Get out and go to a fishin' show!

If you're not a hardwater angler, and even if you are here in CT given the weather changes, January and February are the two months when the fishing really slows, and the cabin fever sets in. Keep in mind, there are always a few options, including the winter cod off Block Island or trout fishing on the West Farmington (see earlier posts). However, for most of us, it's organizing old gear and buying new, surfing the latest ICAST reviews, researching 2013 destinations, and waiting for the thermometer to rise. One great way to scratch the itch is to attend some of the numerous fishing, boating and outdoor expos. Today I took a ride up to South Windsor, CT for the CT Fly Fisherman's Association's annual expo. For the price of $1 my son and I were able to browse dozens of vendors including guides, shops, custom rod builders and more. It was a great chance to talk fishing with a bunch of fellow enthusiasts. I have to admit, I'm not much of a fly tier, and there were bargains galore as well as expert advice. My seven year old son and I had a nice chat with Marla Blair about some great places to introduce kids to fly fishing. A trip up to MA to fish with Marla may well be on the calendar for later this summer. I also had the opportunity to meet Bill Lanzoni, whose Mill River Fly Rods is based right next door in Wallingford. Mill River specializes in light weight graphite rods, and Bill had a selection of 3-6wt. outfits at the expo. They sure looked and felt nice, and I hope to get a chance to put a few into action to show you this spring! Several more shows are coming up this month and next, so don't just sit around the house waiting for warmer weather. Get out and go!

Feb 8 - 10 - New England Fishing & Outdoor Expo -DCU Center - Worcester, MA

Feb 15TH 16TH 17TH 16th ANNUAL Northeast Fishing & Hunting Expo Hartford Convention Center, CT.

Feb 21 - 24 - OSEG Sportsmen Show - Big E - W. Spfld. Ma

Mar 18 - Western Mass Fly Fishers "March Expo" - Elks Lodge - Ludlow, MA

Mar 8-10 New England Salt Water Fishing Show. Rhode Island Convention Center