The Fly Fishing Show Atlanta 2023

Good morning, Folks!

   With The Fly Fishing Show having already kicked off in other locations this year, and the Atlanta show very quickly approaching, I wanted to get these pictures posted up from last year's show.  I intend to be there again this year, live posting from the show floor as usual, so if there's anything you'd like to see or any questions you have, I'll do my best to get it for you.

  Hope you're all doing well!

     Make it a great day!

        Tight lines,

            -Nick

The show is open, time to walk the floor!!

 

East Cape Boats is here in Atlanta debuting the prototype East Cape Drift! The new carbon and kevlar hull combines cutting edge tech, modern design and materials, 20 years of skiff building experience and the heart of trout fishermen to build a durable drift boat that weighs around 300lbs as displayed!!

Coming soon to a flyshop near you! RoxStar Fishing is taking some of the intimidation out of fly selection for new flyfishers. Their US hand-tied flies are packaged into selections by fly type, with an array of different variations to make sure you're stocked for any instance on the water.

 Dropped in on Jimmy Jacobs' talk on Georgia's Best High Country Trout Options. This will definitely inspire you to get off the beaten path!!

 Lots going on in the Alpharetta Outfitters booth today! They've got deals on gear and guides, a chance to win a Sage rod and $100 gift card, and a few seats left on each of their awesome curated fishing trips!!

Landon Mayer is in the seat at the Featured Fly Tier Booth giving up the secrets to Guide Flies: Easy To Tie Patterns For Tough Trout.

 Mark introducing a crowd to the benefits of The Original Ty-Rite! The best tool for handling small flies!

Checking out the Fly Caddy from Atollas Gear out of Charleston, SC. The foam patch has a rigid plastic baking with a clip, so it can be worn on a hat brim, shirt collar or even your truck visor! Included is a self-adhesive "docking station" so you can park your patch on a cooler, boat box, or almost anywhere! I think I want at least one of each size!

 I was able to catch the last few minutes of Capt. Michael Mauri's presentation Adventures Along The Treasure Coast and Indian River Lagoon. I hope he repeats the presentation again this weekend, because he certainly made it sound exciting!

 Celebrity Fly Tier Todd Arnold down on Tier's Row demonstrating his techniques for tying Gamechangers and Jerkchangers for the local striper population!

Jeff Currier is on the pond demonstrating casting techniques to improve your dryfly presentation! Need to know the difference between a Parachute Cast and a Pile Cast, this is the demo for you!

 Karin Miller of Zen Tenkara gave a very informative talk on fishing for big fish with a tenkara rod! The insightful tips she gave can easily be implemented in both tenkara and traditional fly fishing situations. Can you imagine catching tarpon and bonefish on a tenkara rod? I'd sure like to give it a try!

Day 2 of the 2023 The Fly Fishing Show Atlanta is well underway!

Always fun checking out the Seigler Reels booth! These reels evolve with time and it's always fascinating to learn about all the small improvements.

 Luong Tam of Tenkara Tanuki gave a great presentation on the Fundamentals of Tenkara Casting on Pond 1 this morning!

Tier's Row is about a mile long and I don't think there's a single empty seat! There's an awful lot of fly tying talent in this picture and all of these folks are eager to share their specialty with the crowd!

 One of the masters holding class on the casting pond to a very large crowd! Bob Clouser giving one of his great presentations on How To Cast Weighted Flies and Line!

Beautiful fishy art available in the M. B. Meeks Block Prints booth! There's a huge assortment of species available in these prints, and even some t-shirts!

I always enjoy walking through the Hardy booth! Did you know they celebrated their 150th anniversary last year? That kind of history and legacy is absolutely amazing!

TFO is here in Atlanta with a huge selection of rods for you to check out! Some are rigged and ready to try out on the casting pond!

 Cohutta Fishing Company of Blue Ridge is here with a good selection of gear, and always great advice for your next trip to the Trout Capital of Georgia!

The folks from Simms brought out lots of demo gear in their display booth, so showgoers can check it all out hands on!

Cristian Rodriguez of Fly Fishing The Run gave an excellent presentation on his fly fishing operations in Cuba! With two resort bases and a liveaboard yacht, they have plenty of lodging available, but through environmental partnerships and government assigned waters, they choose not to increase accommodations to preserve the state of the fishery!

