The Spring Fly-Fishing Show

Newark Showground - 1st & 2nd April 2006

I don't know why, but I always get lost when I drive over to Newark and my last visit was no exception, it must be all the roundabouts or just my poor sense of direction, but eventually I drove into the huge complex of the Newark Showground which played host to the Spring Fly-Fishing Show.
There was plenty of parking - so straight up to the doors of the George Stevenson Centre and into the fray... first of all, as usual on these events, I had a quick scoot around so I could plan my route and chat to all the traders - and as usual the plan failed - a coffee and bacon sandwich proved my downfall, but at least it gave me time to study the brochures and timetable for all the events.


Two theatres and a big screen area along with a long list of guest 'celebs' including Paul Young, Chris Sandford (pictured right), John Bailey, Bob James, Alex Jardine to name but a few, provided the entertainment.

The slide shows and demonstrations held in the two theatres were well attended and thoroughly enjoyed. (pictured above left).

Theatre Three's huge video screen allowed expert fly tyers to demonstrate their abilities to the audience giving everyone a clear view of how the professionals dressed flies - which is a lot better than squinting over a table at a vice!

There was even a casting 'lake' with professional fly-rodders making the art of casting or 'fluff-chucking' look all too easy. They all gave expert advice to questions from a knowledgeable audience.


The fly-tiers were out in force with a whole area of the show given over to their dextrous abilities. I met up with Phil White who's an expert fly-tyer and also a qualified angling coach.
He quickly tied me up this fly (pictured left), literally in seconds - he made it look so easy I reckon he could have tied it with his eyes shut.

My old friend Wendy Gibson was next to him, she also had a trade stand - 'Flies by Wendy' - she produces some cracking framed displays, always worth a browse.

I bumped into Rob Clarke of Carrilon Fly Fishing of Bawtry, he's a great character and always good for in-depth information, the only problem was he was rushed off his feet and didn't stand still for more than a minute, he certainly earned his keep that day! Have a look at their website www.carrilon.com it's got some great bargains on offer.

Talking of bargains, which is why most anglers visit these events, there were plenty of traders, all selling quality kit at very reasonable prices, some of the 'show specials' were just too good to miss. I had to stock up on all the usual consumables - thread, beads, leaders, hooks, etc., well you have to don't you!

Pretty much everything you ever wanted for fly-fishing was there under one roof, tackle dealers, taxidermists, fishing holiday organisers, the Grayling Society, the ACA, the Fly Dressers Guild, the Salmon & Trout Association, the list goes on and on.

Steve Thornton and John Bertrand the main organisers of the show should be pleased with their efforts and are already planning for next years show to be held March 24th & 25th 2007.
Visit the website www.thespringflyfishingshow.com for more information.



See you there next year!

Kevin Miles
Editor