Sportfish Open Weekend Reading

The two intellectuals you see above are myself on the left and Peter McLeod, our chests heaving with pride as we finished setting up our first ever joined trade show stand.
Actually, the weekend was a huge success, partly due to the enormous fun we have meeting up with all our buddies in the trade, but also as it is such a great way to chat face to face with many of our clients.
This year had two added bonuses for us: first was the new hotel we all stayed in, second was the fact that many of our friends and supporters came down on the Saturday, helped us man the stand and stayed overnight at the hotel. As you can imagine, that led to an evening of abstinence, early bed and all fresh as daisies on the Sunday morning.
I would particularly like to thank Tony and Tara Hooley, Wayne and Sue McGee and Joerg for their touching support and enthusiasm.

Tara Hooley taking the stand

But where would I be without Amy and Gordon? Thanks guys for your cheery assistance, putting up with the set up and take down. Grrrrr.

Pete and Charlotte of Aardvark McLeod were amazing, super supportive and fantastic company.

There were also some notable personalities present. What would these events be without Steve O'Dea and Malcolm Cocliff of Donegal Flies. Their rapier wit always keeps the proceedings several millimetres above the gutter :) The face ache from laughter is always firmly their responsability.
Peter Gibson, Howard, Steve and Gavin from Hardy Greys, or the Hardy Boys as we all like to call them. Again, laughs a plenty. Ian Gordon, Scott McKenzie, Bill Drury, Hywel Morgan and all the other Salmon Gurus were there too.

The Sportfish Crew

As ever the Sportfish Crew were on hand to smoothly field customers from one rod display to the casting lake with dexterity. Particular thanks to Grant Harris, Allan Shepherd, Glen Dickerson and all the others for their great support.

Many of the top manufacturers were present, many with great new tackle and products. Hmmm love it. Patagonia Fishing with a great new waterproof rucksack I can't wait to take to South America. Donegal Flies are now agents for the fabulous Zpey Rod system: trust me, not just a gimmick. Cost del Mar were so ably represented as ever by Steve Chance and Ty Pollock were showing off their excellent 580 lenses, which are, quite simply, the best.

I was very flattered to be asked by Allan Shepherd to give a talk on Golden Dorado and Peacock Bass Wilderness Fishing. The lecture room was full, including several dogs. I am delighted to announce that the only hecklers were my own business partners (Pete McLeod was late and Charlotte got stuck on the floor with a dead leg causing some mayhem as Amy and Tara helped her up).

Anyway, great weekend and a great taste of what the Game Fair will be like.
Thanks all.