The Fly Fishing Show

[briansII]

http://www.flyfishingshow.com/Pleasanton.html

It's been more than a few years since I attended one of these. Back then, the industry attendance was on a down turn. Looks as though they are making a comeback. All but one show to date has sold out it's vendor space. There has always been a sizable fishing lodge presences at these shows. This year there looks to be a much larger gear and shop presence. The upcoming Pleasanton, Ca. show is now in 4 buildings, instead of 2. Looks like they have 8 seminars a day, 6 casting demos, and 30+ presentations each day.

There are less fly fishing shows across the country, so this is probably why we are seeing a better industry presence. I hope we continue to see fly fisher interest, or we might lose what we have left. This year I think I have my daughter talked into going, so I should be wandering the isles with a glazed over eyes, and a drool spot on my shirt.

briansII

[tomsakai]

The Pasadena show wasn't much the last few years but now I sure miss it. Can't believe that they don't have a show in SoCal anymore.

[WanderingBlues]

I went to one in Pasadena. It was weak. However, I took a class with Maggie Merriman that was outstanding.

[lucfish]

Before they put the show in Pasadena it was in Ontario and it was twice as big as Pasadena and twice as crowded. I don't know exactly what happened and why they went to Pasadena but when it did it was over.

[briansII]

The Pasadena show wasn't much the last few years but now I sure miss it. Can't believe that they don't have a show in SoCal anymore.

You would think SoCal would be a big draw, but it hasn't been that way. Not really sure why? We only have one ISE show in Sacramento now......and that's the only one on the whole west coast. Used to have one in SoCal, but not anymore. You still have the Fred Hall shows down south, but I don't know how much fly fishing stuff is there. That's why I think there is a good response to The Fly Fishing Show. The manufacturers have less shows to attend, so less money spent to show off their stuff. I remember going to the first The Fly Fishing Shows(somewhere in the east bay area?). It was held at a smaller venue back then. They were PACKED! Got a little claustrophobic it was so crowded.

briansII

[Bernard]

Although I have never attended the Fred Hall show, it is my understanding that the discussion among the shops, clubs and SWC FFF have heated up a little about using the Fred Hall as a platform for more fly fishing. This, of course, brings a whole bunch of questions along with it. I have heard that Guy Jeans has done well there on his own with a focus on entry-level gear. There's clearly a logic to that and I applaud him. As for fly specific events, it seems that the shops (Marriott's & Spot), clubs and the SWC are rallying to make their events more diverse and colorful as ever. I'm referring to the recent events posted here recently such as the F3T screenings and the FlyBuy. I'm sure y'all have noticed. Whenever I go to any of these events I walk away pleased to have met fellow board members as well as the hot shots and manufacturer reps. I sometimes glean some wisdom too. I wish I could attend more of these events. I also have yet to win any Orvis or Sage rods at these events so my motives stay focused on the social and learning side of things. I know that April has the Spot taking matters into their hands with what looks like a great one. Take a look: http://flyfishingexpo.net/.
B.