This year’s Chatsworth Angling Fair was the usual mixture of tackle stalls and demonstrations by some of angling’s top stars, but the best thing about this year was the weather.
The Chatsworth event usually has the shine knocked off it with heavy rain, either during the event or running up to it, with the fields a quagmire and Wellington boots the only footwear worth wearing. But this year the sun shone and the wind didn’t get up and everybody was happy as they strolled round looking for bargains or watching the shows. The disappointing aspect for many was the price of most of the tackle, which was mainly pitched at full retail. You had to search for a long, long time to find a bargain and the truth was that you could have bought most of what was on display cheaper from your local tackle dealer. Of course the retailers will be thankful for that, for they dread those shows where gear is sold off at hugely reduced prices, for many of them have a hard enough time selling tackle as it is, especially at this time of year when the rivers are closed and many anglers are not setting foot on the banks. My major complaint at some of these shows is the price of refreshments. Getting on for four quid for two slices of toasted bread half filled with bacon and a spoonful of scrambled egg (and not even a dab of sauce available whether you wanted it or not) and a small polystyrene cup of tea or coffee is no joke. And ice lollies at £ 2.00 a shot is taking the p*** and stopped a good many from buying one, just to protest about the price. Luckily some prices were fairly reasonable. You just had to look around and find them. The Welsh Oggies were pretty good!
The demos were excellent, with Bob Nudd catching trout to 3lb on the pole and Charles Jardine making fly casting look so easy, which it is if you’re as good at it as Charles! The fly dressing stands were also very good indeed, with some of the best looking flies being tied by a number of different tyers, including FISHINGmagic contributor Andy Wright. There were a few fairground attractions there to help keep the kids amused and to give mum and dad a break. The dress sense of some was another good source of amusement with more Barbel Policemen there in the full attire of floppy hat, full length Barbour jackets and red stockings or gaiters, than real policemen. Those full length Barbour Jackets must have felt really good in Saturday’s heat of the sun!
A few of us from FISHINGmagic met up and had a joint plastic and wallet bashing frenzy, as you’re bound to when you see so much tackle displayed in the one area. No matter what the prices, the wallet and the plastic is bound to get a good thrashing at these events. But that’s all part of the fun. At least until the wife finds out or until the following month when it has to be paid off! No doubt, like many, I’ll be back next year, for no matter what you think about these events, they’re a good excuse to get out of the house when you can’t get on the river and meet up with a few mates. |
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