Took in the Fly Fishing North Georgia and Beyond presentation with Andy Bowen of Cohutta Fishing Co. He gave examples of some the excellent fly fishing that North Georgia has to offer, then went into some of the travel packages through the fly shop to extend your fly fishing, literally, around the world!

One of the Women's Casting Clinics has moved out onto the lawn!! Gotta love seeing new flycasters learning the ropes!!!

Could it really even be The Fly Fishing Show Atlanta without Badger Creek Fly Tying stretched across the aisle?

Currently no line, no wait at the Douglas Outdoors booth! Swing by and grab a demo rod and hit the casting pond!!

 Author, columnist and small fly artist Ed Engle sharing his tips for effectively Tying Small Dry Flies in the Featured Fly Tier booth!

Jeff Currier gave a great presentation with pictures of jaw dropping fish from all over the world in Tips and Tactics for the World's Best Flats!

 I was able to catch one of my good friend Steve Hudson's presentations today on Bluelining in North Georgia! Always a very informative talk from the man that wrote the book on the subject! It's titled "Bluelining 101" and it's packed with information to get you started in the right direction.

Day 3!! The third and final day of The Fly Fishing Show Atlanta! More booths to see, more lectures to attend! Let's go!!

 I was able to catch Chris Scalley's presentation, 30 Years of Guiding And Advocating On The Chattahoochee River Tailwater, first thing this morning. It was great to catch up with him in the booth, and my good friend and fly tyer to the stars David Aviles! The 'Hooch knowledge flowing in this booth is overwhelming!

Made it by the On The Fly South booth to get my autographed copy of Jimmy Jacobs and Polly Dean's new book, The Angler's Guide To Georgia State Parks! I'm really looking forward to reading this one and will post a review on TheSuburbanAngler.com real soon!

 Just met Randall from AppSouth Fly Co. tying big, gorgeous Yard Sale flies in the Daiichi booth! Check out his flies on the AppSouth IG page and drop him a follow for more good things to come!

More from Sunday at the Fly Fishing Show Atlanta. Chattahoochee Riverkeepers had a busy booth all weekend educating folks on the river and what they do to protect the watershed.

It's my understanding that the Georgia Trout Unlimited booth had been manned the whole weekend by high school or collegiate members! Very cool!"

I'm pretty sure Sunday afternoon saw the very first lull in the booth of the Georgia Women Flyfishers! This is a great, supportive group to help encourage more women to get on the water."

 More from Sunday at the Fly Fishing Show Atlanta. Fly Fishers International Southeast Council had a busy booth at the show explaining what they do and projects they're involved in, as well as recruiting new members and operating an Intro to Fly Tying table.

More from Sunday at the Fly Fishing Show Atlanta. Due South Outfitters out of Boone, North Carolina was selling some gear and scheduling guide trips for the Watauga and South Holston rivers.

Bob Clouser tying up when of his namesake minnows at the Featured Fly Tier table, and, as always, keeping the audience laughing!

 Gourmet pork sausage, do I really need to say any more than that? The Pineapple Pepper Jack was awesome, and I really wish I could've tried more and brought a lot home! If you're in the Atlanta area, make sure to check them out, Real Cajun Market!

The Airflo and Abel booth stayed very busy throughout the show! You could even drop off your old flyline to be recycled!

The Norvise booth stayed busy all weekend, sometimes with three tiers, demonstrating their mesmerizing tying system!

AFFTA Confluence 2023 After Show Press Release

Sorry Folks,

  My plans had fallen through for attending this year's AFFTA Confluence out in Salt Lake City.  I'm hopeful to attend next year so I can bring you my usual "from the show floor" coverage.  Until then, here's the end of show press release from AFFTA.

  Thanks, 

    Have a great day!

      And, happy fishing!

         -Nick

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AFFTA Confluence 2023: Celebrating Excellence in the Fly Fishing Industry

Salt Lake City, Utah, September 28, 2023 — The AFFTA Confluence event, held from

September 26 to 28, 2023, was a resounding success, marked by industry recognition,

outstanding product awards, and a clear vision for the future. The American Fly Fishing Trade

Association (AFFTA) proudly announces the winners of the New Product Showcase, the Far

Bank Casting Games competition winners, the Iron Fly winner, as well as the recipients of the

Lefty Kreh Industry Award and the Jim Range Conservation Award.

