When winter brings it's frosty cold grip, it is the time of year that I start lamenting for my days fishing on the Little J and other streams. Well not the crappy days when I miss like 40 fish and only catch 3, the really good days when I get like 40 or 60 all on the same fly and never have to move. Not sure what day that was, but I remember it like it was yesterday or dream maybe.
Well it has not been so cold, but my dreams of fly fishing certainly get better when I get to share them with friends. I usually find the winter Fly Fishing Shows are a great place for some winter meet-ups.
I made my way this past weekend to Somerset, NJ for the The Fly Fishing Show. This years show seemed to have a lot more vendors and attendees. Can't tell if it was the better weather or the slightly improving economy, but none the less it was pretty busy on Friday, too.
We all go to the shows for different reasons. Mine is to meet up with people I seem to spend more time with exchanging emails, forum posts and tweets rather than actually sharing a beer. For me the expectations of finding a deal are just not what the show is about.
The exhibit hall was filled with many of the usuals, but several new faces as well. One of my first stops was to check in with Mike Heck and get the early show report. He was pretty busy with folks stopping by and then heading over to the Stackpole Publishers booth.
Justin and team from Allen Fly Fishing were at the show for the first time. It was good to catch up with the guys on Friday night discussing everything from musky fishing to photography and even plans on an upcoming trip out East for them this spring.
I jumped into a real good seminar with John Miller from West Branch Angler. Excellent rundown on what to expect on the East and West Branches of the Delaware. More importantly, what a motivator to hit the Upper Delaware this year and join Krayfish and the guys for the summer Catskills Jam.
George Daniel shared some insights at his workshop on Central Pennsylvania Streams that was very well attended. I have been spending a lot more time in and around State College lately and reading George's book, Dynamic Nymphing this winter. So I was glad to catch up with him and figure out some time to hit Spring Creek this year.
Looking forward to catching up with everyone who will be attending the Fly Fishing Show in Lancaster next month.
I want to thank my friend Keith for keeping us schedule during the show. We just need to get something scheduled this spring for a trip to the Little J and see if we can find one of those good days I seem to dream about.
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