I did not go this year as every year I say, "It will be better next" and it never has been.
The first year I went, Greys, Hardy, Partridge and Bruce and Walker had stands. Not a shop with those products, but the actual manufacturers. I think Farlows was there too. Last year we had several "bargain basement" shops selling cheap tat that would not looked out of place in Aldi.
Somers, Angus angling, and a couple of the fly tying specialists usually are pretty good, but the rest? Debatable.
I think the other issue is that people go along for " a bargain" and are disappointed. By the time you pay fuel, cost of your lunch and the entry fee, you are £50 down to start with, take your family and you are closer to £100. So that bargain needs to be saving you at least £50 straight off.
I want to go and see the latest tackle from companies I would not normally get to see, have a cast, wind a handle, chuck a fly line, look for unusual fly tying tools/materials...not see dustbins full of cheap Chinese spinners, £20 starter rods and mill end fly lines.
