AFFTA Announces IFTD 2013

Oooooh Las Vegas, ain't no place for a poor boy like me.

AFFTA has made the decision to hitch their wagon to the American Sportfishing Association and will "co-locate" the 2013 IFTD show with the ICAST show in beautiful Las Vegas next July. ICAST traditionally has alternated venues between Vegas and Florida so if that stays true to form, IFTD will be held in Orlando in July of 2014.

You can read the joint press release on AFFTA's website.

Four on the Floor

Patagonia took home 4 Best of Show Awards at the recent IFTD show in Reno.

Best Wading Gear - Rio Gallegos Zip Front Wader

Best Outerwear - 3 in 1 River Salt Jacket

Best Eco Friendly Product - R1 Full Zip Jacket

Best General Apparel - Minimalist Wading Jacket

The complete list of new product showcase winners.

RIP IFTD?

This year's IFTD show just wrapped up in the biggest little city in the world and odds are this was the last time we see an independent fly fishing retailer show.

Short of staying on the same path, where to next has boiled down to two options. Partner up with ICAST, or kiss and make up with Nielson and try to get back in with Outdoor Retailer, which saw multiple new fly brand exhibitors this year. We strongly feel Outdoor Retailer, and the power of the Outdoor Industry Association, is the better strategy. Unfortunately the smart money is now on the ICAST scenario.

If the comments on Angling Trade's take on IFTD is any indication, the debate will surely continue.

Either way, compliments to AFFTA and Randi Swisher's team for their efforts to make the last two shows more relevant for the vendors and retailers.

IFTD Day 2

Show Girls, Chum and Chucking Line and Chasing Tail.

It's a floor wax, it's a dessert topping..........

.........it's a drift boat, it's a raft.

IFTD does not start until tomorrow but that's not going to stop us from posting a sneak peak. NRS has a new inflatable drift boat called the  Clearwater Drifter that is already the talk of the show.

IFTD 911

As we speak, the entire U.S. fly fishing universe is descending on Reno for the annual IFTD show. So be prepared for the associated press releases, five minute videos and new product showcase ballot stuffing.

You can also expect further post show debate as to whether the industry actually needs its own trade show.