Somerset Show

[sstasiak]

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

 

[C&R]

Ditto that. I'm looking to get a 3-wt rod soon (probably a Lefty Kreh 4-piece). Just don't know if I should wait for the show since I've never been.

 

[Harry]

You can get almost anything you need for tying. C&R if you can do it go on friday(little less crowded), and cast the rods from the various makers, then make your choice. You just might find one that feels better in your hand.


______________________
"Quit Wishing" "Go Fishing"

 

[C&R]

I'm not looking to spend a lot on the 3wt. that's why I'm looking at the TFO. With one kid and another on the way, I don't have that luxury. I wish so bad I started FFing when I was single !!

From what I hear, the TFO Lefty Pro is good for the money ($139).

 

[Fly Tier]

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.

 

[Fly Ty R]

F Tier:
Good synopsis. Not much more to add to that!

You can get a lowball on reels and rods if you can pit two dealers against each other. I know someone who got a reel for a good price because he pitted two dealers against each other, both trying to top the last ones offer. I think he got like $100 off the $300 list price because of it, or something like that .

On most other things there, you're not going to find good deals. I like to go to see what's new out there and to network, when I'm not running a table.

 

[Scott]

There usually are many manufacturers there, and you can ask every question you ever had concerning their product without the hard sell coming from a salesman.

Also while you will find some deals, especially on Sunday afternoon, if there is something you want that may not be around until then, don't wait.

Everyone else is right on with their comments as well. You can't beat the education, plan to attend some of the workshops.

 

[sstasiak]

I plan on attending many workshops :thumb:

 

[Andre]

I go mostly to schmooze. I have met probably 100 people on different internet sites since moving to Jersey and get to see a bunch of them. I did get to see the Simms G3 vest and had Jane get it for me for my birthday(May). You will get to see some new products but as others said you won't see to many deals. You can get some $1.00 flies and materials. Great place for people who want to experience bamboo as you can cast a lot of rods and tapers. again, dealers will be selling them at a premium. Schmoozing is the best part for me. I go with people from Clarks bamboo forum, always see Denis, Eric and Oliver and others fron NJtrout, see people from here and VFS and usually wind up taking pictures and laughing my ass off. I spend less than $50.00 usually unless I go home with a boo rod like last year. Oh yeah, if Cindy Garrison is there you will see near her booth all day.(and night if I could)

 

[oasis man]

Andre,
...and just where is Cindy's booth???
OM

 

[Harry]

C&R,
You would be surprised. I know Scott makes and others probably do make rods in the price range you are looking for.

______________________
"Quit Wishing" "Go Fishing"

 

[Fly Tier]

Andre,
...and just where is Cindy's booth???
OM

Guys, Cindy had a booth one year at somersett and since has not attended. It was during her years, before her show on ESPN, when she was still Safari Anglers. I wouldn't expect to see her unless you go to the one in California,