View Full Version : NGTO and the Atlanta Flyfishing Festival 2005
Thanks to hawgleg jogging my memory we have a booth at the AFFF this year. This was previously known as the Shallow Water Fishing Expo. Aaron has already mentioned in the other thread that we are again looking for volunteers that are interested in manning the booth.
I'll be contacting anybody who expressed an interest in manning the booth. This is not somethiong to be worried about doing. There is a lot of flexibility and although a good reason is NGTO gets some PR, the real reason is to let members have an opportunity to be part of the show. It's just fun.
So far the following have volunteered:
trout8myfly
Steve Hudson
Windknot
runner
merganser
Ivan
If anybody else is interested please post here and I will start coordinating this after I get back from New Orleans in a few days.
Thanks,
EG
B Kar Ma
02-02-05, 11:36 AM
I can help on Sunday, unless you're scared of something happening while I'm there.....
TheEndlessEnigma
02-02-05, 12:55 PM
put me down for the sunday i can help if needed
vidalia1
02-02-05, 01:16 PM
I will be willing to work on Sunday with B Kar Ma....if he wears his float tube......
Kim (aka Vidalia1)
B Kar Ma
02-02-05, 01:54 PM
OK - I resemble THAT remark also..............
Should be an interesting crew on Sunday - an onion, an enigma, and a b karma.....
Can the Gwinnett Civic Center handle it?
Korn Dunker
02-02-05, 02:11 PM
Hi EG, I can work if you need someone still.
merganser
02-02-05, 02:23 PM
We just may have to PAD the booth !;)
TheEndlessEnigma
02-02-05, 02:25 PM
equals
a smelly run of bad luck that noone can explain
Windknot
02-02-05, 06:55 PM
Ivan, if the booth has wheels, cheap beads and loud music, things could get very interesting by mid-afternoon! :rotfl:
The Fish Crew, reporting for duty!
Don
Steve Hudson
02-03-05, 02:39 PM
Add son Nathan and his cousin Bryan to the list to come along with me.
Thanks!
Steve
i would love to help out if there's room! i'm not to sure on which day i will be there, but i definately will show up. (saturday most likely)
Jeff
Josh Barnett
02-07-05, 07:59 AM
I hope to see some of y'all this year. Stop by and say hello.
See you in 3 Weeks!
Joshua Barnett
Marc_Karasek
02-10-05, 12:34 PM
I would love to help out this year.
I could bring my laptop with most of the site d/l to it along with my tying stuff.
Trout8myfly
02-10-05, 01:50 PM
Anyone know if wireless access (e.g. a T-Mobile hotspot) is available in the GWCC hall where the festival will be held? I'm happy to bring my Thinkpad for any live 'net access required.
Also, my new Steverlynck tying vise showed up last week (from Ohio, not Argentina although it may have been made there). Some of ya'll were interested in giving it a closer look so I'll bring it along.
EG, looking forward to hearing from ya and lending a hand...
George S.
TheEndlessEnigma
02-10-05, 08:02 PM
wonder if EG has recovered from the drunken stupor known as mardi gras
:drunk: almost
I'll be emailing you guys this weekend from home.
I have the number for the contractor in charge of services. I'll call about the wireless question. That would be pretty neat to have.
Mike Smith
02-12-05, 08:18 PM
EG, I can help man the booth on Saturday morning if needed. Just let me know, Mike.
The Owl
02-14-05, 04:36 PM
Are there going to be hats for sale? I seem to have misplaced mine somewhere! :)
owl
Hey guys,
I sent out an email to those that responded to manning the booth. Please take a look so we can work out logistics.
Thanks again for volunteering.
Ivan and Marc Karasek, email me because I could not get an email address for you. With the new message board, you may have to turn it on.
Everybody else be sure to stop by and introduce yourselves.
Owl, there should be hats there if I can remember to bring them.
I'll be there Saturday and will help out if i can.. Think i need a new hat too.. Koko's been nibbling on it again ;)
Josh Barnett
02-20-05, 08:50 PM
Access North Georgia's Annual AFFF Press Release
Shares all the interesting details of this year's show!
http://www.accessnorthga.com/tools/commcal/moreinfo.asp?ID=3075
Joshua Barnett
Trout8myfly
02-21-05, 09:56 AM
Might I buy one at the show?
Windknot
02-21-05, 11:22 AM
NGTO hats and pins will be available at the NGTO booth.
EG & Marc...
