Business openings continue as we roll into early 2024. Just a month after announcing their plans (lots more details in that first article), Smoky Mountain Angler has moved into their downtown location at 618 South Gay Street. The morning I dropped in, Manager Chad Fouts scurried about helping customers.
The volume of merchandize surprised me. I’d become accustomed to the layout of the jewelry store that preceded it in that space, and the new layout is quite different. Merchandise not only lines low display cases as was the case with the previous store, it also climbs the walls, clings to the columns and fills a hallway and back room which were not previously public space.
While I (not a fly fisher person) could identify rods and reels, boots, hats, shirts, waders, and lures, plenty of items defied my scrutiny. The rods, as Chad had previously explained, are larger than your average rod, though they have all sizes, and designed for larger fish like you’d find closer to Knoxville. Essentially, as you can see in the photos, you can fill all your fly-fishing needs here.
In addition to finding the equipment you need, the store can also offer help in the sport. Chad told me he’s had beginners come into the store already and learn how to make their flies. They have a special table set up along the window for just this purpose. He also said he had a casting session set for a younger fisher. The casting lesson would happen in Krutch Park, which I thought was a pretty cool use of our water feature, and one I would have never imagined.
While I was there, customers were milling about inside the store. Chad said the first two days they were open (they opened January 2) were quite busy. I suspect it’s like so many very specific stores: If you know, you know. Clearly, the new location is already on the radar for those who are interested.
The store is open 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday through Saturday, and 10:30 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday. You can find more details on their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.