I don't normally review places stores or shops. Products are much easier to review without an emotional involvement involved. Stores or shops are often more reviewed based upon the service the reviewer received - sometimes this can be very subjective. With products, you can say exactly what you like, don't like, what broke, what didn't break, and what works.
There are however, a few people that I have come to like very much, and day in and day out offer the best (as far as I'm concerned - your mileage might vary, of course) top notch service. I've often referred to Ian James, who in my opinion is one of the best guys to ever go fly fishing with, learn from, and enjoy some time on the water. Ian IS also a friend of mine.
Now, I must also provide a review of one of my favorite shops to buy stuff from. The owner of this shop, Ray Collesso, is not a friend of mine in the sense that I've never fished with him, drank with him, or got together outside of business hours with. All I know of him is from his service at his Guelph, Ontario shop, "Hook, Line & Sinker."
Now, Hook, Line & Sinker is not a primarily a "fly shop." And you aren't going to find every brand name of tackle available either. It is a small store, located at 380 Eramosa Road, Guelph, Ontario. And to be honest, the store's website sucks too. But don't let this stop you for visiting.
I first walked into Hook, Line & Sinker about three years ago. I had two sons in tow - Colin, at the time was 11 years old, and David, who was not quite a year old. Immediately, owner Ray Collesso made us all feel welcome, and not only spent time talking with Colin, but also played with David. We bought some fly tying stuff for Colin, and Ray ended up throwing in a few extra little "goodies" for Colin at no charge. I was impressed right off the bat.
Since then, when I've been in the Guelph area, I've visited Collesso's shop and have always been impressed with the level of service and knowledge he offers, as well as his willingness to just talk and shoot the sh** or whatever you want to call it. Sometimes, he hasn't stocked stuff I wanted, but he has no problems letting me know what he can order and get in. You know how sometimes, you walk into some fly shops, and there is just an "attitude" of "I'm the expert, spend lots of money here, on only the top brand names we carry, and if you don't agree with us, you don't know what you are talking about?" I have to admit I've run into that "attitude" on a few occassions. You will NOT find this attitude at Hook, Line & Sinker.
Today, I visited the Guelph store with Colin (who is now 14) and David (now 3 1/2). Today is the day before the "Trout Opener" in my part of the world, and Hook, Line & Sinker was indeed a busy place. Colin has expressed a huge interest in learning more about fly fishing, and I thought it was finally time to get him his own gear so he's not begging to use mine when we're on a river. Even though the small store was very busy, Collesso spent a good 45 minutes with my son, helping us pick up an economical but at the same time decent quality rod, reel, line, leader, and tippet material. Collesso treated Colin like an adult, while I browsed with David. Collesso took the time to explain to Colin the basics of the mechanics of fly casting, the reasons for needing backing on a reel, demonstrated how to put on the backing and then attach the fly line to the backing, explained in very good terms about tapered leaders, and just did a fantastic job. I walked out of there with a nice "beginners'" kit for about $149.99, which included a nice Fenwick rod, reel, backing, line, leader and tippet. And for his 45 minutes of time, Collesso probably gained a new customer in my son Colin, even though Colin lives in Ottawa.
I also walked out of there with a very happy and excited 14 year old son, who will also be spending some time with Ian James on Sunday, getting some tips on how to use his new stuff. Oh, and every year, Collesso designates the day before "Opening Day" as "Customer Appreciation Day," and we were well fed with great hamburgers and hotdogs barbequed right in front of the store. Gratis.
I'll be honest here - if you're looking for enormous selections on fly gear and fly tying supplies, you won't find everything at Hook, Line & Sinker. If you are looking for great service, an excellent selection of flies (especially for the Grand River in Ontario), decent equipment, or even economical tackle, and you live anywhere near the Guelph, Ontario area, I'd highly recommend you go in and talk to Ray Collesso.
You won't get "over sold" on anything, and as far as what I can see, he's an honest guy that really does have a goal of customer service. And no, Ray has no idea that this article is being posted on this site. But I'd like to see him do well, and be recognized for what he offers. And I can also say that my 14 year old son was quite impressed with being treated as a "serious" customer and having had Ray spend the time that he did, explaining everything.
Once we get the message board back up and running on this site, I'll set up a thread for you to tell us about your own special "fishing businesses/shops" that you know of, that you'd like to show your appreciation for as well.
Hook, Line & Sinker Website: www.hooklineandsinker.ca/
Phone: (519) 766-HOOK (4665).
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The Muncher is a favorite of Ian James for carp, smallies, more. 
Thoughts of a Chicken Rancher. Doc tells it like it is.