Do We Need Another Fly Fishing Event?

[Terry Beeson]

I was asked not long ago a couple of questions that have intrigued me a bit and would like some input from this group...

There are two "big" fly fishing events in our area each year - Conclave and Sowbug. Along with that are the other not-so-well-talked-about events like Trout Festival, the Tri-Lakes show, the Warm Water, etc. All of these are located in smaller towns. The question was why is there not a big fly fishing event in Branson or Springfield? I really don't have an answer for that.

What are your thoughts on how a big event like this would go over in Branson or Springfield? Let's say that an event similar to Conclave was held in one of these cities... Do you think it would go over better or worse or what? Would you guys be likely to attend an event in Branson or Springfield?

[zander]

Absolutely I would attend.

[Flysmallie]

Never being at the Conclave or Sowbug it's hard to say if it would be a successful as those or not, but that's part of the problem. Even though they are not that far away it's been impossible for me to attend because of all of my other obligations. However there are a ton of fly fisherman in this area and I think it would have a great turnout.

Another thing to consider though is how much will this take away from the Conclave and/or Sowbug. They both have a great following, but would there be potential for them to lose attendance because of a new on in this area? Or would you have a hard time getting the presenters and tyers needed to make it successful here? Maybe that's not important but it's just some thoughts.

But yes, I would probably attend. As long as it doesn't conflict with volleyball, band, ballet or anything else that my daughters have going on that costs tons of money. For those of you out there that have younger kids. Be careful when you encourage them to "get involved". It takes up a lot of time and money. I'm not saying don't do it, I wouldn't miss one of their events for the world, just understand what it takes. Your kids only get a chance to grow up once in their lifetime. You only get one chance to see it. Don't screw that up.

[fishinwrench]

I have no doubt that it would draw a crowd, but I question the motive. The info and product is already out there, easy to find for anyone interested in either getting into FF, or looking for something to serve a specialized need. Plus there are clubs and forums for comaraderie,outings and sharing of skills and experiences. Leave the product showcasing to the retailers in their shops.

It is my opinion (and I'm sure this is going to rub a bunch of you the wrong way) that FF is being somewhat overly promoted.

Sure FF is a great sport, but it is also at a pretty good balance point already. I watched Bass fishing (as a sport) go completely stupid with "pro staffers" and "reps". In Bass fishing nobody buys much from smaller retailers anymore because EVERYONE knows SOMEONE who's father, brother, or best friend is a "rep" or a "pro-staffer" and can "get them a deal" or better yet, the holy grail...a sponsorship It is rediculis and I see FF headed in the same direction. Lately it seems that everyone that is into flyfishing is agressively promoting something, and frankly (to me) it is starting to get an old familiar smell to it.

[Gavin]

Dunno... I'm not sure that the market will support a new event, or even if the market will continue to support the two events that they have in Mountain Home every year. I have no desire to go to either of the two existing events anymore. Lately I heard that the S. Council cant figure out how to make enough money to cover their annual budget at the Conclave. Guess they have finally promoted, educated, & auctioned all the fun out of it. Cheers.

[DaddyO]

Branson and I would attend. It would be nice to get the BPS to co-sponsor the event.

[Greg]

I would definitely attend. Is there such a thing as too much fly fishing??

And seriously we need more young people involved in the sport. My 14 year old son doesn't know anyone else his age that fly fishes. The Springfield/Branson area is probably an untapped source of youth to bring into the sport.

Greg

[Micheal Kyle]

After the Last 2 years of the conclave I can see some change coming. Being the chair last year I also got hit with this is how we have done it so this how we are going to do it. Well I think you all know me by now I just said screw it I'll do it my way. Being in retail I realized what the manufactures were going through and knew that is was going to be tough to get things for the auction and raffle for free, so I spent some money. I then splurged a little bit more on the keynotes. With this said we only cleared around 16,000, and that is basically what we did on the one night Auction which was the largest live auction ever, even with the time we had the auction over 2 days.

I have to say I am not a fan of another event because then people will start to pick and choose which one they will attend which in the long run will run all the events thin. It would be cool if the retailer would come to Branson, but remember if you are not in the business or media you will not get in. What they need to do is have the consumer show that they have in Denver in the first part of January move to Branson. Which IMO will not compete with the local events because there not having the classes and seminars like we do. It is just the manufacture showing off there new line up for the year.

I would also like to touch on the attendance. I think that people are use to seeing the same thing over and over whats the draw? We have to change things up spend some money to get big names in here. I would like to see the BBQ Thursday night move to the fair grounds have a beer garden and hire a band. Is that going happen probably not but if we have something for young people to do that will get them here I can assure you, I hear people say all the time "well I made the lap now what do I do". Most of the classes are great but most of the time they are the same thing. We have to get the young people involved so that this event does not die off.

If you do have some suggestions speak up this is your conclave not the BOD of SOCFFF I will even go one more step further you may call me anytime and we can talk about what you want to see.417-889-6548 At this point we have to figure out how we can get away from having a two day event to fund all year.

Remember as Mr. Stinnetti says "no mon no fun"

Lets get this party rolling I cant believe we are only 6 months away from this year, It is not to late to make some changes for this year I can assure you we can change it up to the day of the event.

Oh yea My wife and I have another baby on the way due first part of December. My life as I know it has come to a halt.

Remember this Fish on keeps the line tight.

Michael

[Greg]

I have to say I am not a fan of another event because then people will start to pick and choose which one they will attend which in the long run will run all the events thin. It would be cool if the retailer would come to Branson, but remember if you are not in the business or media you will not get in. What they need to do is have the consumer show that they have in Denver in the first part of January move to Branson. Which IMO will not compete with the local events because there not having the classes and seminars like we do. It is just the manufacture showing off there new line up for the year.

Michael

I definitely see what you are saying Michael. I know how much time and effort go into the conclave. I wouldn't want to detract from that.

But speaking from personal experience I just have a really difficult time getting to Conclave and the sowbug. Despite wishing to attend every year for the past 9 years - I've made it to exactly 1 conclave and 1 sowbug. Work (mainly WORK) and family just get in the way. If there was an event in Springfield or even Branson I would be much more able to attend. I would be willing to bet there are many, many fly fishers in this area in the same boat that I am.

I guess it's all just hypothetical anyway.

Greg

[Geoff]

If it were possible i would try to attend something of that sort. always good to get out and meet other people who enjoy it as much as i do