The Go Fishing show at Birmingham’s NEC last Friday, Saturday and Sunday (31st March to 2nd April) was a resounding success for most exhibitors, which was exactly what was expected since for the first time the public were allowed to purchase the tackle on display. Apart from one or two notable exceptions most of the major tackle companies, angling tour operators, web site and magazine publishers were there and all reported a brisk trade.

It was a particularly interesting and successful experience for FISHINGmagic.com. The web site was demonstrated on two computers and the editor (yours truly) was on hand to answer questions and chat about fishing with anyone who cared to. The technicalities and business aspects of the site were explained by Magicalia’s managers and technicians who were on hand throughout the three days.

More than a thousand visitors either joined the website there and then or left addresses or phone numbers to join at a later date when they go on line. A spokesman for Magicalia Ltd, the internet company behind FISHINGmagic and a growing number of other sporting web sites, said, ‘It was a great three days for us. We went there not really knowing what to expect, but came away absolutely delighted with the response. It was well worth the effort.’

FISHINGmagic will have stand at the next big angling show, Fishing 2000, at the National Agricultural Centre at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire over the Easter bank holiday, 22nd and 23rd April.

See you there!

For the behind the scenes, uncensored story, of what happened at the Go Fishing show, see the Digital Diary.