We chat to JOHN GEILS behind the counter of his new Concept Store.
TCFF: Congratulations on your new shop John! After two decades in the fly fishing industry, what motivated the move from distributor to (and) retail shop?
JG: Thanks PJ. It will be 23 years this July. Our core business is still distribution and always will be. One thing I’ve noticed with my travels to international tackle shows each year is that times are changing and the old distribution models are changing globally. As a brand and business, we too need to adapt and change with the trends if we want to be around in the next 20 years. One of the motivations behind opening a retail shop has come from the need for a dedicated fly fishing shop in Durban. There hasn’t been a proper “fly only” shop in Durban since the days of The Fly Fisherman when Roger Baert was involved with the Hilton and Glenwood shops. Durban’s avid fly anglers have been deprived of a proper local fly shop that can offer (from experience) the right advice on tackle, gear, destinations, as well as a varied range of fly tackle. This has forced Durbanites to have to travel upcountry for their fix. There also isn’t a tackle shop in the country that stocks every single product that we import and distribute, big or small, until now.
TCFF: You call this your Concept Store. What do you mean by that?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
It's Called Evolution
Our quarry constantly has to adapt to the everchanging conditions of their environment. It goes without saying then, that we, too, need to revise our fishing strategy to remain successful on any given day. Anton Hartman explains.
At The Gates Of Antarctica
Mauritia Kirchner falls in love with the farflung Falkland Islands.
Six Of The Best Largemouth Flies
FlyTying Field Editor Murray Pedder lists the top six largemouth yellowfish flies for the Orange, Vaal, Vanderkloof and Gariep dams.
Ascending caddis pupa
The ascending stage of a caddis makes easy prey for both trout and yellowfish – the reason why Arno Laubscher propagates tying a pattern that imitates it.
In Search Of Natal Yellowfish Top Scaly Rivers Of Kwazulu-Natal
Carl Freese shares his favourite home rivers for hunting KZN scaly.
A Rod Maker's Thoughts: Why Bamboo?
Stephen Boshoff elaborates on his passion for bamboo.
Rhodes AN ICONIC TOWN AND HOME TO fly fishing legend: Fred Steynberg
Like the prodigal son, we return to Rhodes to meet up with old friends and revisit rivers filled with memories and wild rainbows.
The TCFF Charity Initiative: FLY FISHERS GIVING BACK
After two and a half decades of publishing TCFF, we are honoured and blessed not only by the support of our readers, but also our industry in the main.
IN MEMORIAM: Gunga Donn
It’s always tough to lose a friend, but when that friend is a fishing buddy with whom you have shared boats, banks and lodgings, it is particularly distressing.
In pursuit of Weza
Sean I'Ons relates how it took 40 years for a story of a fishery and the people he got to know along the way to come full circle.