Even if you don't have internet access Josh was kind enough to mail me a copy of the NGTO presentation from last year that y'all are welcome to run from the laptop if you want. I will also donate a 20" monitor to NGTO, I can deliver it the day of the show if needed.
Aaron
Josh Barnett
02-21-05, 10:29 PM
Actually, Aaron- that is a new presentation. Feel free to take a look over it. I did it back in the Summer and can't remember what all I put into it. Feel free to add, edit, take out -whatever- to the presentation. Unfortunately, I probably won't get time to mingle with all you guys, so head over my way if y'all get a chance. See you early Saturday morning!
Also, I will have 5-6 Barnett Lanyards over at my booth this year. Several of you asked about them throughout the year. Will have them for sale @15.00/each. Thanks.
Joshua Barnett
EG. Check your email
Ivan
For those that are helping at the booth, got a call from EG last night (he will be in Orlando until Friday). He has arranged for all of your badges to be picked up at the gate, please just give them your name and you should have an exhibitor badge waiting. While I am not able to man the booth Saturday I will be dropping off Josh's prensentation, the NGTO banner, and a 21" monitor in case someone does bring a laptop and wants to display the presentation or other material.
Aaron
TheEndlessEnigma
02-24-05, 11:56 AM
carpool anyone?
Trout8myfly
02-24-05, 12:33 PM
Aaron, I'll bring my Thinkpad so we'll be covered for at least the morning. If we need copies of the CD I can burn 'em there.
George S.
Marc_Karasek
02-24-05, 10:30 PM
I will be there on Sunday, with Notebook.
I will try to get a copy of the site d/l to my local system. So we can show both the presentation and the web site (offline).
Marc
Josh Barnett
02-24-05, 11:12 PM
The Presentation I put together for this year's Show is on PowerPoint.
Try playing the Presentation one time through. I may or may not have set the program to automatically "play" itself. If I didn't come see me, and I will be happy to give you the instructions on how to fix that problem. I know that nobody wants to sit allday clicking the buttons, so you'll probably want it to play itself. Just let me know. I'll be somewhere on Tier's Aisle before the Show officially begins on Saturday!
Joshua Barnett
Marc,
Having the site local would be awesome... I always plan to do this every year but always run out of time :(... speaking on running out of time, I did forget to bring the extension cord/power supply... EG - can you bring one?
Aaron
OK. I'm back from a nice little relaxing 5 days at Busch Gardens, Sea World, Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, Gatorland, Ripley's Believe It or Not! and Silver Springs.
Ivan, I don't have access to my email at the moment but you and Marc also have badges. Everybody else that I emailed should have a badge also.
I'll set up tables, chairs and hopefully extension cords this afternoon.
We should be ready to go tomorrow morning at 8:30AM. See ya'll there.
EG
The Owl
02-25-05, 11:22 AM
I hope there will be a hat there for me to buy on Sunday. Looks like I'll have to work Saturday, so I'll come by on Sunday. If there's any way you guys could save me a hat, I'm good for a tip. ;)
owl
Owl - Since I will be there Sat morn - I will gather one up and place your name on one. You can pick it up Sunday. If for some reason you can"t make it, I will make sure one is available for you at the Fling.
Mike
merganser
02-25-05, 01:23 PM
Well, I just found out I have to work tomorrow ! If I get there it won't be 'till 2 pm or so.
Sorry, last minute deal at work.
Mike Smith
02-26-05, 03:36 PM
I had just gotten a 6ft 2wt and was looking for some line. Santa came again today at the FFF when Jimmy told me he had over ordered on 2wt line so, you guys who like the lite stuff pay them a call tommorrow. Lots of folks, Lefty was great, and lots of show stuff to get. Lot's of info. We had lots of folks come by the booth too. Mike
NickelCigar
02-26-05, 06:17 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/gregmcyk/DSCN0863.jpg
NickelCigar
02-26-05, 06:28 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/gregmcyk/DSCN0871.jpg
The Owl
02-27-05, 09:31 AM
Headed that way - straight for the 2 wt line, then for the hat! Please oh please oh please......I really need a 2 wt line deal. Yeahhhh.
:)
owl
NickelCigar
02-27-05, 01:01 PM
Consummate teacher Lefty Kreh, takes time between presentations for an impromptu slide projector lesson for Chris Scalley. Just something you don't see everyday.http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/gregmcyk/KrehScalley.jpg
The Owl
02-27-05, 07:49 PM
Got em.
Got a 2wt and a 3 wt for right at $50. That and Lefty made the show for me.
