The big tent of fly fishing

Dave Bielecki, co-manager of Nomad Anglers, a specialty fly fishing store that opened in Grand Rapids at the end of 2011, is determined to help spread the love for all things piscine. Nomad Anglers is based in Lansing, where Dave’s brother, Brian, founded and owns the shop.

In Grand Rapids, Nomad Anglers employs four. They carry a wide variety of fly fishing equipment, including the Orvis brand. Marketing efforts are focused on the novice and experienced angler, as Bielecki is adamant that fly fishing is an equal opportunity sport and there are no excuses not to try. “It is not gender specific. There are no worms, no live bait and you don’t have to have superpower,” Bielecki says. 

Bielecki acknowledges some of the stereotypes of fly fishing, such as being only for the very affluent, saying that the reality is much different. All you need is a rod, a reel and some flies. With an abundance of lakes, ponds and streams, you can begin fly casting for panfish, bass and even carp before you embark on more premium experiences requiring extra equipment and travel.

Fly fishing is coming out of several lean years and business has been very robust at both stores, according to Bielecki. In the metro Grand Rapids area, he highlights Rogue River, downtown’s Grand River, and several small creeks and ponds in the area as terrific fly fishing experiences.

To learn more about Nomad Anglers, you can visit their Grand Rapids store at 1600 East Beltline or their blog here.

Source:  Dave Bielecki, Nomad Anglers
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs Angler