Putting on a fishing show must take a lot of work. We headed to the very first London Fly Fishing Fair and really enjoyed ourselves. Read more:
On 10th and 11th March, the Business Design Centre, opened its doors to the capital’s first annual fly fishing event: The London Fly Fishing Fair. Founders John and Fergus Kelley were thrilled to welcome fishing enthusiasts and newcomers alike from all over the UK. Approximately 3000 visitors came to the two-day show to explore over 70 specialist exhibitors, fishing destinations and lifestyle brands.
360-degree fly fishing outfitter, Orvis, offered a full range of high performance equipment from waders, boots, rod outfits, reels, flies and luggage. Joined by Fin and Game, Jack Barclay Bentley, Frontiers Travel, Go Fishing Worldwide, Casting for Recovery (Countryside Alliance), Fly Dreamers, Fin Hunter UK, The Game Fair, BASC, Thornwood Fisheries, Urban Angler, Atlantic Salmon Trust and Fish Mongolia, among others, the show championed the best of the angling industry.
The show saw all-round angling guru, Charles Jardine, reel in the crowds with his unyielding passion for the sport. Charles, along with cast-master Hywel Morgan, engaged spectators in his fun demonstrations on the impressive casting pool. Matt Hayes, one of Europe’s well-known anglers, presented films on the History of Salmon Fishing and Fishing in Norway. The fair’s ambassadors Marina Gibson and James Stokoe were also in attendance, getting all visitors enthused about the extensive events programme. Visitors enjoyed remarkable fly tying demonstrations by the Veniards' flydressers, talks, presentations and films on all disciplines of fly fishing including screenings of the Fly Fishing Film Tour F3T, which documents first class fly fishing destinations worldwide.
Charles Jardine said of the show, “There are not enough superlatives to describe this year’s London Fly Fishing Fair. From the best indoor fly casting pool I have worked on, the floor lay out, to the stunning video screen and sound system and arguably one of the best atmospheres I have ever experienced at a fly fishing show. The genius of John and Fergus Kelley and their team, should be applauded from every river, lake and shore line for being brave enough to put this show on in the capital. If you don’t go next year, frankly, you’re bonkers.”
“We are delighted to be able to say that the first London Fly Fishing Fair was a roaring success. We are so thrilled at the huge of amount of support we’ve had from everyone in the fly fishing industry. The feedback we’ve had from both visitors and exhibitors has been fantastic and it means so much, particularly in our first year. We hope the support will only grow and continue for year two of The London Fly Fishing Fair!” - John Kelley (co-founder of The London Fly Fishing Fair).