Wow, this post took off. I'm fairly new to this board so it's hard to read personalities here. I tie commercially, but the only way that I can afford to do it is if I sell to the end user. I can't go under $1.50 per fly and expect to make it worth my time. Lets face it, the offshore factories have to exist. There are very few tyers that will crank out irresistable adams by the dozen and sell them for pennies on the dollar. The reason this has to happen is so the fly shops (local businesses) can stay in business. If there have to be shops offshore, or in Rainy's case, if you just happen to overtake an operation offshore, why not make it a good one.
Check this out.
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_...20/ai_n10868193
BTW. If we are so opposed to using foreign products...
Stop using all hooks except Mustad and Eagle Claw. All the nice stuff is made in Asia.
Stop using all your TFO fly rods. In fact, ALL fly rods except the HIGH dollar ones.
Stop using just about everything made by Orvis (I like Orvis too... Damn shame)