District Angling — Local services in Arlington

It had been a long time since my last time fly fishing and needed help getting waders. I was so fortunate to have stopped in at District Angling! This is an independent fly fishing shop run by the owner, and it shows! From the moment I walked in, Richard made sure he understood what I’d be doing and what I needed. He spent time asking me questions about an upcoming trip and matching me up with the right waders and boots. I should note here that he did not try to up-sell me on these things, even though I would have been fine with buying more expensive equipment. He just said that I didn’t need to spend more money for what I would be doing. As I was leaving, I asked some questions about my rods, reels, and fly lines. He said he’d be happy to take a look, and give me some advice and asked if I had brought my equipment, which I had not. I came back to the shop later with my gear and he spent the better part of an hour examining everything. He told me that my reels and lines were in good shape and I didn’t need to replace any of it. Once again, he did not try to sell me anything I didn’t need. He also helped me better match my reels to my rods and even took time to go over my casting, providing me with some very good advice. To say that I wholeheartedly recommend District Angling and Richard would be an understatement! This is a shop where you will be treated with respect and are sure to learn something with each visit, no matter how new or experienced you are. Stop in, you’ll be...

I’m from Colorado and just moved to DMV trying to have some conversation with local fly shop to get some local knowledge. but walk in with enthusiasm and walk out with disappointment. Not very helpful shop. The guy is not willing to provide you more info than buy this book and everything you need is in this book. Not sure about what’s wrong with his attitude but Orvis would help you out and chat. Where is your enthusiastic for you fly fishing pal? Come on pal!

3/22/2023- not sure how to reply to your response, but I will post it here. I spent 100+ days fly fishing every year in CO in College. There are lots of fly shops in CO and I have been most of them. So I know the vibe of a good fly shop is. BUT not saying your shop is bad. Just saying the employee I met is not very helpful with a bad vibe. Did you listen to audio? or just watched the video? I normally don't give review especially one-star, but I felt very disappointed to have a bad start with the "top" fly shop in the area.

All in all, this was a mean to give feedback to the owner and I was indeed very disappointed...

District Angling is not your average fly shop. It is a family fly shop. From the first moment I walked in I was treated as family. The owner Richard took me under his wing and showed me all the local fishing areas as well as ones that were not so local. His staff are engaged and always willing to answer questions. They are informative and willing to share fishing areas and tricks to navigate them. As I spent a long there I witnessed people that sought out Richard and District Angling. There is a history behind the development and opening that I will not get into yet to see people that seek out Richard and the relationship he has built is wonderful. This is not some fly shop with a superiority complex. It is a fly shop that is full of pride and wants to share their experiences as well as retain customers. My suggestion is to seek them out and have a cup of coffee with them. Their product line is on the upper end yet they are not afraid to suggest a product they do not have. In all my travels and experiences with fly shops this if by far...