sstasiak said:
Can anyone tell me what I can expect to get really good deals on at the show and what I should probably just go to my fly shop for? I'm trying to guestimate how much money I should be saving for it.
Things I'm looking for:
1. Tying Materials(lots of them) and Instructional books/DVDs
2. A new reel/extra spools
3. Various fly lines
sstasiak... where you will find so called "deals" are on some products that have been hanging around the exhibitors stores for ever and never sold. Fly Lines... You will have a tough time finding a decent fly line, this years, for much under retail. You may see an occasional "show" special on big ticket items (rods & Reels) but weigh the fact that if you buy that reel at the show and save 20%, you could probably buy that same reel at your local flyshop, get a few bucks off the reel and maybe get a line thrown in for free.
All in all, it a good place for exhibitors to just move their store into for a few days and get more traffic than they would at their regular store front. If you think you are going to get the deal of the century, you probably wont. What may look like a great deal may just be something from last year or the year before, going at a cheap price because its not selling in a retailers store. I have seen fly lines go for as low as 10 bucks and I can assure you, a $10 fly line is $10 for a reason.
Just my thoughts. Ive been involved with these shows for years on both sides...
What you will get is 3 days worth of education on everything out there. for the $20 admission, thats priceless.
If you do see something to buy that may be a "deal" make sure you give your local shop, who is probably also exhibiting, first crack at matching the price.