once again drew avid fly-fishers by the thousands from around the North East. Hundreds of exhibits, seminars and Destination theaters kept visitors in constant movement around the huge Garden State Exhibit Center and Hilton Hotel complex.  This is an excellent facility for such an event. Besides the “Sidewalk Café” in the Hall the Hotel offers both superb formal and informal dining, entertainment and hospitality.
Our areas own "Florida Keys Connection" Capt. Len Roberts tying
a saltwater fly at his booth. Capt. Roberts is a certified FFF casting instructor, excellent and experienced guide and accomplished  tyer. 
The show hosted an array of fly-fishing equipment, clothing, art, boats, tying supplies and services from retailers, distributors and outfitters from around the country. Included were numerous fly tyers along with featured tyers at assigned times throughout the day representing all aspects of fly angling from freshwater to saltwater. Visitors could meet their favorite authors for book signing at a special booth during the day. Casting demonstrations and rod tryouts were held in the large indoor casting pool giving guest a chance to watch a pro or “try before they buy”. 

A few of the many tyers in attendance included Tom Baltz, Maria Blair, Bob Mead, Bill Skilton, Frank Thompson, Don
Bastain, Charlie Chute, Jack Gartside, Dave Schmezer and Joe Soma.  Featured tyers included Dick Talleur, Barry Beck, Fishy Fullum, A.K. Best, Enrico Puglisi, Bob Linquist and Charlie Meck.

Some of the seminars included  “Sight Fishing for Striped Bass” by Alan Cabo, “Trout Tips and Destinations” by Barry Beck,  “The Hatches Made Simple” by Charlie Meck, “Fly Fishing the Jersey Shore” by Jim Freda and Capt. Gene Quigley,  “Nymph Fishing Day and Night” by Joe Humphreys and  “Match the Naturals and not the Hatch” by A.K. Best.

The Destination Theaters were full of information on more techniques and adventures available throughout the country. To mention just a few; that included “Understanding the Delaware” by Jeff White,  “Fly Fishing in Cuba “ by Pius Geiger, “Fly Fishing the Low Lands of South Carolina” by Capt. Chad Ferris and “Fishing Pennsylvania’s Best Limestone Streams” by Dave Rothrock.

Whether you are an experienced fly angler or a novice the Fly Fishing Show is a valuable resource to gain knowledge and see what’s new for this delicate and precise sport. Make plans next year to attend.
Aisles and aisles of “Gear and Gadgets” attracted visitors from throughout the Northeast And kept wallets in hand to purchase that “special deal”.