Highlights of the Somerset Fly Fishing Show

I only go to the neighboring state of New Jersey for two reasons: #1) Striped bass fishing on the Jersey coastline or #2) The annual Somerset Fly Fishing show which I've attended regularly for the past 10 years, and is this year celebrating its 20th anniversary. It's too cold to fish, but this weekend I'll definitely be visiting the biggest fly-fishing event of the year (in my area).

For me, there are going to be a few special highlights. The Stackpole Books booth has a list of great authors who will be in the booth shaking hands and signed autographed copies of their books. Authors on hand over the course of the three-day show include Ed Engle, Simon Gawesworth, Bob Clouser, Bob Popovics, Ed Jaworowski, George Daniel, Charles Meck, Jim Schollmeyer, Dave Klausmeyer, Paul Weamer, Eric Stroup, Mike Heck, Kevin Compton, and Henry Ramsay.

Many of these authors have written for Fly Fisherman in the past, and several are celebrating the launch of new books published by Stackpole.

Dynamic Nymphing by George Daniel, is the first comprehensive book on all the major nymphing methods, including Czech, Polish, French, and Spanish tactics. He wrote the article "Nymphing Skinny Water" in the current (Feb-Mar 2012) issue of Fly Fisherman. Have questions about Czech nymphing? Euro-nymphing? George can answer them.

Matching Hatches Made Easy by Charles Meck. Chralie is a longtime Fly Fisherman contributing editor and one of the most prolific fly fishing authors ever. In his new book he breaks hatch matching down in his clearest, simplest book to date on the subject. Stop by and ask him his secrets.

Flies for Western Super Hatches, Jim Schollmeyer and Ted Leeson. A fly tying tour-de-force from two legendary Western authors. Planning a trip out West? Ask the author for his recommendations. Click here for a complete schedule of events at the Stackpole booth.

Another highlight will be the International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4) Friday Feb. 27 at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $15, $10 if you already paid admission to the show. "The IF4 shows consists of 16 short and feature length films—about two hours total—produced by professional and amateur filmmakers from all corners of the globe. From steelhead in northern BC to chasing multiple species in Costa Rica, the films showcase a variety of topics.

For more information about the Fly Fishing Show, go to www.flyfishingshow.com