There is no better flyfishing shop east of Livingston, Montana, than Kauffmanns' Streamborn in Seattle. The exterior is unimposing and can be hard to find, but once you step through the door you can't help but feel the competence of the place.
Two large tables hold high-end rods from all the big names in graphite and dominate the center of the store. Accessories and books consume the edges of the room, but you can't help but be drawn to the counter that runs the entire length of the store. It's full of drawers and drawers of flies.
In face, there are so many flies you'll have trouble figuring out what to buy if you don't let the staff help you. Strike up a conversation and they'll make sure you wind up in the best spot... that they're willing to reveal. Go back a second or third time to build a relationship and they'll start sharing their secrets.
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