If not for those two things, I'd have kicked myself for paying $10 to go to it this year. Folks, we can deny it if we want, but it sure seemed like a much smaller show than the ones I've been to in the past. Is that a good thing? A bad thing? Depends on whether you're wanting bigger shows or more room on the river I guess. I suppose alot of vendors, etc. had to choose between the Atl. and Char. shows. Too bad. Char. is already bigger, and prob. has the advantage of being more centrally located in the Southeast.
Good to see the NGTO booth wasn't in the corner this year! Got my hat too.....and a PIN TOO! And what a DEAL B Kar Ma and crew made me! :)
owl
Chuck Morris
02-27-05, 10:21 PM
Lefty and Josh just prior to Lefty tying "the worst fly I ever tied like this!"
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/sirrom/DSC00152.jpg
Have to agree with Owl , not worth the entry fee. Was at Charlotte on Saturday, spent about four hours in there and could have stayed a lot longer , but I had to get back home for a previous commitment. Good to talk to the guys at the NGTO booth and to Josh and Mountainman . See you on the water.
I also enjoyed the show and watching Lefty work his magic with the rod. It was not the biggest show that I have been to but it was worth the ten bucks with what I learned from watching Lefty's casting lesson. My daughter is also now proudly sporting her brand new NGTO pin.
Rob
When my wife and I walked in to start setting up my booth we both thought there just weren't that many exhibitor spaces as last year. Personally speaking, I had a good show; but, not as good as last year. Believe me, I know how expensive it is to exhibit; but, I do wish the other flyshops in the Metro area would participate.
And while I enjoy looking at all the shallow draft coastal fishing boats, I would rather see more gear and equipment for us free-stone and tailwater fishermen.
And flies...I wish there were more tyers there that would demonstrate their technique of tying a parachute style fly; showing newbies how to select the best hackle from a neck...etc.
and please, please a casting expert or two, like Joe Humphrey, who emphasizes accuracy...not throwing it through the back of the building!!!
Double hauling on the Coleman is very tricky!!!!!
(Already, we are really evaluating and thinking of returning to Charlotte. What we do enjoy in Atlanta is seeing so many friends in one big ole bunch.)
vidalia1
02-28-05, 03:10 PM
I did enjoy both the show and working the booth. I thought it was interesting how many times we heard "oh yeah I view your website all the time, really great info" or "I have your site bookmarked under favorites". When we told them to come out to the Flings, etc they thought it was for "members" only or cost money to attend. We encouraged them all to come to the events, enjoy the people, food & commarodarie (sp??).
It was nice to meet some new faces and see the old buds as well. I will definetely try to attend & work next year. A few more visual aids, like picture poster boards etc will help spice up the place. We could show kids day, Flings, river clean up, fishing trips etc....That may have been on Josh's slide show but it was out of order on sunday. Sorry I had to throw in my 2 cents.
Kim (aka Vidalia1)
Steve D
02-28-05, 03:48 PM
I think Tom is right on the button. From where I sat it was tough to get a feel for the pulse of the show but I did get a sense that it was smaller than last year. Last year the show had a different atmosphere and a different buzz that it had been missing for the two years prior to that. This year the buzz just didn't seem to be there.
I'd like to see more of the local shops there too. and more stuff for sale. Looked to me that Unicoi Outfitters and North Georgia Outdoors did pretty well - at least I hope they did. Would be nice to see a custom graphite rod builder or two. I've tried to get Dave Lewis of Performance Fly Rods to come down but so far that hasn't happened.
A while back one shop owner told me it just didn't pay off for them. I realize that going to a show ain't cheap. Add up the cost of your space, cost of your 'decoration' and display equipment, time selecting stock to take, set up, tear down, moving to and from the shop, employee pay, etc, its darn expensive. But...you're also getting your name in front of a bunch of folks. Its hard to put a value on that. Some years its worth more than others.
Being a fly tyer myself I'd also like to see more tying demonstrations. I was there tying my poppers and trying to generate business but I also made sure I spent some time learning from the other guys there. I sat next to Kevin Arculeo all weekend and was very intrigued with his baitfish and crab patterns. You can bet you'll see some of those in a magazine article in the next year or two. I got some great ideas from Rick Lubrant and spent some time with Kent as well.
BTW, sometime during the next week or two I'm going to put a bit of a AFFS summary on the DP Poppers webpage and hilight some fo the neat and exceptionally cool things I noticed when I did have the chance to wander around.....
