Friday, December 25, 2009

Happy Holidays!

Holiday Hours -

Western Sport Shop will be closed on Friday, December 25th for Christmas.

We will reopen on Saturday, December 26th for regular store hours.

Western Sport Shop will be closing at 3 pm on Thursday, December 31st, and will be closed on Friday, January 1st. The stores will reopen on Saturday, January 2nd for regular store hours.

So, that means if you wanted to go fishing on New Year's Day, you need to head on in and pick up a 2010 Annual Fishing license - available now in both stores!

Happy Holidays to you from the entire team at Western Sport Shop. Thank you for choosing us, and sharing your successes and "long days" with us this past year. We've enjoyed every minute of it!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Great Gift Idea - Redington Minnow Starter Fly Outfit


We see a lot of so-called "kid's" outfits, and most of them are reasonably toy-like. Which is OK when you're talking about spincast outfits, where the rod doesn't really have to do too much. But, in flyfishing, the rod is such a key ingredient in the process of learning to cast, if the starter fly rod isn't of good quality, it just makes it harder than it needs to be.

We were blown away by the quality of the Redington Minnow outfit - the rod has been carefully designed to work well with a younger angler - whose strength might not be enough to use a full-sized rod. This outfit balances well, most importantly casts well, and includes what is most definitely a real fly fishing rod.

Just in time for the holidays, we're making this outfit even more enjoyable by taking $40 off the regular price. You can get this setup for only $119.99! Hurry - we're already starting to run out!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Great Gift Idea - Filson Socks


"Oh sure..." you may say. "Socks for Christmas!?"

"Not just socks..." we would reply. "Filson socks"

This year, the early buyers far outstripped our ability to get replacement socks, but the fine folks from UPS just brought our fill-in shipment, so we're suddenly back in stock on this vital holiday item. We had gotten a little worried back when Filson had told us they were reworking their classic sock, but they have kept them comfortable with wonderful Merino wool, mixing them with just enough nylon to let them wash easily and keep their shape.

These keep you comfortable, warm and dry, fit great and do a simple job well for a long time. Don't worry, we won't tell if you pick up a pair for yourself as well...

Note - if you are reading this on Saturday morning over your cup of coffee, and want to pick up a few pair in the Santa Rosa, you may want to wait until noon or so. They had only arrived in San Rafael, so we're making a special delivery run up there later today.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Great Gift Idea - Fly Fishing the California Delta

Hot off the press! Great new hardbound book. Perfect for a gift. In stock in both stores.

2010 Fishing Licenses Arrived!

After many long and painful days of having to tell everyone that we didn't have licenses, the California Department of Fish and Game finally sent us our initial batch of 2010 Fishing Licenses! If you want to be fishing on New Year's Day, you'll need this! (It's also historically one of the more popular gifts to unwrap.)

Note that the DFG has "retired" the Bay-Delta Sportfishing Enhancement Stamp, so that all you'll need is the basic license for fishing within the San Francisco Bay.

If you wish to purchase licenses as gifts, you will need to know the name, address and date of birth for the recipient.