Go
Fishing 2005
Billed
as the biggest indoor angling event of the year, the build-up in the
angling press had been intense, with lots of big names and attractions
promising to attend... and I just couldn't wait!
 Early
morning on the 1st of April, saw me hopping onto a train from Chesterfield
station to visit the show held at the NEC in Birmingham, typically I
picked the wrong train which took me to Birmingham New Street, but never
mind - another train took me directly into Birmingham International...
I'll check the train information a little more closely next time, (it
was the 1st of April!).
So straight off the train and into the NEC, an easy journey, no hassle,
feeling relaxed and looking forward to the event... and I wasn't disappointed.
There were tackle dealers galore - all selling kit at special show prices
- anything you wanted - it was there, from bivvies and boilies to full-sized
fishing boats - all under one roof - I was like a kid in a sweet shop!
As promised all the big names were there. Tackle manufacturers, dealers,
retailers, all the celebrities - and the crowds turned up in their thousands.
There was a lovely atmosphere to the place, everyone was friendly, very
approachable and wanting to chat, it was well organised, well laid out
- a very professional event indeed.
As usual at these events I planned to have a quick scout around to see
what was happening, who was there, when all the demonstrations were
taking place, etc., and plan my route - and as usual - I lost the plot
and dived straight into the trade stands, I just couldn't resist all
the bargains!
The Okuma range of reels has now expanded and they produce a beautiful
centre pin... well built with classy looks - of course you have to give
them a spin to see how freely they turn... after what seemed an age
the tackle dealer turned to me and said 'Good eh?' too right.. what
a piece of kit AND at the right price!
 With
a serious wallet attack on the cards I had to move on - and bumped into
TV personality John Wilson, busily signing autographs and chatting to
the crowds.
Although John was extremely busy, he made time for all the people clamouring
for his attention. The youngsters had him signing hats, shirts, books,
you name it, and John put his signature on it for them.
With good timing, or maybe just good luck, I slipped into one of the
many 'Forums' to catch Frank Warwick and Terry Hearn entertaining an
appreciative audience. Nothing was too much trouble for Frank and Terry,
as they passed on their wealth of experience to a knowledgeable crowd.
They were friendly, approachable, down-to-earth anglers eager to answer
any questions from the audience. The only problem I had was it was over
all too soon. I could have listened to them all day!
Moving further down one of the many aisles I bumped into Andrew Kennedy,
one of our staff writers,
he was deep in conversation with Jan Porter. Jan is one of the most
approachable people I know, he's always got time to have a chat with
you. Of course coming from Nottingham he's the man to ask about fishing
on the river Trent. He's changed his appearance over the years but that
Nottingham down-to-earth common sense has never left him.
With the legs starting to ache it was time for refreshments, so chatting
to Andrew over a coffee we decided it was time for some 'catalogue shots'
as we call them in the trade. The coffee and general catering was excellent
by the way.
 Wandering
around all the stands we found this magnificent life-size sculpture
of 'Two-Tone', of course Andrew
had to have a picture of this magnificent fish. To be honest - I never
realised just how big Two-Tone is, seeing all the pics in the angling
press just doesn't do it justice.
Getting into the swing of things, pike-fisher Andrew had to have a picture
with Nige Williams - and true to form, Nige was happy to oblige. In
fact everyone we approached had time for a chat or a photo.
By now I felt as if I'd walked for miles, chatting to all the celebrities,
taking pics, discussing tackle items with the dealers, picking up the
odd bargain here and there and generally having a good time was taking
it toll. I reckon you need more than one day to explore all the show
has to offer.
Slowly working my way towards the exit - I found world champion Bob
Nudd talking to the crowds flocking around his stand. Bob is a great
ambassador for the sport and he tirelessly signed autographs and posed
for photographs with his admiring fans. Nothing is too much trouble
for Bob, he's definitely a 'people-person' and one of angling's greatest
achievers.
 Bob
now produces his own magazine, which is available via subscription from
his web site.
With aching legs I finally managed to make the exit, but I just had
to have my hand 'stamped' just in case I changed my mind and decided
on another trip around the show. You don't really want to leave these
kind of events!
Settling down into my seat for the train journey back to Chesterfield,
I reflected on just how well organised the show was. It was friendly,
entertaining, exciting, rewarding, in fact I couldn't fault it in the
slightest. I can't wait for next years!!
Good fishing to you all.
Take care
Kevin Miles
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