Fred Hall vs Pasadena FF Show

[WanderingBlues]

If you had to choose one show, what would it be? I've been to Fred Hall several times and usually spend some good money there. Is the Pasadena Show good in as far as some good deals, etc? Also, what's the turnout like? Fred Hall is mayhem and it's tough to enjoy any of the seminars. I'd like to be able to check out the seminars on 'reading trout streams' and 'nymphing techniques.'

Thanks for any feedback. If I go, I'll be there on Saturday the 13th.

Curtis

[Flyjunkie]

no issue... the Fly Fishing Show... Period... The Fred Hall show has proven for Years that it really doesn't care about the Flyfishing Community... I was asked for about 4 years in a row to tye at the show.. but always refused... (they wanted me to tye for all 5 days...Yeah right!!!)..

I've heard all sorts of Sh*t regarding how the powers that be treat the Flyfishing community...

The Flyfishing Show is worth your time & Money... the Fred hall show isn't.... Period

[FlyinFish]

FH sucks and is not what it used to be (from what I've been told) back in the day. It used to be about deals and such. Now, there aren't many deals. There are a few things here and there, and it's making a bit of a comeback though. There are definitely more deals this year than the passed few.

But if you're into the salt thing, like me, it's good to see friends and go talk up the manufacturers. It's the only place where I can go pull on all the blanks I need to compare. I'm looking for a 40# and a 60# stick, so I will be spending time at Calstar and Seeker. It's hard for any shop to stock all the options.

The seminars are okay, but I never get much out of a fishing seminar anyway...

Definitely salt focused. Unless you're looking for gear or info on salt stuff, the Pasadena show may be a better bet with lots more to learn.

[gabe]

I would be at the Pasadena show if I could afford it. doh!

[fly addict]

Curtis,

The Pasadena show is much better then FH if your interest is Flyfishing. The seminars are ok to good and are worth going to. The casting demos are fun to watch. The deals are few. With the major exception being the Fishermen’s Spot. If you are into to flytying that is a highlight also. The bummer is most of the big name manufactures of fly rods were not there last year. The show has gone down hill over the last few years compared to what it once was. Mainly because of a lack of vendors. If you have not been to it, you should see it at least once.

Bob Marriotts has a good open house in the late fall with all the major rod manufactures there. It is worth going to and it is free!

Mark

[WanderingBlues]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll probably go to Pasadena and soak in the vibe at the FF show. While I love offshore angling, I've already booked my long range Mexico trips for the summer (which is usually what I do at FH) and don't feel like dealing with the crowds. I've kinda gotten turned off by the "fish-count, slay them all, I'm a bad-ass" attitude that seems to have invaded the sport and the show. Probably why I've settled into flyfishing so happily. The ethos is more in tune with my philosophies.

So, if anyone else is going to be there on Saturday, let me know. maybe we can hook up for lunch or a beer.

[FlyinFish]

What trips you plan to be on next year? Just curious...

[WanderingBlues]

What trips you plan to be on next year? Just curious...

3 day Panga trip in La Paz in July

3.5 day out of Point Loma in August

Here's my son with his first pelagic last year on a 3.5 day. 36# BFT.

[FlyinFish]

Good stuff! I try not to bother with anything less than 5 days anymore. I can't stand albacore and I can't stand trolling. The 8 day I go on, we fish Alijos or whatever is biting first, then try to finish off at Cedros with yellows and throw the skiffs in to go fish calicos a bit. After getting into the LR stuff, I've started to shy away from the local trips. If I do go, it's for a wide open cuda bite, or down to SD where the boats are cleaner and better crew (3/4 day boat with an RSW!).

Currently debating between Bishop and Coronado yellows for this weekend...

[nick562]

How much of difference in admission fee.1 ADULT?15$too bad Pasadena F.F.S dont have beer gardens.;(But who wants to pay 7 bucks for a cup of bud light anyway?At least Halls has some cute chicks walking around so you can take a corny picture. Wash your hands after! You DONT know how many hands had been there before you LOL!!

[RiverRat]

Looks like some fly fishers are trying to make the Fred Hall. it's good to see the SW Council active again.
shane


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
03/02/2010 Press contact:
Michael Schweit
818-601-9702
SouthWest Council, Federation of Fly Fishers


Fred Hall Show
The SouthWest Council, Federation of Fly Fishers is returning to the Fred Hall shows at the Long Beach Convention Center (March 3-8) and the Del Mar Fairgrounds (March 24-28). The Federation and member clubs will be there to demonstrate and teach fly tying, casting and anything fly fishing related. If you have friends or family that want to know more about your "crazy hobby", bring them along. We look forward to seeing you there. Show times are -

LONG BEACH
March 3rd
Wednesday
2:00 PM – 9:30 PM
March 4th
Thursday
2:00 PM - 9:30 PM
March 5th
Friday
2:00 PM - 9:30 PM

March 6th
Saturday
10:00 AM - 9:30 PM

March 7th
Sunday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

DEL MAR
March 24th
Wednesday
1:00 PM - 8:30 PM

March 25th
Thursday
1:00 PM - 8:30 PM
March 26th
Friday
1:00 PM - 8:30 PM
March 27th
Saturday
10:00 AM - 8:30 PM

March 28th
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

[FlyinFish]

They had a great Manzanar exhibit one year... I'll scope out what they have today and fill you in if there's anything worth seeing.

BTW, Did he eat the heart?

[WanderingBlues]

They had a great Manzanar exhibit one year... I'll scope out what they have today and fill you in if there's anything worth seeing.

BTW, Did he eat the heart?

The Manzanar exhibit was last year. Humbling and inspiring. And, * yeah he ate the heart! And finally--- if he maintains at least a 3.0 GPA throughout High School, he gets a 6 day trip. If it's a 3.5 or better, it's aboard the Intrepid.

[FlyinFish]

Well, pretty decent show. Some good deals and some cool new stuff to check out. I picked up a couple poppers to try on the tuna and got one free.

Stopped by Brock's and said hi. There were a few other guide services and such there.

No St. Croix fly rods for whoever was interested in that.

The Phenix rod booth has a bunch of Shikari fly blanks they are selling for about $25-35. Lots of 8'6" 4wt and 9' 4wt. All 2 piece.

I was looking for a 9' 5wt and couldn't find one. I had an unmarked one that was 9' and felt like a 5wt when comparing to the 4wt. Well, I bought that for $30. At home I found a marking on it that says its a 9' 7wt. I can't imagine this is a 7wt rod, but that's what it says. I'll have an expert take a wiggle at it and see what they think... I don't really care if it is a 7wt, cause it's still a deal, but I just need a 5wt! Oh well...

I didn't find anything lighter than a 4wt. Had several 6wts and 7wts as well. Great deals if you're looking to learn to wrap or want a cheap blank. (Don't forget $10 parking and $15 admission).


PS - if anyone is planning to go and stop by the Phenix booth, let me know, I'd like to have you pick up a 5wt blank if they have one. The models are IF 90-5 or F 90-5 with the IF being a higher end. Mine says IF 90-7.

[anacrime]

went to fred hall tonight too. it was alright. hung out at the big hammer booth mostly.