Every fall I sit down and take a look at my calendar for the next few months. The holidays feel like such a sprint. Afterwards? The winter actually fills up pretty fast. That is why I always make sure that outdoor expos, fly tying nights, and other events get penciled in ASAP.

Running from January to March, The Fly Fishing Show is always a priority. Because of where I live, I usually make two of the seven stops. Each year I browse, I help out friends in the fly fishing industry, and I start to put together content for Casting Across.

I’m not alone. A lot of people go to this show and shows like it. But I’ve heard plenty of angling acquaintances express reasons why they don’t go to fly fishing shows. Let me be clear – I’m not saying that you’re wrong if you don’t enjoy events like this. Who am I  to tell you what you do or don’t like? But just like anything else, I’ve come across plenty of folks who have formed their negative opinions off partial truths or incorrect assumptions.

With that in mind, here are 5 responses I’ve given to common excuses for not going to fishing expos:

“Its crowded.”

You’re right. It can get crowded. But there are some ways to avoid the mid-day Saturday rush. Namely, come on Friday or Sunday. Or, come earlier. Browse the floor in the morning and then head to seminars when things get busy. You’ll have your own chair and won’t have to fight crowds.

“Its all the same stuff.”

True, only a small percent of most vendors’ displays are going to be new. But to make room for the new, the old is often on sale. Every year there are a handful of first-time exhibitors. Lastly, the stuff is only a small part of the show. The people are really what set it apart. It isn’t that you see stuff – it is that stuff is shown to you.

“People are know-it-alls.”

There are some real doozies in fly fishing. But you could absolutely have that kind of negative experience at a quilting exhibition or a gathering of door-to-door Bible salesmen.  Still, I’ll maintain that most people are willing to have a good conversation at The Fly Fishing Show.

“Experts?  Celebrities? It’s fly fishing.”

I get it. But what are you going to call them? Dignitaries? “People-who-know-things”? Most of these men and women don’t refer to themselves as such, and come across as someone simply having a stream side conversation. They very well may be fly fishing experts, but they are being promoted because they are expert communicators.

“I don’t need to spend more money on gear.”

Be honest: you say that. But are you really not going to spend more money on gear this season? And even if you are resolutely frugal, what is included in the admission price is worth it. Seminars and tying demos are organized and included.  Plus, even if you are truly closed-walleted this winter you’ll have valuable intel for whenever you do make your next purchase.

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Want a few more articles like this? Check out:

5 Questions with The Fly Fishing Show CEO

7 Ways to Have a Bad Day at a Fly Fishing Show

Kids at a Fly Fishing Show, in their Own Words

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There are a lot of great regional fly fishing events. The Fly Fishing Show continues to be the premier, nationwide event. Here are the dates for 2020:

Denver, CO – Jan 3, 4 & 5 – Denver Mart

Marlborough, MA – Jan 17, 19 & 19 – Royal Plaza

Edison, NJ – Jan 24, 25 & 26 – New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center

Atlanta, GA – Jan 31 & Feb 1 – Infinite Energy Center

Lynnwood, WA – Feb 15 & 16 – Lynnwood Convention Center

Pleasanton, CA – Feb 21, 22 & 23 – Almeda County Fairgrounds

Lancaster, PA – Mar 7 & 8 – Lancaster County Convention Center

Head to The Fly Fishing Show website for tickets or more information.