New Product Showcase Winners

● Men's Wader: Patagonia - River Steward Wader

● Women's Wader: Patagonia - Women's Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip-Front Waders

● Men's Wading Boot: Patagonia - Forra Wading Boots

● Women's Wading Boot: Patagonia - Forra Wading Boots

● Men's Outerwear: Orvis - Men's PRO Fishing Jacket

● Women's Outerwear: Orvis - Women's PRO Fishing Jacket

● Men's Apparel: Patagonia - Men's Tropic Comfort Natural UPF Hoody

● Women's Apparel: Patagonia - Women's Tropic Comfort Natural UPF Shirt

● Fly Rod - Freshwater: Redington - Wrangler Rod Family

● Fly Rod - Saltwater: Sage - Salt R8

● Fly Rod - Two Hand/Spey: Scott - Swing

● Fly Reel - Freshwater: Sage - Arbr XL Tempest Blue

● Fly Reel - Saltwater: Sage - Enforcer

● Fly Line - Freshwater: Scientific Angler - Amplitude Smooth Infinity Plus

● Fly Line - Saltwater: Scientific Angler - Amplitude Smooth Bonefish Plus

● Leader/Tippet: Airflo USA - Airflo Standard Fluorocarbon 50m

● Hooks: Daiichi (Ranger Outdoors) - 1719-10- Matte Black Barbless

● Chest Pack/Vest: Simms Fishing Products - Flyweight Vest Pack

● Boxes/Storage System: C&F Design NA (Ranger Outdoors) - 16 - Grand Slam Guide

Boat Box

● Fly Pattern - Freshwater: RIO Products - RIO's Morrish Level Headed Damsel

● Fly Pattern - Saltwater: RIO Products - RIO's Webster Crouser

● Fly Tying Vices & Tools: Dyna King - Barracuda Deluxe

● Fly Tying Materials: Semperfli - EggStatic Egg Fly Tying Collections

● Eco Friendly Gear: Rio Products - RIO Compostable Spool

● Bags and Packs: Grundens - Grundens Wayward Roll Top Backpack 38L

● Youth Product: Simms Fishing Products - Kid's Tributary Wader

● Accessory: Dr. Slick Company - Cyclone Nipper

● Gift Items: RepYourWater - Rainbow Snacks Lowball Glass

New Product Showcase “Best of Show” winner: Patagonia - River Steward Wader

These New Product Showcase winners represent the pinnacle of innovation and quality in the

fly fishing industry, showcasing exceptional products that stood out at AFFTA Confluence 2023.

In addition to the Best of Show awards, AFFTA proudly acknowledges the remarkable

individuals who have made significant contributions to the fly fishing community:

Lefty Kreh Industry Award Winner: Tom Rosenbauer

Tom Rosenbauer's dedication to the industry and his passion for fly fishing have left an indelible

mark. As the recipient of the Lefty Kreh Industry Award, Tom's tireless efforts and commitment

to educating and inspiring fly anglers have enriched the sport and nurtured the next generation

of enthusiasts.

Jim Range Conservation Award Winner: Steve Moyer

Steve Moyer's outstanding conservation work and advocacy for our natural resources have

earned him the Jim Range Conservation Award. His dedication to protecting our waters,

fisheries, and ecosystems is a testament to his unwavering commitment to conservation and

sustainability.

Far Bank Casting Games Competition Winners:

Nick Treynor: Score of 498

Heidi Lewis: Score of 331

Iron Fly Winner: Brita Fordice

AFFTA's Executive Director, Lucas Bissett, shared their thoughts on the event: "AFFTA's 2023

Confluence not only had a new name but also had a sense of new beginnings. As we look to the

future of our industry, we aim to reimagine our gatherings. This year's trade event was

meaningful and was packed with educational seminars, DEI discussions, policy roundtable

discussions, and the TrackFly State of the Industry Report."

"We will build off the successes of this show and forge an event in 2024 that represents the

needs of our membership and achieves the goal of giving our industry the competitive

advantage it needs to expand to new heights. Stay tuned for an industry gathering survey

coming out in the immediate future."

AFFTA Confluence 2023 celebrated the excellence and dedication of the fly fishing community,

setting the stage for an exciting future in the industry.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Lucas Bissett

Executive Director

lucas.bissett@affta.org

About AFFTA:

The American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) is a community of fly fishing businesses

joined together under one banner. That community makes up a powerful trade association. This

trade association represents, fights for and unifies our industry around the values and ethos

found within those who make up the industry. Without this type of representation, the fly fishing

industry would not have the power, voice or recognition it currently does, everywhere from

Washington, D.C., down to the smallest fisheries in the country. The AFFTA community and

banner provide strength, advocacy, conservation and innovation. AFFTA’s mission is to guide

the sustainable growth of the fly fishing industry through Trade Development and Stewardship.

