I guess this doesn't really fit anywhere, certainly not here . . . but did anyone else recognize how sparse the vendor attendance was at The Fly Fishing Show this year? Two years ago, there were 2 exhibit halls, this year only one. Sage, Orvis, WInston, Powell, Ross and I think even Simms and Patagonia were personna non grata. I think I went through the entire place in an hour and a half, with about 40 minutes spent caught up talking to a guide buddy and Roger bloom from DF&G Wild Trout Program.
I guess the economy has really put the squash on expenses for some of the companies in the industry.
As we all know the economy has been brutal for these types of small company's. So probably is the reason for the sparse vendor attendance. Other then tippet, an occasional leader, and some fly tying stuff, I haven't purchased any gear in quit sometime, and don't plan to anytime soon. Besides i like my old beat up stuff, It's got character.
Yes, very thin and at times I felt as though I was walking in San Francisco's Tenderloin District. What vendors that were, there were very aggressive too. I learned quick not to make eye contact, or the pitch was on. Which sucks, because I know times are lean, but for the admission price and what not, I left a little disappointed.
