Lara Webster gives us a glimpse of what is coming up in the London Fly Fishing Fair
With the fishing season commencing all over the country, we’re keeping our eyes peeled for the latest and greatest kit to hit the riverbanks with. Whilst our current favourites will by no means be pushed aside, we can’t wait to get our hands on the latest equipment and see how fishing expertise has transformed technology over the years – after all, for many 2018 is about trying new things and this includes the new gadgets that are revolutionising our favourite sport.
With innovative kit in mind, we excitedly await the return of The London Fly Fishing Fair which will take place at the Business Design Centre in Islington on the 23rd and 24th March. With fantastic exhibitors confirmed for their second annual fair, it will be the perfect opportunity to get our hands on the latest fishing materials, be it the newest pair of waders, the best underwater filming equipment or the latest rods and flies.
Orvis UK will be one of the many brilliant exhibitors returning to The London Fly Fishing Fair this March. Among their many fantastic clothing and equipment options will be their latest Women’s Pro Wading Jacket and Helios 3 rod. The former has been designed from the ground up to suit the female angler’s every need. Made from a highly durable custom-woven, three-layer shell with a subtle heather pattern, the fabric is also waterproof and has fully taped seams for added weatherproofing. Allowing for superior performance and with a distinctly feminine cut, this jacket will enable every fisherwoman to enjoy endless hours on the water in warmth, and with the agility required for expert casts.
Returning also to the fair will be Orvis’ Helios 3. Praised for its improved accuracy, flexibility and lightness, the Helios 3 seamlessly feels like an extension of the user’s arm. With models designed for distance (denoted with a ‘D’ on the transfer) and those that are more forgiving (designated by the letter ‘F’), the various versions of the Helios 3 will be sure to suit any preference. Taken to by both professionals and novices, the parts of these identical rods can also be easily and quickly replaced if damaged.
Whilst Orvis’ Encounter Jackets will keep us dry in the drizzle, Costa Del Mar’s sunglasses from Fin and Game will be the perfect accessory to keep the glare out of our eyes as summery sun makes the water glint. Their men’s ‘Bloke Polarised’ sunglasses are entirely reliable due to their cam action pin hinges and Costa Del Mar’s bilateral fusion technology which fuses two colours for the chip-proof finish. Styled for keen anglers, the glasses are both stylish and entirely practical. Alternatively, the ladies ‘Inlet Polarised’ sunglasses are made with a durable nylon frame and optical spring hinges for a snug, custom fit. These Costa Del Mar women’s sunglasses are perfectly lightweight and a must-have for sunny days on the water when spotting fish can be somewhat challenging.
‘Built by hand and backed for life. Every pair of Costa Sunglasses includes a limited lifetime warranty.’
Finally, Fin Hunter UK will be bringing a conservational flare with them to the fair. Passionate about up-cycling old and leaking waders, Fin Hunter UK will be giving new life to waders which may have been destined to finish life as landfill. The old waders are stripped and cleaned before being made into useful rod bags, luggage, reel cases or fly wallets – to name but a few of the options.
As many of the fishing community are concerned with the state of our marine wildlife, The London Fly Fishing Fair are thrilled to welcome exhibitors who reflect this attitude in their work. From Fin Hunter UK’s upcycled waders to Orvis UK’s commitment to support conservation projects such as Game Wildlife & Conservation Trust’s River Frome project (which monitors and tags salmon parr,) the fair will be the perfect place to both enjoy new kit and learn about additional ways to protect our environment. To learn more about the brilliant expertise and technology available at the fair, as well as to purchase your own ticket, head to www.thelondonflyfishingfair.co.uk.