Somerset 2013

Made the voyage to the Somerset, NJ fly fishing show. A yearly event held in several locations, however I believe Somerset is the larger one. They also have one listed in Lancaster, which would be closer. But lets face it, end of January, what else is there to do?

So I didn't get any pictures/videos during the show. If you have ever been to a trade show, you know what these looks like. I will begin to highlight a few things I experienced during the show.

Upon entry I was drawn to the Bears Den booth, which was decent size. They had a nice selection of materials and supplies, even on Sunday. I picked up a few items that I needed, a few I didn't and some that I felt more comfortable buying after seeing/touching. No exceptional deals.

I noticed Bob Popovic tying nearby with no one around him. This amazed me. So I bellied up to his small tying table to receive my education. He was tying surf candies and proceed to lecture me (basically one-on-one). Even though I have tied a bunch of his patterns, I was amazed by how easy and fluid he made it all look. To me this was a very nice, UNEXPECTED, experience.

Proceed to walk around and enjoy some of the other tiers and booths. My next note worthy stop was Rip Lips. Got three nice fly boxes with slotted foam for $20, which I didn't feel was a bad deal. Also got some 200 quantity beadheads (although much of the tungsten selection was sold out). Felt good to stock up on some of that material. Same pricing as their website, but saves on shipping (maybe not after driving).

Again, I was surprised when I walked right up to Steve Farrar's tying table, with no one around. Steve showed me a nice anchovy pattern using sili skin. Very simple pattern that he even tied down to tiny weeny like 3/4"-1/2" patterns. Thats very tiny for saltwater, in my opinion. Very nice man and was the first time meeting Steve.

Had a brief, but enjoyable conversation with Colin McKeown of The New Fly Fisher. I enjoy watching the show, so its always interesting to meet the person behind the face.

Also spoke with Brandon Alexander with Cross Current Guide Service. We discussed a trip to the upper Delaware River using larger streamer patterns targeting big browns. My kind of trout fishing! I explained to Brandon I am willing to cast all day, heaving big, chunky patterns for one strike. He blew my mind when he said that sounded great, but how did I feel after doing all that, IN THE DARK! Blew my mind and I was sound. So I am willing to bet, in the next week or so, I will have something firmed lined up with him.

Lastly I sat in on a seminar regarding fly fishing the New Jersey coast, hosted by Jim Freda of Shore Catch Guide Service. Very informative seminar that highlighted striper and other fishing opportunities along the New Jersey coast as it related to seasons and water temps. This man knows his stuff!

Overall, this is a very good show. Parking is FREE and entry was $18. Definitely worth the trip to shake hands with some local legends. Chat fishing with guides & outfitters and perhaps even line yourself up for a nice Spring/Fall fishing adventure on new water. There are some deals to be had, if you look around and know what you need. Many opportunities to educate yourself with the varying tiers, seminars and instructional classes. Also, you can "test drive" several different rods from many of the large & small manufacturers. All-in-all, its a nice way to get out of the house during the cabin fever months and get the juices flowing for Spring.