AFFTA has a sister organization that focuses solely on stewardship/conversation and acts as

the small grants arm of the fly fishing industry. If you want to help fund these vital boots on the

ground projects, donate today to the AFFTA Fisheries Fund.

Denver Fly Fishing Show

With all these awesome picture coming in from the Denver Fly Fishing Show we're getting really excited for the Atlanta show at the end of this month!!

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/BsOiwA_DjyI/

Orvis Down The Hatch 2015 Event Report

The show poster from the
Chattahoochee River Keepers Instagram feed.

Mornin' Folks,

  Well, it was that time of year again.  Time for Tom Rosenbauer and Pete Kutzer to make the long journey south to Atlanta for the Orvis Down the Hatch Fly Fishing Film Festival.  You may remember from my article last year (which you can read here), that Tom Rosenbauer (Marketing Director for Orvis Rod and Tackle and voice of the Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast) spent some time in the Orvis Atlanta store meeting folks, giving advice and then giving his Small Stream presentation.  This year was done a bit differently in that Tom did a meet and greet in the store, discussing all things fishing with his adoring fans, and he brought along Orvis' casting maestro, Pete Kutzer.  Tom is an incredibly nice guy, he greets everyone in the store with a hearty hand shake and a warm smile that makes you think he's known you for years.  This year was my first time meeting Pete and he gives Tom a run for his money in the warm welcome department.  I didn't stay terribly long with Tom and Pete, I wanted to make sure and give others a chance to meet them.  But we did talk about the small stream, Georgia native Brook Trout that I have come to love, and, of course, bluegill, as always.  Tom and Pete both have an open invitation to fish the north Georgia small streams, cold or warm, with me, anytime!

Me, Tom Rosenbauer and Pete Kutzer at Orvis Atlanta

  We left the Orvis Atlanta store and had to kill a few hours before the show started (which is harder than you might think in Atlanta!).  The Little Girl and I strolled around some of the shops at Atlantic Station and grabbed a pizza for lunch.  This year the Down the Hatch festival was held at a different venue, Center Stage Atlanta, which was right on the other side of I-85 from Atlantic Station, making it, in my opinion, much more convenient and easier to get to than last year's venue.  The theatre room at Center Stage accommodated a much larger crowd than the previous location as well.  

Pete Kutzer, Jason Ulreth and Tom Rosenbauer

Photo borrowed from CenterStage-Atlanta.com

  After a one hour social with beer provided by Sweet Water Brewing and some heavy hors-d'oeuvres we were let into the main theatre to get the show started.  Tom and Pete opened the show with a few words and a quick story then introduced Chattahoochee River Keeper Jason Ulreth to speak about the Chattahoochee River that runs through Atlanta, how lucky we are to have one of a very few trout fisheries that runs through a major metro area and to explain that the proceeds from the show will go to fund two water testing sites on the river for the next year.  

  T-shirts, hats, koozies, and other items were thrown to a waiting crowd just before the lights were dimmed and the films started.  You really owe it to yourself to get to a fly fishing film festival if you ever get the chance.  The cinematography really is incredible.  The films always take place in incredibly beautiful locales, have stunning fish and action and, quite often, have a good bit of comedy that might be a little too insider if you're not a fisherman or, at least, married to one.

  During the shows intermission Tom and Pete called raffle numbers.  There was an impressive list of generous raffle prizes this year: half and full day guided trips for one or two, Costa and Smith Optics sunglasses, water purifiers, coolers, coats and, of course, the one that everybody wanted, the Orvis Helios 2 Sweet Water Brewery 9'-0" 5 weight fly rod, which I should have won, but didn't!  

  Every one was very happy with the evening, and the folks that won the raffles were ecstatic.  Many, many thanks go to the folks at Orvis, Orvis Atlanta, Orvis Alpharetta, Sweet Water Brewery, Center Stage Atlanta and all of the donors and sponsors for another awesome night of beer and fly fishing films.  I hope to see you all there again next year!

  Have a great day, Tight Lines and cold beer!!

     -Nick