Good News, DC Anglers

by Ben Carmichael  |  April 26, 2008  |  More By Ben Carmichael

When I moved from NYC to DC, I knew I wanted to do one thing: fish. Whereas most people are called to DC by a sense of civic duty, I was called, in part at least, by a sense of exploration. The Potomac. The Blue Ridge Mountains. The Shenandoah's. All good water. All filled with fish.

And so it came as a bit of sad news to hear that the Angler's Lie in Alexandria, VA, had closed its doors. It was, I was told, the spot for fishing gear and advice. But when I called the number, good news answered. Its name? The Urban Angler.

The Urban Angler is a great fly fishing store in mid-town Manhattan. When I called, the guy said they wouldn't be open until Tuesday, but to come on by. They'd be there most of the weekend.

So I dropped by today, and was delighted to find a great shop in the making.

Jeremy Kehrein, the general manager of the NYC store, is overseeing the launch of the Alexandria store, the Urban Angler's first outside of NYC. He has exceptional experience; he was a guide in Montana and Argentina, and couldn't be nicer.

While I was there today, Jeremy, myself and a rep from Scientific Angler talked about the Blackfoot, about the Gunnison, and about the Beaverkill. They each expressed concern about the growing water shortage, and about the droughts in the West. They told great stories from out West, and of how the reservoirs are drying our rivers. All this while Jeremy's dog Roscoe hung about my feet, hoping I might throw a ball for him.

The store may have a long way to go before being completely set up -- the windows were still covered with plastic, the shelves still mostly empty -- but it already has a warmth, and a knowledge, that will make it welcome addition to the area. Go and check it out. They plan to have a grand opening sometime this summer. Already, it's a welcoming place for any angler.

 

Update (5/2/08): The Urban Angler sent out an official note of their opening today. Check it out here.