Fishing Show Somerset, NJ, Jan 2007

[theflyfishingduck]

What is the best day to hit the show? I am ready to get started in the sport and I want to test and evaluate different rods and reels and everything else. I never been…I can only imagine the swarm of FF that will attend this show. Is Friday the best day…Saturday or Sunday? Will there be anything left by Sunday or is that the best day for the best deal b/c no one wants to take the merchandise back? Is it Friday to get people while they are fresh and haven’t dealt with the crazies yet?

Just questions...:bang:

FFDuck

 

[Mike Ridolfino]

Re: Fishing Show Somerset, NJ 2007

I went on either Saturday or Sunday last year(can't remember exactly) and it wasn't overly crowded, and there was plenty of stuff, although I couldn't find a hat in my size Most of the vendors bring enough so that they don't really run out, some of the good deals may be gone by Sunday though. I'm probably going to go at least Saturday and Sunday, and all three days if I can swing it. There are some very good seminars, and enough people to talk to that you'd never run out of conversation for years. Just make sure you can dedicate a full day, because once you get there you won't want to leave without seeing everything.

 

[Scott]

Re: Fishing Show Somerset, NJ 2007

Get there early, and do try to attend some of the seminars.

Friday during the day isn't too crowded, but Friday night is busy.

The best deals are to be had Sunday afternoon, but if it's something you really want, and there are not many of them, don't wait!

Alas, I am going to be out of state that weekend (but at least it's someplace warmer and drier than NJ)...

 

[straightlinepath]

Re: Fishing Show Somerset, NJ 2007

I'll agree that Friday is the best time with reduced crowds.
As far as best deals, It is show season. All these vendors will be at several shows all winter & their own shops for the spring.
Though many will close out last years Flylines and discontinued reels & clothing.
At the very least you can examine tying materials by handling them.
The Federation of FF will be offering many Beginners seminars for $25, this will include a one year membership in FFF national.
I can forward this info to anyone who would like.
The lectures and seminars are great. Many living legends and soon to be will be there- tying, casting & telling stories Many authors as well.




Michael

 

[JW1970]

Re: Fishing Show Somerset, NJ 2007

I've attended the show a few times. I agree with most of the commentary so far. Friday during the day is the least crowded. At the same time, if you get there too early on Friday some of the exhibitors aren't quite setup and settled in yet. If you want "full stock" of everything, Friday is probably your best bet. Saturday usually gets crazy crowded. If you don't mind the crowds, there should be plenty to buy and look at if you can get at the exhibits. Sunday in my opinion is the only time for "deals." You might find some good prices all three days, but the real deals come out as the end of Sunday approaches and exhibitors want to unload product so as not to transport it back with them.

If you just want materials, accessories, etc., then I'd say go Friday early afternoon or Saturday/Sunday right at the opening of the show. If you're looking for a good deal on something expensive (rod, reel, etc.), it's always a gamble but it might pay to go Friday with less crowds to scope out the scene and strike up an initial conversation with some vendors. If you find something you like and think you might get a good deal at some point, return Sunday afternoon and see if you get lucky.

Personally, for the cost of admission, I'd found that I'd need find GREAT deals or buy lots and lots of stuff at small discounts to recover the admission cost. On the other hand, if you're buying tying materials, the admission fee is sometimes worth it so you can see the materials first hand before buying. For example, there are often open boxes of skins you can rummage through to find just the one you like.

If you haven't seen them, some of the presentations are good. However, they tend to be the same old same old year after year.

 

[theartoflee]

Re: Fishing Show Somerset, NJ 2007

I hope somone brings name tags to the show...

 

[AKSkim]

Re: Fishing Show Somerset, NJ 2007

If you are looking for something in particular, then I would recommend Friday afternoon visit to the show. A couple of years ago Don Bastian was selling a certain type of dubbing wax, I thought about it that Friday afternoon and continued on. Saturday morning he was all sold out. Lesson learned, see it - buy it.

I agree with the gentleman below about the purchase of hackles, get there early and rummage through the piles.

If the vendor is not set up as one posted, go visit the other's, when you make your way back around, they should be all set up and waiting for you.

I typically make of list of all the speakers for the entire show, prioritize who I want to listen in on, and then work out a schedule over the three days of the show to see who at what time. I try to maximise my time at the show. And yes, they are there to make a pitch for their services, lodges, books... ect. But do not let that stop you, you should be able to pick up some very good pointers on that stream and so on.

Last year I listened in on this one guide from North Central PA, after his talk I caught up with him outside the room where I asked about a certain stream... I guess I was not on the list of people who should have known about that little spot by his reaction. Hahaha.. another ULTRA SECRET stream.

 

[upyun]

Re: Fishing Show Somerset, NJ 2007

I'll be attending sunday all day. Hope to find some great deals!

 

[GARYB]

The show is way over

 

[upyun]

oops! I'm sorry! I thought you guys were talking about the Fishing and Outdoors Expo in Suffern, NY at the Rockland County Community College this weekend.