Having not been to this before, I wasn't 100% sure of what to expect. I thought it would be like a massive tackle fair, where you can come away loaded up with goodies, leaving your wallet empty or your plastic stretched.
I wanted a chair (a Nash Lounge lizard), as I didn't fancy carrying my big bedchair everywhere if I wasn't doing an over-nighter. So, off I trotted to the Nash stand, where I found one. I asked the price and was keen to buy, but they told me they were not selling them or other things, not even the led headlight I was after. How very strange?
Walking round, I soon realised this was the same for many other exhibitors, though there were some stalls where things could be bought. It appears that the biggest companies were just showing their wares, rather than trying to sell to you on the day.
Those of you who have been before will be well aware of the usual attractions and the chances you get to see some famous faces in the flesh. I saw John Wilson, Des Taylor and Matt Hayse. These celeb's do talks and demo's at various intervals throughout the day. Des seemed to be on the Badger stand for most of the day and Matt seemed to be putting himself about a lot.
Tackle wise, there is lots to see. I was impressed with the array of poles on show (though I have never had the desire to use one yet). Pole alley was a hive of activity, with lots of people trying them out.
There were so many reels on show! Okuma, Browning and Shimano brought lots of examples for us to try, though I don't recall seeing Mitchell or Abu. I must have picked put over 50 rods of various makes and found it the perfect place to make comparisons.
If baits and rigs confuse you, I suggest you visit the Bait & Rig Zone, where there are lots of staff willing to demonstrate how to catch those elusive fish with rigs and baits you may not have seen before.
I was particularly impressed with a company called Ant Baits, especially their Match baits (three large tins for 11). These are large pellet type baits which have a rapid breakdown rate and some nice smelling flavours.
As I have mentioned, no Mitchell or Abu and no Fox either, though I suspect the main subject of this particular show is match angling rather than specialist angling.
The only thing I bought at the show was four items from Ocean Fresh. At this stand they were offering any four items (boilies and pop-ups) for 10. I bought one bag of bottom baits and three pots of pop-ups.
In closing I'd say there is lots to see and try , but don't be uspet if you can't buy on the day.
www.gofishing2003.co.uk
Ian C
I wanted a chair (a Nash Lounge lizard), as I didn't fancy carrying my big bedchair everywhere if I wasn't doing an over-nighter. So, off I trotted to the Nash stand, where I found one. I asked the price and was keen to buy, but they told me they were not selling them or other things, not even the led headlight I was after. How very strange?
Walking round, I soon realised this was the same for many other exhibitors, though there were some stalls where things could be bought. It appears that the biggest companies were just showing their wares, rather than trying to sell to you on the day.
Those of you who have been before will be well aware of the usual attractions and the chances you get to see some famous faces in the flesh. I saw John Wilson, Des Taylor and Matt Hayse. These celeb's do talks and demo's at various intervals throughout the day. Des seemed to be on the Badger stand for most of the day and Matt seemed to be putting himself about a lot.
Tackle wise, there is lots to see. I was impressed with the array of poles on show (though I have never had the desire to use one yet). Pole alley was a hive of activity, with lots of people trying them out.
There were so many reels on show! Okuma, Browning and Shimano brought lots of examples for us to try, though I don't recall seeing Mitchell or Abu. I must have picked put over 50 rods of various makes and found it the perfect place to make comparisons.
If baits and rigs confuse you, I suggest you visit the Bait & Rig Zone, where there are lots of staff willing to demonstrate how to catch those elusive fish with rigs and baits you may not have seen before.
I was particularly impressed with a company called Ant Baits, especially their Match baits (three large tins for 11). These are large pellet type baits which have a rapid breakdown rate and some nice smelling flavours.
As I have mentioned, no Mitchell or Abu and no Fox either, though I suspect the main subject of this particular show is match angling rather than specialist angling.
The only thing I bought at the show was four items from Ocean Fresh. At this stand they were offering any four items (boilies and pop-ups) for 10. I bought one bag of bottom baits and three pots of pop-ups.
In closing I'd say there is lots to see and try , but don't be uspet if you can't buy on the day.
www.gofishing2003.co.uk
Ian C
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