Best-dressed FISHINGmagic sales manager Shruti Karia (centre) at the show (click for bigger picture)
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The show has certainly come of age since Angling Times took over the running of it, with something for almost everyone. Lots of the top stars were there, either giving talks, demonstrations or just in attendance at the tackle and other stands.
It was good to catch up with old friends like Trefor West on the Barbel Society stand and Nick Young of Leeda. I didn't get chance to speak to FM contributor Bob Roberts, as he was busy at the time asking his audience just how scientific was it to spray a hookbait with a flavour from an aerosol can.
Bob Roberts preparing a boilie sandwich at the show (click for bigger picture)
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There is no doubt that the Retail Village has made a big difference to the show's attendance figures, for it's one thing being able to see the tackle and even have a play with it, but quite another to be able to buy it there and then.
And there were some bargains to be had if you looked hard enough amongst the myriad of boilies and pellets on the bait stands. “Millions of multi-coloured gob-stoppers,” as some wag described it.
The sea and game fishing sections were disappointing, apart from the fly casting demonstrations which I thought were very informative.
I think that's exactly what makes the difference though. Right now I'm hungry for information and knowledge about fly fishing, so anyone who went to the show in the same frame of mind regarding other aspects of fishing then they too would have enjoyed that side of it.
Note from Mark Wintle who attended the show on Saturday
It was good to see the ACA at the Show. With the recent troubles firmly behind them, their successes in legal battles with polluters have increased significantly. Furthermore, I believe that from now on, there will be a substantial increase in press releases that can only strengthen their hand. It is vital that angling clubs and riparian owners join as well as individual members.
Mark Lloyd, new Director of the ACA, said, "Coming to the NEC has been a great opportunity to meet hundreds of ACA members. I have been moved by all the offers of support for the ACA and the loyalty of people who have been members for over 40 years. they have all pledged to rise to our challenge to go out and find a new member each and double the size of the ACA."
Graham Whatmore
