FIVE TAKE-AWAYS FROM THE BIG ONE SHOW!
The weekend before last, 20,000 anglers descended upon Farnborough to attend the largest annual get-together in fishing. But apart from the impressive punter turnout and huge variety of stands on show, what really stood out? Deputy editor Steve Stones picks his highlights What cost of living crisis?
Either the droves of visitors had been saving up for a pre-spring splurge on tackle and bait, or they’re planning to make cutbacks in other areas of household expenditure. There seemed to be no shortage of money changing hands at the show, as an overriding passion for all things angling appeared to trump the current cost-of-living crisis.
“My other half is going to kill me – I’ve just spent £40 on pop-ups,” was one gem I overheard, with his similarly weighed-down mate replying, “I’m going to hide this lot in the shed before she sees it.” With the good weather of spring just around the corner, justifying purchases seemed easy for many, me included.
The prices charged by some of the food vendors were almost as unpalatable as their lukewarm offerings, but that’s a problem in wider society as companies ramp up asking prices with shocking impunity. Some visitors wisely got round this by bringing their own refreshments, freeing up a few extra quid to satisfy some of the smaller ‘must-have’ bait purchases.
‘Brotherhood’ of angling
With 10,000 a day milling about the venue, often heavily laden with purchases, tempers can sometimes fray, yet this year a tangible sense of camaraderie and happiness seemed to prevail.
I was based in the Angling Times Theatre, overseeing some of the expert talks, and each time I had to navigate the thronging masses of the main area to sort a technical issue or find someone, people were astonishingly polite and helpful.
The atmosphere was overwhelmingly positive, and maybe the gathering was a welcome respite from the everyday problems people have to face.
Perhaps the lack of parking problems was a key contributor to this, as nothing angers show visitors more than two hours in a traffic jam. Angling get-togethers like this really are a vital escape for many, and long may that continue.
Diversity of disciplines
Judging by the sheer number of brands present, the carp and match/pleasure angling sectors continue to dominate the modern scene, but other disciplines are
certainly rising in popularity, and none more so than lure fishing.
Evidence of this could be found in the Lure Live area. Hosted by Predator Tackle, there were more than 70 brands displaying their wares to the growing band of UK anglers who have cottoned on to the excitement offered by a type of fishing that doesn’t require huge amounts of tackle or time on the bank to be successful.
As well as the countless colourful displays of cutting-edge tackle and the huge water tank where the actions of lures could be shown, the fishing kayaks on show were particularly impressive.
Several fly fishing brands, such as Orvis, also made a welcome return, spurred on no doubt by the increasing popularity of using the technique to target coarse fish.
Class acts on show
The big names turned out in their droves to give demonstrations and talks, or simply to answer questions from visitors and have their picture taken. As well as vast experience and knowledge, these anglers seem to have an endless energy and willingness to help others improve their skills.
Nick Speed, Tommy Pickering, James Robbins, Darren Cox and Sean Ashby were just a handful of the match fishing stars putting in a shift, while the carp sector was well catered for by Neil Spooner, Tom Dove, Danny Fairbrass, Oz Holness, Mark Holmes, Dave Levy and Ian Russell, to name but a few.
These days people may feel they are able to connect with their heroes on social media to some degree, but nothing beats meeting them in the flesh, which is why there were such lengthy queues to meet River Monsters star Jeremy
Wade and The Grand Fishing
Adventure’s Ali Hamidi! Angling Times and Improve Your Coarse Fishing columnists also put in a shift, none more so than Des Taylor, whose two talks on perch fishing were very well attended. At 72 years of age, his enthusiasm for the sport shows no sign of diminishing!
Paul Garner also gave a fascinating slide show about how fish react to our tackle and baits underwater, while River Trent legend Bob Roberts gave an incredibly insightful talk about barbel fishing, based on decades of experience and bent rods. Main stage compère Rob Hughes also deserves a huge pat on the back for helping to pull all the threads together, which was no mean feat.
Droolworthy stands
Gone are the days of stands being little more than a trestle table adorned with a few goodies. Some of those at The Big One were jaw dropping in their technical build and design. Shimano’s display was simply huge, and as well as showcasing new poles, rods, reels and tackle, there was an impressive interactive fishing simulator where visitors could pick up a rod and do battle with the giant fish of their dreams. It was free to use, and a huge hit with visitors.
Among the many other companies who went the extra yard with their stands were Guru, MAP, Korda and Wolf, but it was heartwarming to see a massive variety of smaller vendors too. Float makers, holiday companies, bespoke bait manufacturers, artisan food and drink sellers and fishing artwork companies were just a few of those adding to the rich tapestry of attractions that helped to make the event one of the best angling shows I’ve ever been a part of. I’m already looking forward to next year!