Go Fishing 2007 at the NEC

Always one to avoid crowds if possible, I decided to visit the Go Fishing Show on the opening Friday - and how wrong I was!
I arrived early around 8.50am and took my place in the already large queue, eagerly waiting for the 9.30am start. It seemed everyone had the same idea - all intent on getting in first!

As usual, my idea was to be logical and work my way around the show methodically - wrong again! Straight into the show I bumped into a few angling colleagues, who in turn pointed me in the direction of more 'long-lost' friends and then a visit to the restaurant for an early breakfast, anglers do seem to like their breakfasts you know, of course I had to participate just to be sociable...

But down to business... the place was absolutely full of celebs - and all of them eager to chat to the visiting anglers. Nothing was too much trouble for the likes of Nudd, Hayes, Wilson, Hearn, etc, all in top form, signing autographs and posing for photos, everyone of them true professionals.

It was great to see the celebs going out of their way for photos - making sure the pics turned out OK for everyone, the youngsters in particular were delighted with the 'VIP' treatment they received.

As I wandered around the show, lost as usual, it was interesting to see all the new kit on display. The 'pole alley' was immense - with retailers displaying all their latest creations. If you were in the market for a new pole, this was the place to be. Everyone was eager to demonstrate their pole was the best - but here you could try them all - and make the comparisons for yourself. That's the best way to buy any expensive new tackle - and plenty of anglers had worked that out for themselves, considering the number of poles and rods being carried around.

I bumped into the guys from NUBA, the National Union of British Anglers, they were busy signing up new members and even managed to prise three quid out of my pocket for membership. I still don't know how they managed to break the weld on my wallet. I'm expecting great things from them, especially as I'm now a fully paid up member! Oh the pain...

Throughout the day there were events held in the 'Theatre' and of course - I missed them all, once I get chatting, time just flies by. I did manage to get a quick peek of one though, all the seats were taken and everyone was enthralled with the guest speakers and judging from the laughter, everyone found it very entertaining. Next time I'll make a point of sitting in, if I can find the time! Believe me, time flies when you are enjoying yourself!

I did manage a chat with 'new boy on the block' Dean Macey, is he a dedicated angler or what! A really nice chap to talk to, he proved very popular with the visiting anglers, everyone firing questions at him, and all ably fielded by a very professional Dean. Credit to you mate.

Our old friend Sue Sissons and the England Ladies Fly-Fishers were out in force, what a lovely bunch they are. They seem to be at all the major events I visit, they must do more mileage than a joy rider in a valet parking lot. They certainly put the hours in, and I'm told they can fish a bit too. They even managed to sell me a raffle ticket - they are getting better. Nice one girls!

The 'man on the mike' - Roger of 'Used Tackle' fame was there, he could sell ice cubes to the Eskimos could our man Roger. If you've ever seen him in action, you'll know what I mean. He really does turn some kit over. He also seemed pleased with himself.

In general the event seemed a little smaller than last year, but this gave more space to the refreshments area - and believe you me - you needed a sit down and a coffee, I must have walked miles throughout the day.

What did I buy?
Well to be honest I don't really need any more kit, so I had no intentions of breaking into the wallet - and besides, white fivers aren't legal tender any more. I only stocked up on consumables, like hooks, lines, fly leaders, etc., generally specialist stuff I can't get from my local tackle shop. Although I must admit to being tempted by the centrepins from Okuma, they are nice, if you look at them really hard, they almost start spinning themselves!

I did have to buy some Stonze, you know, the drilled pebbles, I use these for the majority of my carp fishing, I reckon they are as good as you can get. I particularly like the in-line variety, you can't get a more natural leger than a Stonze pebble. Try soaking them in a flavour for more attraction. You can smear shrimp paste around them for an even better attraction! They do work well, I would recommend you give them a try.

It was an enjoyable day that went all too quickly, I enjoyed chatting to everyone, but my legs were aching on the journey home, I didn't enjoy sitting in the traffic jams though, perhaps Friday is not the best day to visit Birmingham, the M1 was solid around 5pm, there are just too many cars for three lanes of motorway. Never mind, I'll visit on a Saturday next time.


Until next time...

Good fishing to you all


Kevin Miles