits so a beginner can start tying right away. Peter says demand jumped when it launched. He also hoped to bring in work from outside tiers to enrich the memberships. The milestone he's proudest of: taking the business full-time after starting it on the side.
Takeaways for your own box
Match patterns to the species and water you actually fish, keep a few proven flies in each size range, and learn to tie your favorites. Tying is the fastest way to understand what a fly is meant to imitate.
Gear
To pair your flies with solid rigging and presentation, check out our Tips and Tricks for Fly Fishing eBook, and enjoy a quiet tying session with a Fly Fishing Insider mug. A vise and bobbin from your local fly shop will get you started.
