Rolled up on a fella that gave me the usual song and dance about why I should be using the fly for the aggressive fall steelhead that were in the river. I as always was polite and explained that I was following the rules and enjoying myself fishing my way then I left.
I came down the trail the next day to see the same cat playing a fish on his fly rod! I thought, no hard feelings and RIGHT ON what pattern are you using? He just ignored me. I stuck around long enough to see a 1/4oz gold cleo hanging out of the 12lb steelhead's mouth!
Moral of the story is who cares what they think! If they give you a hard time just ask them what their fly is supposed to immitate anyway! Probably the same damn thing as your metal!
Just because someone is using a fly outfit doesn't in any way shape or form make them a better angler. It's all personal preference!