Josh Barnett
02-28-05, 05:25 PM
Well, whether or not this year's Show was the best or not, I had a wonderful time getting to meet some of you. This Show is probably the largest fly fishing event every year, other than the Annual Rendezvous. I simply love talking to all you guys and girls, and sharing what knowledge I can.
This Show doesn't get the support from local fly shops that it needs. Jimmy Harris of Unicoi Outfitters and the great staff at North Georgia Fishing and Hunting have really done a superb job of keeping up with the Show. And to think, I have fly shop owners trying to sway my way, and get my business.
Orvis does a good job as well, I just wish that Manchester would have sent Reps from all the local stores, rather than their "people" from Vermont.
Tom Landreth and all of the other wonderful trout fishing artists did a wonderful job this year, as with the past few. I just love browsing, and checking out all of your paintings, Tom. I still cherish the work you sent me.
Bill Oyster of Oyster Bamboo is always one of my favorite parts of the Show. Although I didn't get to speak to you this year, Bill, I talked to some onlookers. Maybe you'll be getting some new customers soon. They had nothing but good things to say about your rods.
The Fly Tying section of Atlanta's Show is always lacking a little something. Fly tying is actually one of the popular draws to this Show, and so I think it could be a bit more comprehensive with more fly tyers. I was honored this year to be asked by the Show's creator to do tying demos, and will probably be back in future years. As Steve Davenport said, it is difficult to get a good "view" of how the Show is going from where we sit. I did get to come speak with the manning team at NGTO a couple of times.
Thanks to Lefty, Dave, Kent and the other seminar presenters. You do a wonderful job year and year again! You're the guys the folks come for every year.
Once again, it was great to see everyone this year. I hope that, for those of you who came by and watched my all day presentations learned a few new tricks, and enjoyed that new fly I showed you.
Also, I have one more Lanyard left. If you'd like to purchase it for $10.00, please send an e-mail to caddisfly08@yahoo.com.
A more comprehensive report of this years' Show will appear at The Modern Angler (http://joshbarnett.cjb.net) sometime within the next several days.
Joshua Barnett
I'm sorry I missed the show this year.
Last year I went early Sunday morning and actually got to have a one-on-one conversation with Dave Whitlock and Lefty Kreh.
Maybe next year.
Tuck
Steve D
03-01-05, 01:47 PM
Whether the show was big enough or had enough shops participating or had enough fly tyers or whatever will forever be up for debate.
However, there was one phrase I hear many, many times during the weekend: "Heck, it was worth $10 just to learn that!" Heard it up and down the fly tyers tables, heard it from folks talking about the presentations at the inshore theaters and at the casting ponds. Sounded to me like anyone who was willing ti watch and listen took something useful home
NickelCigar
03-01-05, 02:02 PM
Don't understand why BPS, AFFF, and Char. all picked the same wknd????
You hit the nail on the head Steve, the info is there, you just have to talk, walk, look,and listen.
I'll continue to spend ten there.
Steve D
03-01-05, 02:18 PM
Don't understand why BPS, AFFF, and Char. all picked the same wknd????
That had me scratching my head this weekend too.
Josh Barnett
03-01-05, 03:39 PM
Got your PM Steve, won't bother to reply back. I totally agree.
I was wondering that two. Funny thing was i had to choose between them all. Chose my faithful ATL Show, and for the sake of time BPS.
Joshua Barnett
Snowpee
03-01-05, 06:00 PM
Don't understand why BPS, AFFF, and Char. all picked the same wknd????
And you missed one - the cold/flu thing was that weekend too. :bang:
Jimmy Harris
03-02-05, 09:08 AM
It was pretty obvious that there were fewer attendees this year but I've got to say that the folks who were there were very enthusiastic and seemed to have a good time. I want to ask Mark Castlow why Charlotte, Atlanta and Bass Pro were all scheduled for this weekend. Maybe it was unavoidable. With the rod builders convening in Charlotte and the FFF certification classes, that had to add another level of interest. Maybe AFFF should put more emphasis on the fly tying to increase interest and attendance. Lots more fly tyers out there than rod builders. We had a very successful show and it's always good to see our old friends and meet new ones. We'll be back next year. We had drawings for a free day at Nacoochee Bend on Saturday and Sunday. The winners this year are Jerry Jones and Malcolm Toney. Congratulations guys! We look forward to having you fish with us.
How many folks got their show program in the mail after the fact? Mine showed up in this Tuesday's snail mail. Not very effective marketing!
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