Item 1: I saw in the news about the pending bankruptcy and sale of Joann’s Fabrics, and the closure of about 500 of their stores. Joann’s isn’t necessarily a major supplier of fly fishing gear, but like Michael’s, is often the closest source of yarn, chenille, Holoshimmer tinsel, floss, storage containers, metal beads, wire, and about a thousand other useful items to us fly tiers.

I use dozens of items from Joann’s and have to watch myself whenever I’m inside, simply due to all the odd millinery items I suddenly cannot live without. Many of my Czech nymphs use Joann’s clear elastic waistband material, so I’ll have to lay in a supply if they’re closing …

You might want to keep an eye out for a sale …

Item 2: President Trump is starting to levy tariffs on a number of our trading partners – and while few know what’s in store after all the dust is settled, one thing is certain … a lot of offshore products could be a lot more expensive.

Many of our graphite rod blanks are sourced from offshore (China), most of our fish hooks (Europe, Japan, and China), as well as many other common items like monofilament, reels, etc.

As I expect a lot of political rhetoric suddenly interfering with my hobby, it may be prudent to stock up on a few items, just to make sure we aren’t suddenly the victims in all this.

My concern is fish hooks specifically, as we are particularly vulnerable due to the lack of American hook makers. Most of the “generic” house brand hooks showing up at fly shops are sourced from China, most of the time honored brands like Gamakatsu and Tiemco are Japanese, and Partridge, Mustad, and all the competition brands like Hanak, Skalka, Knapek, etc., are all European.

Some Eagle Claw hooks are still made in the US, but many are made in China as well. I can’t think of another large scale American vendor, so there is a likelihood that in a trade war … the price of hooks may climb skyward.

… the Good News being that Pautzke’s is still American made … I think …