The fly show - Marlborough

[Fergal]

I’m going tomorrow. I’ll hopefully be there right after the doors open. I need some stuff for FL, some hackle and maybe a bucktail or two. 

[DAQ]

I'll be there Saturday around 1130.

[walpy]

I think I’ll be there Saturday like 9:30

[Fergal]

Looking at the vendor list, it looks like Keough won't be there. If true that's a bummer. They might be the main reason that I'm going.

[Camhabib]

For those who have been before, are there usually any good deals to be found? Worth going if there’s nothing I’m really looking to pick up?

[Fergal]

30 mins ago, Camhabib said:

For those who have been before, are there usually any good deals to be found? Worth going if there’s nothing I’m really looking to pick up?

What do you mean by good deal? There aren’t 2 for 1 rod sales if that’s what you’re after. 
 

I go for materials and a chance to get out. 

[Camhabib]

2 mins ago, Fergal said:

What do you mean by good deal? There aren’t 2 for 1 rod sales if that’s what you’re after. 
 

I go for materials and a chance to get out. 

Used, past season, sales, etc. I don’t really need anything, but have been toying with the idea of picking up a ESN rod. Didn’t know if this was a strictly showcase expo (like an auto show) or not. 

[baldwin]

There are usually quite a few great deals on used equipment (rods, reels) and unused materials. One shop I can't recall right now has great used rod prices. I bought a 9wt Loomis GLX there a few years ago for a steal. Keough's booth was also a favorite of mine, I'm a little disappointed if they're not going, was looking forward to that. The Fly Shack also has great deals on so many materials, one of my favorite stops. 

[surfflyguy]

Sometimes you can even get special materials not advertised on websites hehe

[Fergal]

I'll give it a solid 'meh'. Not having Keough there was a HUGE disappointment. Flat Wing had some good saddle, but it was priced accordingly. I didn't really want flat wing type stuff but it was the best there. I scored some nice bucktails and a very amazing one as well, again fairly priced. I picked up some other materials that I don't see often and an unexpected reel purchase rounded out the day. I spent ~2 hours there. Went thru quick once, and then took some time. I'd say that there were fewer retail options vs the las time the show was held, also probably fewer vendors overall. Next year I might skip this one and hit Edison. It's a good bit bigger and has some talent that I'd like to vs this one. In the end, it beat working, that's for sure.

Edited January 20 by Fergal

[afterhours]

Agree with the 'meh' just went to pick up some supplies. I also noticed less vendors than years past and atmosphere was very low key. Missed the big vendor from down south, Fly Shack maybe? 

[Fergal]

7 hours ago, Camhabib said:

For those who have been before, are there usually any good deals to be found? Worth going if there’s nothing I’m really looking to pick up?

Answering this again - it depends what you consider a deal. Deals for everyone, not likely but deals if you're looking for something specific, maybe you luck into something. I did today, the first 'deal that I couldn't pass up' in 20+ years of these shows tho.

 

It's worth the ride on an otherwise boring winter day.

[numbskull]

Plenty of nice people but overall not a lot new to see.
 

[Fergal]

1 hour ago, numbskull said:

Plenty of nice people but overall not a lot new to see.
 

T&T was the only major rod co there unfortunately. I think others were there in the past. 
 

Hardy had their new salt reel there, I forgot the name. It looked nice but I guess not nice enough to remember the name lol. 

[albacized]

11 hours ago, Camhabib said:

For those who have been before, are there usually any good deals to be found? Worth going if there’s nothing I’m really looking to pick up?

Bears Den usually brings their inventory of used rods and reels with them, which includes a fair amount of high end stuff marked down to amounts, that while still not cheap, is a bit more palatable