This past week, press releases about The Fly Fishing Show hit every nook and cranny of the angling internet. Dates, locations, and early ticket sales went live for the largest consumer exposition event focused on fly fishing.
Over the short history of Casting Across, I’ve written a handful of articles explaining why I recommend that fly fishers make a reasonable effort to attend fly fishing events. A stop at The Fly Fishing Show will expose you to the latest gear, give you a chance to meet up with old friends, and facilitate classes with some of the top names. You can ask expert fly tyers questions, take advantage of great equipment sales, and book your next expedition. At the very least, an afternoon walking around the convention center will get you really excited for the coming fishing season.
For the price as a movie ticket, you can get all of that and more. So I suggest putting it on your calendar sooner rather than later. Then, check out these three plans you might want to consider:
Weekend Warrior
If you leave work a little early on Friday, you can beat the traffic and get in a few hours walking the exhibitor booths. After a quick bite to eat, you’ll be able to catch the fly fishing film screenings. Assuming you’ve used one of the hotels close to the show, the restaurant and bar should be swarming with other anglers who will be more than happy to talk fishing until they turn off the lights. The next day, take in as many seminars as you can before you make those last minute purchases. Then, leave so you can get home at a reasonable hour.
Father & Son
Be a hero: take Friday off and take your son(s) and/or daughter(s) to The Fly Fishing Show. Don’t skimp, either. Get breakfast on the road. Give them $25 that they can spend on whatever ridiculous thing they find. Let them pester fly tyers with questions. See how many stickers they can accumulate. If they crash before lunch, call it a day. I guarantee they’ll be so excited for fishing season.
Launch Pad
For the young and young at heart, you can turn a day at a show into the start of a fishing experience. Go to the show and gear up. Find some classes that talk about local fishing or some technique you’re ready to put into play. After you get psyched to go fishing; go fishing. Use the location of the show as an opportunity to fish new water. Kill two birds with one stone, and come away from the weekend with your itch to fish scratched.
Marlborough, MA – Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center, January 20-22
Edison, NJ – New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, January 27-29
Atlanta, GA – Gas South Convention Center, February 3-5
Denver, CO – Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, February 17-19
Pleasanton, CA – Alameda County Fairgrounds, February 24-26
Lancaster, PA – Lancaster County Convention Center, March 4-5
Learn more, and buy advance tickets to The Fly Fishing Show, here.