Earlier this week, I shared three things that you’ll get if you go to a fly fishing expo.
To be honest, there are a lot more than three.
Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve marked certain winter weekends off on my calendar. What started as a chance to learn more about fly fishing turned into a great opportunity to buy new gear. But that shifted into a weekend of catching up with acquaintances and meeting new friends in fly fishing. Ironically, I feel like I’m back at the place where I learn a lot when I spend time at a show.
Today, I’m revisiting three older posts about fishing events. One is my passive-aggressive/humorous thoughts. The other two are interviews with other people sharing their reasons for going: one is with my kids, the other is with The Fly Fishing Show CEO.
Read all three articles here:
7 Ways to Have a Bad Day at a Fly Fishing Show
You might have a natural proclivity for pessimism. You could desire to purposefully sully your experience. To be fair, maintaining the image of “crotchety” or “stuck up” has it’s place within the fly fishing culture. With that in mind, I’ve compiled seven surefire ways to limit your enjoyment of a fly fishing show.
I do want to issue a disclaimer: These aren’t foolproof. The positive energy of sheer angling osmosis might overpower your best grumpy efforts. Yet sticking to any or all of these guidelines will inevitably lead to the negativity, internet complaining, and general sourness many seem to strive for. Check out my list. Then, think about how one of more of these seven ways to have a bad day at a fly fishing show appeals to you.
Kids at a Fly Fishing Show, in their Words
My two older boys, who were six and four at the time of this post, try to go where I go and do what I do.
We live close to the Marlborough, Massachusetts stop for The Fly Fishing Show. I spent a whole day at the Show on my own. Then, I returned the next day with my two boys. We had a great time. It would be easy for me to talk about how much I enjoyed seeing the things that got them excited, how warm and friendly the vendors and attendees were to them, and just how much fun we had together.
Instead, I’ll let them tell you about their experience.
5 Questions with The Fly Fishing Show CEO
Looking for something fly fishing related during the coming winter doldrums? I think that one of the best ways you can spend your non-angling time is at a good outdoor expo. I talked to Ben Furimsky, President and CEO of The Fly Fishing Show, at the end of the 2018 Show circuit.
Read what he had to say about his favorite parts of the Show, what it has to offer fly fishers of all experience levels, and why you should attend.
Lastly, if you have any questions about how to plan a trip to a fishing show, if it is worth it, or anything else – just reach out. I’m happy to give you more of my thoughts.