This is a question that every business asks itself at one time or another – and one that we ask ourselves on a daily basis. We constantly solicit feedback from customers and there are two things in particular we have heard loud and clear: keep the inventory current and change things up a bit every now and again. Sounds simple enough… but reality oftentimes supplants theory in business and we have to react accordingly.

This past year was tough by all accounts and on occasion we got into difficulty because suppliers were back ordered and we couldn’t get inventory or other companies were dropping lines completely and we decided to not restock shelves with inventory that would soon be redundant. We also got into situations where our friendly folks at the border decided to hold up things for reasons which remain a mystery to this day. If it wasn’t one thing it was another but we resolved to get through the year and committed to undertaking five fundamental changes. First, we brought on Rick Whorwood, Marty Tannahill and Doug Swift – all FFF certified casting instructors – to lead our school programs. This move has without a doubt clearly cemented our education programs as the best in the Province if not the country. Secondly, we launched a new website that has met with universal approval – in particular the 10% travel incentive program. Thirdly, we committed to increasing our inventory – and fly tying materials in particular – which necessitated the fourth change, notably rearranging the store itself to accommodate the new inventory. Lastly, we committed to getting our long-desired ecommerce site live.

Well, we are pleased to report that the first four items have been – or are about to be – accomplished and the fifth item – the ecommerce site – continues to inch ever closer to reality. If you have not been into the store we encourage you to drop by because we know you will like what we have done. And for those who keep checking in to see if the online store is live yet, as much as we hate to say it, “stay tuned…”

We are delighted to announce that Joe Penich will be joining us at the store this coming Saturday afternoon February 12 to give a guest tying lesson on Atlantic hair wing patterns. One of the most innovative fly tyers in Canada, Joe is known in particular for his expertise in Atlantic Salmon flies. Please join Joe at the store this Saturday for a free fly tying seminar and learn from one of the best!

NOTE: This free seminar is limited to 7 people so contact the store to reserve your spot as soon as possible!

If you are not aware of the Ringwood Fish Culture Station and the important work that is accomplished there you should take a moment and visit their website. Located on Highway 48 just north of Stouffville, the hatchery is responsible for providing a large percentage of Lake Ontario’s stocking quota including the entire Ontario stocking allocation for chinook salmon. Over 500,000 chinook salmon fry are produced at Ringwood annually – quite a feat for a facility run in large part by volunteers. Other species raised at the hatchery include rainbow trout, brown trout and Atlantic salmon which are all destined for Lake Ontario tributaries.

The Lake Ontario fishery is a major contributor to tourism attracting over 10,000 visitors annually and the estimated value of the resource is $140 million so it is an important part of our provincial economy. However, we heard a rumour late yesterday from a reliable source that the provincial funding upon which this facility relies heavily is about to be cancelled.

We hope this is not the case and are wondering if anyone has heard anything ?

For more information on the Ringwood Fish Hatchery please go to www.ringwoodhatchery.ca/